“A little,” I admitted as the back of my neck prickled and I felt the need to leave.
We got to the counter and Bryan put in our order, then we stepped to the side to wait for our numbers to be called.
I got a better view of the two guys as they stepped up to buy hot drinks.They turned—and the moment their eyes met ours, they started walking straight toward us.
I sucked in a sharp breath and instinctively stepped behind Bryan.It took him a moment to catch on, but as he followed my gaze, he finally noticed the two guys.
“Who are they?”he asked.
“I don’t know.”
The blond man who had originally caught my attention gave me a shy smile.“Do you happen to be Cadence Wiles?”
Bryan practically bristled as he put himself further between us.“Who are you?”
They both raised their eyebrows in surprise at the sudden aggressiveness.I had hoped it’d be enough to make them back off, but then the guy’s friend gave him a gentle nudge and a nod, supporting him.
“I’m Theo Bardot.I attended a charity event where I saw Cadence perform.”He glanced down nervously.
Hearing the other guy talk helped me relax a little so I moved to stand closer to Bryan.Bryan didn’t say anything, but he wasn’t backing down either.
“The one with Hope’s Embrace?”I asked softly.
Theo nodded.“I’m a strong supporter of the work they do.”Something in his expression told me exactly why that was.He was like me, a child who had not been seen for too long and suffered for it.
I finally relaxed.“They’re my go-to,” I replied.
He swallowed hard and nodded.“I wanted to introduce myself.Your song at the last charity event...it was felt.In multiple ways.And I wanted to say thank you.I appreciate how much you do for them too.”
His words warmed me and the last of my anxiety melted away.I smiled genuinely.“I’m glad you’re doing good.”
His friend clapped him on his back.“I’m making sure he stays on track,” he said.“We’ll get him there yet.”
“Chris, cut it out,” Theo grumbled.
I gave them a chuckle.“Well, it was a pleasure meeting you,” I said.
“Same.And I hope to see you at future events.”
I nodded.“If they call on me, I’m there.”
His smile widened.“Good.That’s good to know.”They walked off, leaning into each other and whispering.Chris wrapped his arm around Theo and gave him a quick squeeze before dropping his arm.
“Are they the reason you were scared earlier?”Bryan asked.
“Yes.”
He blew out a breath and relaxed next to me.“Okay.”
Our number was called, and he went to grab our food.Afterward, we found an empty picnic table and sat down.
We were halfway through our sandwiches when he said, “If anyone makes you uncomfortable, even by just looking at you, let me know.We’ll sort it out.”
“It was silly,” I said.
“You not feeling safe is not silly.Me, and the guys, we’ll do everything we can to make sure you feel safe.So let us know.And we’ll figure it out.”
“Thank you.”I reached over and grabbed his forearm, squeezing it to show how much I appreciated him.
