Thefollowingmorning,afterI successfully avoided Theo and everyone else in the house the day before, I come downstairs and set my phone on the counter.
People are shuffling behind closed doors, so I know I'm not the only one awake. But no one has joined me in the kitchen yet.
Preparing an easy breakfast of cereal yet again, I sit at the table and scroll aimlessly.
A new number appears in a banner with an incoming text.
Pulling it up, I read it carefully, hopeful Beckett didn't create a new number so he can try to contact me again.
The good news I needed—
"He used the wrong 'your,'" Theo says with a snort.
I jump about six inches and involuntarily swat at him. He hops back, and the smile on his face tells me this was all intentional. "Hey! Do you need a bell around your neck? A little privacy would be nice. And a warning you're entering the room."
"You're going to go out with a guy who doesn't know proper grammar?"
"Why not? Weren't you saying I need a rebound?"
"What's a rebound?" my dad asks when he enters the kitchen. "I know you're not talking about basketball. Amelia isn't a fan of sports."
"You don't want to know, Dad."
Molly must be working in her office, so it's an awkward threesome breakfast while Theo does his best impression of not hating half the people in this room.
Or maybe he still hates me but pretends well.
"You work tomorrow?" my dad asks.
"Yes, and Benny and I need to figure out a time to talk. I have some ideas for Roasted, and it could bring in some extra money."
"Need to borrow my car?"
"Yes please."
"When will yours be done?"
"Soon, I hope. The guy just texted me and said his insurance company is handling it. What a relief."
The two-way conversation is happening while Theo stands and prepares his eggs. I decide to bring him into the discussion.
"What are your plans today, Theo?"
FeelinggratefulBrucedroppedhis line of questioning about rebounds, I set about making my eggs. While I’m staring at the skillet, stirring, Amelia asks what I’m doing today.
"I'm guessing the same as you," I answer her.
"Hiding in your room?"
"Sounds about right."
"You both have your cars in the shop for repairs. When will the Mustang be ready?" Bruce asks me.
I can't deflect the direct question, and even though Amelia and I agreed we'd be nice to each other, that temporary reconciliation didn't accommodate her dad.
"The day before the reunion."
"You're not going to yours, are you, Amelia?" Bruce asks.
