“Still, it’s clean, which is nice for a first timer.”
“It has good reviews too. I did my research.”
I was lucky enough to have people who cared about me, but there was something so different about the way Theo cared. It felt freeing and empowering. I loved every second of it.
“So, dinner. What are we near?”
“Quite a few things. Though, I do have a craving for something we don’t have back home.”
“And what’s that?”
“Korean barbecue. We get our own table and make our own food.”
My stomach rumbled in anticipation. This just kept getting better and better. “God, that sounds amazing.”
The drive wasn’t long, and I stuck closer to Theo as we waited for a table. He did what he did at the bookstore, where he kept watch so I could relax.
I did just that, up until I felt his body tense while we waited.
“What’s going on?” I asked as I looked up at him. His jaw was tight as he looked behind me, but at my words, he let out a breath.
“Nothing you need to worry about. I just know someone here.”
I followed his line of sight, looking at the other people. “Who is it?”
I blew out a breath. “The kid I called CPS for.”
“What? The one you’re friends with?”
“Friends is a strong word, and I swear he only talks to me because—shit.He’s coming over here.”
I turned just in time to see a guy in his early thirties with messy light-colored hair. He was smiling, but his eyes carried the same weight as Theo’s. From one look, I knew Alex had been through just as much.
“Theo?” he asked. “No way. What are you doing here?”
“I had a meeting,” he replied. “Hi, Alex.”
“What a coincidence. It’s been forever since I saw you in person.”
“Yeah, well. We weren’t in the best of places last time.”
Alex nodded and his face fell. “We weren’t. But things are better now, right?”
I watched Alex carefully. He stared at Theo, leaning toward him slightly. His fingers tapped on his pants, and I knew he was nervous, but he seemed so hopeful that Theo would reciprocate.
“Oh, sorry.” He finally noticed me. “I’m Alex. Are you his friend?”
“Girlfriend.”
Alex’s eyes went wide. “When did that happen?”
“It’s new. We met not too long ago in Strawberry Springs.”
“I can text you about it,” Theo said. “I’m sure you have other things to get to.”
“Not really,” he said. “I was just hanging out by myself, but ... never mind. I’ll leave you two alone.”
Theo nodded and Alex turned to walk away.
