Page 16 of The Rhythm of their Souls

Me: Hello, Mondays are never happy for me. It’s going. I leave at five. And I can’t freaking wait. WBU Theo? How is your workday going?

Theo: As expected. We had six jobs today, so we took a late lunch break. Still, there are two to go, and then I will be free. It’s fun fact time, ma’am.

Me: You and these fun facts… Hmm, okay. Well, I have a tiny dog. Her name is Lottie, and she has 94% hair.

Theo: So basically, a rodent with hair? Suits you I suppose.

Me: Psh. She is a princess, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to meet her. Where’s my fun fact, sir?

Theo: How did I become so lucky to potentially have the honor of meeting a rat with a name? Since we are discussing pets, I have an actual dog. His name is Leo, and he is a black Lab.

Me: Leo… seriously. Don’t you think the similarities in your names are a bit much?

Theo: Technically, my name is Theodore. He was born in August, and so was I. So I don’t know; it seemed fitting.

Me: Okay, I see the sentiment behind it. Maybe he and Lottie can be friends one day.

Theo: To me, it sounds like you’re thinking of the near future, and I like the sound of it so far.

Me: You’ll turn anything into something, won’t you, lol?

Theo: If it’s fitting, hell yes!

Me: There’s so much I need to figure out about you.

Theo: Need is a strong word, Olive. And your curiosity ignites something inside me. I want you to pry and explore every inch of me if you must.

Me: Wow, that was deep. Have you always mastered swooning women?

Theo: No, but there are other things I’ve mastered with ease.

Me: You have a dirty mind. I caught onto that early on.

Theo: Dirty minds think alike. And whether you want to tell me. Deep in your bones, I know that you enjoy our bantering. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve had dreams about me.

Me: That’s a strong assumption, Theo. But yes, I won’t lie to you. I do like the shit-talking back and forth. Who doesn’t?

Theo: All I care about is that you like it. Fuck everyone else.

Me: I learn more about you every day. I hate to cut this short, but my shift is almost over, and I have to log out of everything. Talk soon?

Theo: My phone is always on me. Just don’t turn into one of those crazy girls who blows my phone up every hour of the day. I may question things then.

Me: I would never. And I think you know that.

Theo: I’m fucking with you. You are the only person I’d allow to stalk me every minute of the day.

Me: Lol, okay, Theo, calm down. Enjoy your day :) Until next time.

Theo: Until next time.

I don’t know how I would have handled that conversation in person. I can’t deny that some of his comments have me sweating in areas I don’t want to admit to.

The way he uses his words, even through text, makes me feel every single word. One thing I’ve learned about Theo is that he is well-spoken. And I feel there is genuine intent behind everything he says. I will be in alert mode this weekend. This seems too good to be true.

Once I’m in my car, I give my mom a call. Of course, she doesn’t answer. I planned to stop by before heading home. Something tells me I should go by and check on her either way. I need to make sure she’s still breathing and has access to food.

I don’t think Nora has been over to see her in a while. Do I blame her? No, not at all. Most would disown their parents if they went through half of what we did. However, even if I keep a distance between us, I can’t leave her all alone with no one. It’s only the three of us. We are in contact with no other relatives. And it’s been that way my whole life. I refuse to lose another person in my life.