Page 10 of The Rhythm of their Souls

Just as I start rummaging through the fridge, my phone receives a text.

Theo: Good morning, Ms. Landers. Did you sleep well?

Me:Morning Mr. Rivers. I guess I slept okay. Btw it is 11:56.

Theo: Indeed, it is, which means it’s still technically morning time :) Did you dream about me by chance?

Me: You’re already on your shit today, I see… and no, Theo, not a single dream about you. Will you be able to survive the day knowing you’re not “all that”?

Theo: Ouch, I’ll be sure to stay clear of harsh Olive. But even if you didn’t dream about me. I know you’ve thought about me at least a little. Don’t lie.

Me: Maybe a tad.

Theo: I knew it. I’m irresistible.

Me: You didn’t let me finish. I thought about how you left me hanging last night, which is a rude way to start a friendship.

Theo: Well, considering you’ve continued to throw it in my face, I’m nothing more than a stranger. I figured it was only appropriate to allow you to have that convo with your best friend. So, we are friends now? That’s a start.

Me: Slow down, sir… that’s not what I said. We’ll see how next weekend goes.

Theo: So you are coming? I like it.

Me: Danielle insisted we go, and I think she’s curious about your friend at the beach house. Who is he, and what’s his name?

Theo: Well, I like Danielle already. His name is Chase, and he is single. You would have met him at Taylor’s party, but he has cousins visiting for the weekend. We grew up together. Our moms have worked at the same bank since we were around nine years old.

Me: That’s sweet. It sounds similar to Danielle and me. We grew up together in the same neighborhood. By the way, she is not looking for a bf—just a good time.

Theo: He’s a good guy. We wouldn’t be as close as we are otherwise. And the same for him, but hey, you never know. Sometimes, you don’t search for it, and then a good opportunity falls in your lap. Wbu, Olive, what are you looking for?

Me: Nothing particular, but definitely not a bf. I haven’t had the best of luck in that department. So, I choose to be alone.

Theo: Someone hurt you? That’s a sad way to live your life. There is someone out there willing to tear down the world for you.

Me: I don’t want to talk about it, especially not with a stranger.

Theo: Damn, harsh Olive shows her face again. Noted.

Me: I’m joking, sort of.

Theo: So you are a comedian as well. I like you more and more, Olive Sage Landers.

Me: You seem okay yourself, Theo Ace Rivers. I think it’s time I go. I just realized I still haven’t eaten today—my poor tummy. Have a good day.

Theo: This is a start. I look forward to officially meeting you. Let’s pretend we didn’t meet at the party and start fresh in person. And in the meantime, let’s get to know each other better. Let’s give each other one fact a day about ourselves. What do you say?

Me: Deal :) We’ll start the fact-sharing tomorrow.

Theo: I look forward to it. Talk soon, Olive.

Me: Bye, Theo.

I set my phone down on the kitchen island. I can’t help but feel a wicked smile form across my face. What am I getting myself into?

When I talk with Theo, I feel relaxed and comfortable. Which is strange to say, considering I barely know him. But I’m great at reading people, and normally my anxiety flares when I catch weird vibes.

Something is soothing about him, and I just can’t pinpoint what it is, not yet at least. In a way, I am looking forward to this beach trip. For some odd reason, I want to see him again. I can still smell his addicting oak scent lingering around me.