“People think they know what’s best for you… and when you don’t fit their mold, they try to break you, to fit you into it.”
Something in his voice… he is speaking from experience. But I don’t want to be nosy, so I don’t ask.
“Do you believe people can change?” I ask suddenly, my voice barely louder than a whisper.
Theo glances at me, his profile lit softly by the table lamplight. He doesn’t answer right away.
“Yeah,” he says. “But not for someone else. Only when it hurts too much to stay the same.”
I nod slowly, wrapping my arms around myself.
“I used to think if I loved someone enough, I could make them love me back.”
That makes his eyes flick to mine. “You don’t believe that anymore?”
“I’m trying not to,” I say. “But it’s hard to unlearn something that’s stitched into your skin.”
For a beat, he doesn’t say anything. Then he leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table between us. His voice is quiet.
“For what it’s worth… you don’t have to earn love, Sophie. Those who deserve you, will give it unconditionally.”
My throat tightens. He means it. I can feel it in my bones. But that doesn’t make it easy to believe.
Still, I say, “Thanks,” because it’s all I can give him right now.
And maybe, for now, it’s enough.
We eat slowly, savoring every bite. Savoring every moment, here, together. I don’t want this night to end. I want to wrap myself up in his words, in his presence, and stay here forever. The smile on his face, so genuine, tells me he feels the same.
He pays the bill, refusing my card when I try to cover my half. There’s that gentleman side of him again. As we exit the restaurant, he stops abruptly. A curious expression on his face.
“Follow me.”
I quirk an eyebrow, but he’s moving before I can question him. We head in the opposite direction of my car, and I race to keep up. He walks with purpose, his stride never once faltering. When we come upon a tall brick building, and circle the back of it, I begin to question his sanity. He stops before a fire escape and I finally get the chance to ask him what the hell we are doing.
“Are we about to break in? Are you secretly a criminal?” I laugh, but also, I really don’t know what the hell his plans are here.
“Do you trust me?” He smirks, like he already knows the answer.
I hesitate, but only for a moment. “Yes.”
I do.
He nods, then begins his ascent with me close on his heels. When we reach the top, and he leads me to the opposite roof’s edge, I gasp in awe. The view from here is the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. Atlanta is a beautiful city, but from up here, it’s magnificent. The skyline is alight with skyscrapers, the stars in the sky winking at us, here together under the night sky. It’s breathtaking, and the quiet, chilly air wraps around us as we take it all in.
I lower to the ground, the low edge of the roof allowing me to still see the view. Beautiful dress be damned. He joins me, sitting close enough that our legs just touch. My leg warms at the point of connection. When I shiver, he moves closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and rubbing my bare arm.
“Are you cold? I’m sorry, I wish I had my jacket… We can go, if you’re ready.”
“No,” It comes out quickly, my voice betraying my eagerness to stay. I’m not ready to leave, to go back to the real world. This has to be a dream, and I’m not ready for it to end. “I’m okay.”
He laughs lightly, squeezing me a bit closer to him. I relax into his side, soaking up his warmth, his touch. When I finally turn to look at him, he’s staring at me, not the view. His dark eyes intense, his expression unreadable. And he’s right there, so close, our lips just a breath away.
“Sophie…” he says, his expression turning to one of angst, of pain.
A thrill jolts through me, and I throw caution to the wind. Circumstances be damned.
“Tell me to stop.” My voice comes out breathy and low as I move my face closer to his.
