Theo
Busier than usual. The coffee shop I opened is doing well.
Alex
I saw someone post about it. I’m surprised you let them take pictures.
Theo
I didn’t know, but I’ll take the exposure.
Alex
That’s really good. I’m glad you tried something new.
I sighed, wondering if he thought I’d done this using money from my family. Both of us avoided the topic, mostly because we’d met through them. I hadn’t wanted to bring up the past, and neither did he.
Theo
Who was the woman in the picture?
Alex
Her name is Quinn. She’s my sister’s friend.
Alex
Don’t get any ideas. She doesn’t like me very much.
Theo
You actually smiled in that photo.
Alex
Don’t even start. She hates me. I don’t know why I even posted it.
Alex
When are you going to have something that I can make fun of? You need to date someone, man. I have no ammo.
I thought of Piper, and it made me pause.
Then I shook my head. I needed to say my usual and not think twice about it.
Theo
Still not happening. Who knows how long I’ll be here.
Alex typed, stopped, and then typed again.
He never answered, and I put my phone away, trying not to be disappointed.
17
PIPER
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
