Out of the corner of my eye, I see Roman standing beside us. Turning toward him, he seems to be studying Theo before shaking away the expression on his face andraising his hand to give me a high-five. The others all follow, and my hand is raw by the end of the celebration.
As Alex heads inside with the others, he continues to rattle off the current score of the games. This win officially made him and Leo tied for the belt. A warm feeling spreads through my bones at the accomplishment of being able to help Alex secure a win today.
“I have an idea.” Theo pulls me into him by my waist, keeping us outside for a moment longer.
“Oh please, no more football. That was a miracle. I don’t think I can recreate it.”
Theo chuckles. “No, no more football.” He lowers his head to touch his forehead to mine. “Go on a date with me.”
“What?” My chest tightens.
“Sorry, will you go on a date with me?”
Before thinking and without hesitation, I respond with a smile. “Okay, but where?”
“I told you, I have an idea. But it’s a surprise. Just be ready tomorrow night.” He kisses me on the forehead, and my smile doesn’t fade as I follow Theo inside for dinner.
Upon waking up the following morning, I find a tray with a covered plate and a note stuck to the lid lying in bed next to me. I’m intrigued by this surprise, but my heart falls the slightest bit when Theo is nowhere to be found.
After giving my eyes a moment to adjust to the morning summer sun shining into the room, I sit up,setting the tray on my lap. A whiff of fluffy, buttermilk pancakes, maple syrup, and bacon wafts through the air, and my stomach growls.
Tearing into the note, I read:
Good morning, Angel. Here’s a pancake breakfast from me to you. (Don’t worry, Leo helped me make them so they’re edible). Be ready tonight by 5 p.m.
P.S. Do you like me? [] Yes [] No
Pulling off the lid from the tray, I find the source of the delicious breakfast aroma. A stack of pancakes, complete with bacon and a side of strawberries, is arranged on a plate. I dig in, the buttermilk and maple flavors mixing in my mouth, causing a moan to escape my throat as the flavors hit my taste buds.
A few minutes later, I realize I’ve cleared the plate in front of me. Setting the tray aside, I cozy back in Theo’s bed for a few more minutes, rereading his note.
Going into this trip, I was focused solely on my career. Theo and I have been having fun as friends with benefits, but something changed between us yesterday. I don’t think I can deny my feelings for him much longer.
I was worried that jumping into a relationship too soon would throw off the trajectory of my career. I’ve yet to hear from Roman. Theo kept me occupied last night, and I didn’t get a chance to talk to him before he went to bed. But I still have a chance at getting five years ahead ofmy plan if Graham likes my portfolio. I’m starting to wonder whether I should rethink other parts of my plan.
Grabbing a pen on the nightstand, I mark the box that says “yes” before setting the note on his pillow. I pull the covers off and stretch my arms over my head, looking out the window at the lake. Moving closer to the window, I watch as the sun sparkles off the water. Cracking the window, I cozy into the bay window seat, listening to the high-pitched song of the early morning birds as I make peace with my feelings.
I wouldn’t mind spending my summers here. If Theo will have me.
28
THEO
Imay not have known it at the time, but when I told Sienna I’d take an axe through the heart for her, I wasn’t kidding. I’m not sure where these strong feelings come from, but the more time I spend with her, the more these thoughts keep going through my head.
I’ve spent all day setting up the perfect date night for Sienna. Or at least, what I hope she’ll find to be the perfect date night.
“Thanks again for making a trip to the store for me, Leo,” I say as I finish packaging the sandwiches I made into the cooler.
When I approached Leo to help me make dinner, he said, “Even the most un-edible of foods made by you would be more romantic than any dinner I could whip up for her. Looks like I still have a few things to teach you, little bro.” I rolled my eyes, annoyed that he still saw me as a kid at times.
Nevertheless, he was probably right. I’ve packed Sienna and me a nice dinner of sandwiches, fresh-cutfruit, a couple of chocolate cupcakes, and a bottle of champagne to take with us tonight.
Leo throws his arm over my shoulders, squeezing me in a side hug as I pack up the last of the items into the cooler. “Not bad. I would’ve cut the fruit into little hearts, but it’s a good start.”
“Oh fuck off,” I say through a laugh, shrugging him off me.
“Where’s my sandwich?” Alex says, joining us in the kitchen.
