Not that I don't love Theo teasing me, but I have decided I cannot allow myself that temptation. Want to really fuck everything up? Sleep with Theo. That'll do it. I can't jeopardize my relationship with my father all because I can't resist the stranger sitting beside me.
"Not exactly a secret, but if Beckett apologized and asked you back, would you go to him?"
"No."
Even I’m shocked at how quick I was to admit that. Theo and I stare at each other as our eyes light up in amazement.
"You said 'no' faster than most of the women I approached when I was a pudgy loser."
"I know, I'm surprised by myself. Subconscious feeling?"
"Possibly. Are you still grieving the relationship?"
"Yes, but maybe it's easier to move on knowing he chose someone else."
The clarity of that statement feels like a punch to my throat. I wasn't good enough for him. Maybe I wasn't as funny, smart, or pretty. Either way, I was lacking something, and that feels horrible to realize.
"Don't do that to yourself. Beckett sounds like a fuck boy who had no idea what he had."
"Thanks." I wish I could hide the dejection in my voice.
Two white cars pass us, and Theo says, "You're going to know every dark secret of mine before the tow truck comes."
"Give me two quick ones."
"I've never been in love and don't really believe in the idea of soulmates."
"What? That's impossible. You are in love with yourself and only yourself."
"Excuse me, but how many times have you been in love? And how did that work out for you?"
"Okay, true. That's fair, but—actually, I don't know how to respond to that because love sucks at the moment."
"Hey, we didn't agree to confess and have a discussion about it. Your turn."
"Okay, two secrets. One time I took all the tips out of the tip jar and didn't split them up fairly. I can't remember his name, but that one guy I worked with, who would disappear during his shifts and wouldn't help at all, I didn't tip him out."
"Amelia, I hope the police don't find out that naughty secret. Does your boss know?"
"Shut up. Yes, I told Benny. He ended up firing the guy anyway."
"His name was Joel."
"Yes! How the hell do you remember that? Oh yeah, because you were the honorary creeper customer."
"It's not my fault I can remember weird tidbits about the past."
"I can't tell if that's a good or bad thing."
"And your other secret?"
I'm unable to give it to him because without warning, my dad pulls up behind us to save the day.
Our bonding moment has been broken, but at least we had a breakthrough.
We're going to do our best and be nice. Why make this harder on ourselves?
My dad gives me his car to take Theo home while he waits for the tow truck. He's making this so simple for me, and I appreciate it more than he knows. Even if I'm feeling like a spoiled daddy's girl, this is a load of stress removed from my shoulders.
