Theo replied with a shockingly smart rebuttal.
We argued in the thread for three days straight. Then we moved to DMs.
Somewhere between stat breakdowns and sarcastic insults, it became a routine. Daily check–ins. League gossip. Crisis hot takes. Mental health spirals. Childhood baggage. We never exchanged real names – just usernames and that quiet kind of trust that sneaks up on you when you’re not paying attention.
It’s how I know Theo’s allergic to fur but still volunteers at an animal shelter every Sunday after morning mass (the timing is crucial, don’t ask), once tried the Keto diet in seventh grade and gave up the second his dad offered to teach him how to cook, and is hopelessly in love with a girl in his office who, apparently, has no idea.
And why he now knows my mother’s trying to marry me off like I’m some kind of cursed family heirloom.
Theo: I still don’t think this is a good idea.
Me: That’s just your brain being dramatic. When have I ever had a bad idea?
Theo: Do you want a list? Because I have one. But even then, it’s never been this bad. Every time you mention this guy, he sounds less like someone who actually sees you. Or wants to. What makes you think this’ll magically change things?
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Me: You don’t know that People show affection differently
Theo: That’s one way to say “he doesn’t care.”
Me: Okay, wow. Is this you calling me delusional?
Theo: About 200% But only because someone needs to be honest with you when you won’t be,
1000L
Theo: I wish I could be your date instead,
Me: Oh? You think you’d do better?
Theo: I know I would.
Theo: I’d show up early. Know your drink order. Tell you you’re beautiful before you even ask how you look,
Theo: I’d laugh with you at your snotty cousin and her walking red flag of a husband.
Theo: And I’d never make you question if you were wanted.
I stare at the screen longer than I should. Smile creeping in before I can stop it.
Me: You’re kind of impossible, you know that?
Theo: Is that your way of saying you’re scrapping the plan?
Me: Of course not, I’d rather ask him, get rejected and rip the bandaid off. I’ve passed the stage of deluding myself into
Chapter 126
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thinking I’ll ever get over him.
Me: I just meant you’re also one of the best people I know. And I really hope your mystery office girl realises that before someone else does.
He doesn’t reply right away. Three dots appear. Then vanish. Then appear again.
Theo: Yeah. Me too.
TESSA
By the time I finally work up the nerve to text Lyle, the workday’s over – and for once in my life, I don’t stay late.
Mr. Harris looks at me like I’ve just announced I’m leaving to become a wizard’s assistant in Hogwarts. Full confusion. Slight concern. Mostly disbelief.
But I don’t even register it. I’m too busy spiraling into what is absolutely not a mid–life crisis. Just a very responsible, slightly dramatic, late–twenties breakdown.
Totally different thing.
“Oh- Cam! Wait up!” I brighten as soon as I spot that familiar mop of reddish–brown hair turning the corner.
He glances over his shoulder, spots me, and immediately grins. One of those big, golden–retriever kind of smiles that makes you feel like sunshine. He throws an arm around my shoulders like it’s second nature.
“Tessie Bear,” he says, shaking his head. “I’d be excited to see me too, but reel it in. People are gonna start rumours.”
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I snort. He smells like body wash and fresh sweat, like he just got out of the shower after practice. “Relax, Romeo. I’m not here to propose. Have you seen Lyle?”
His smile fades. He actually scowls. “Sometimes I really, really hate you.”
I grin. “That’s not a no.”
“He’s grabbing a drink before he heads out. Why? You planning to chase heartbreak before dinner?”
I roll my eyes, ignoring the way my stomach twists. “Actually, I’m done for the day.”
That gets him. He stops walking and stares at me. “Wait. You? Off work? Before dark? Is this… are you dying?”
“Funny. No. I just wanted to catch up to Lyle, that’s all.” I wave it off like it’s nothing. Like my heart isn’t pounding and my confidence isn’t rapidly deflating.
Cam watches me carefully. “Liam told me about your idea.”
“You two need a new hobby.”
“Gossiping about you is the hobby. And for what it’s worth, I agree with him.”
“Let me guess. Lyle is—”
“Promiscuous. Emotionally bankrupt. Wears expensive shoes that make him look like a Ken doll.”
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Chapter 126
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Chapter 126
