That was when I stepped in.
“Do you wanna join us?” I asked.
Alex paused. “Uh, aren’t you on a date?”
“We’re together a lot, and I don’t mind. You’re welcome to join us if you want.”
“I’d like that.” Alex stood up straighter and then looked at Theo, who was staring at me like I’d grown a second head. “Only if Theo is okay with it.”
I knew more than anyone how Theo could come off to people. He seemed not to notice how intense he could be, and how easy it was for people to assume he didn’t like them. I elbowed him and raised an eyebrow.
“It’s fine if you join us. We do really need to catch up.”
“Really?” Alex asked. “Then yes. I’d really like that.”
“Great.” I smiled at Alex and turned to Theo. “One of these days, you’ll learn that people don’t hate you as much as you think.”
“You’re really throwing me in, aren’t you?”
“Get used to it, love.”
Theo’s eyes were wide as I stole his nickname for me. I only smirked.
Alex walked up to the hostess and asked to join our party. Only a few minutes later, we were being led to a table.
As our waitress brought out salads and sides, Alex asked questions about the coffee shop. I focused on trying food I didn’t get often, letting the two guys talk.
Theo answered when he was addressed, but I could see the same haunted expression he had with me when Arlo walked into the coffee shop. I knew his shame over it ran deep, and that kind of thing didn’t disappear overnight.
Alex kept glancing over, and as the meat came out, his shoulders sank. He was losing hope, and the tiny amount of happiness I’d seen before was gone.
“Oh, work calls,” Alex said, pulling out his phone. “Mind if I step away for a bit?”
Theo nodded, but sighed when we were alone. I was grilling meat on the table, making sure it didn’t burn.
“So, is there any reason you’re so tense?” I gently poked at him. Every one of his muscles was rock-hard.
He sighed. “I have a feeling he’ll have some excuse to leave.”
“Why’s that?”
“Come on, Piper. I’m not a good reminder for him.”
“Why don’t you let him decide that?” I asked. “Just like I did.”
“I am. He’s gonna want to leave.”
“And if he doesn’t? Are you still gonna have the personality of a stiff board?”
Theo reared back. “I’m not—I just don’t know what to say.”
“You’re coming off as if you don’t like him. If he wants to get to know you, the past doesn’t matter. If there’s no reason not to like him?—”
“There’s not. He’s a great person.”
“Then let go of the past for a little bit. Be how you are with me.”
“Okay, sorry about that,” Alex said as he slid into the booth. “They had a few questions for me. This smells good.”
