Page 7 of The Rhythm of their Souls

What if we were meant to cross each other’s paths? Maybe our souls were acquaintances in another life, and they’ve spent an eternity searching for one another to finally be together again.

Something shifted inside me when her presence was in clear view. From this point on, I can’t shake what I’m feeling. And even if I fail and she wants nothing to do with me, I won’t stop trying to know her until she tells me otherwise. Olive Sage Landers, this is just our beginning.

Chapter 6

We arrive at our apartment around 11 p.m. Danielle insisted we stop and grab a bite to eat. I didn’t disagree with her on that. I inhaled a juicy cheeseburger within minutes. She bought me a birthday brownie sundae afterward. And thank the good lord above, grease and sugar replaced my alcohol levels.

My belly is full, and now I can’t help but replay this evening in my head. I made a fool out of myself at Taylor’s party. I was in arm’s reach of the hottest guy I think I’ve seen in physical form. Leave it up to me to sabotage a conversation.

I don’t know why I get so much in my head. It’s a habit I clung to during chaotic moments with my mom as a child. And it’s been stuck with me ever since and is another burden I bear daily.

After preparing myself for a good night’s rest, I plop down on my bed from exhaustion. My birthday has been interesting. I faced my childhood bully, put toxic liquid in my body, and scared away a hot male who, for whatever reason, wanted to talk to me. Classic Olive.

Now it’s time for me to put my detective cap on and search for a dude I’ll never see again. Just as I go to open Google, an unknown number pops up on my phone. Who the hell is texting me at midnight?

Unknown:It was nice meeting you tonight, even though you jolted off before I could even get your last name. Oh, and Happy Birthday, Olive Sage Landers. -Theo

My phone flies out of my hand and onto the floor. My heart is running a marathon in my heaving chest right now. Holy shit, how did he get my number? Oh, my fucking gosh. Danielle. That’s why she was in such a hurry to get to her room and “go to bed” when we got home.

I’m going to strangle the life out of her in her sleep tonight. I anxiously scoop my phone from the floor and ponder on my response.

Me:You are quite determined, sir. Texting strangers at this time of night. Don’t you have better things to do? Or other females to bug at sleeping hours?

Theo: Do you call every male “sir”? Or do I just look old and formal to you? I was unaware that there was a time limit on texting. And I’m sure there’s someone out there who would love a response from me, but I’d much rather talk with you. I’m intrigued.

Me: No, only mysterious males I’ve known for less than five minutes. How do I know how old you are? And what shall I call you since “sir” is bothersome? Also, I don’t know if I should be flattered or concerned.

Theo: You’re a sassy little thing, aren’t you? I like it. I’m 23 and far from retirement, so I guess you could call me by my name. May I call you Olive? Or shall I call you madam?

Me: It seems you’re a little spicy yourself. So, how can I help you tonight, Theo? And yes, Olive is fine.

Theo: I’ve never been called spicy. But coming from you, I’ll take it as a compliment :) I would like to know more about you. You had me at… sir.

Me: Now you have jokes. Well, Theo Ace Rivers, there isn’t much to know about me.

You get what you see, and my life behind the curtain is a disaster. Save your time.

Theo: You remembered my full name, so you must be a little interested in getting to know me better. And if anything, your disasters make you a storyteller. I’d say it’s a blessing in disguise.

Me: It’s hard to forget someone who stared a hole through my face. I’m not used to people looking at me that way. And you don’t know anything about my life; it’s not something I’m proud of.

Theo: It’s hard for me to believe that men don’t crawl to you daily. I would have stared a hole through your gorgeous face all night if it didn’t consider me a freak. You’re right. I don’t know your personal life. But I do know you’ve had two previous underage drinking tickets. You little criminal.

Me: You ass! Did you do a background check on me? And no, I don’t normally give boys the time of day. Most are pricks who like to break hearts.

Theo: I sure did. Are you going to lie and say you didn’t do one on me, or at least think about it? You won’t find much. And I’m far from a boy, Olive. Maybe if you get to know me, you’ll learn the difference between a man and a boy.

Me: I appreciate your confidence and for taking the time to reach out and attempt to turn this into something other than a late-night conversation. Unfortunately, we live in different cities, and I doubt we’ll be seeing each other again.

Theo: Talk to your best friend. I think we’ll be seeing each other very soon :)

Me: What are you talking about??

Theo: Sweet dreams, Olive

Me: Hello?

Me: Theo??