“Iknewhe looked familiar,” she whispered. “He’s got that kind of sadness people don’t forget.”
I let out a dry laugh, sharp and bitter. “Yeah. He’s just… been through too much. Things I can’t even talk about. The kind of hurt that gets into your bones and never leaves.”
Rosalie went quiet. “That must be... a lot. The legacy. The weight. Being known before you even know who you are.” She sighed. “But he’s not alone anymore, right?”
I swallowed hard, throat tightening. “Right.”
She caught it. “You don’t sound so sure.” I ran a hand through my hair, fingers trembling. “I wasn’t expecting to hear fromanyonetoday,” she added gently. “But I’m glad you called. You know I’m here for you, Theo. Like you are for me.”
Her words hit too hard. “I’m trying,” I rasped. “But I think I fucked it up. He left a few hours ago, and I haven’t heard from him since. He said he needed space. And the worst part?” My voice dropped to a whisper. “I don’t blame him. I said I wantedhim, then turned around and made him question everything I meant. I keep hurting him and expecting him to stay. I just hope this time he believes me.”
“Maybe he just needed space,” she said gently. “Maybe he’s figuring out how to stay without losing himself. From what you said the day you walked into my apartment, it’s going to take time for him to be able to trust your words.”
“Yeah,” I said, my voice low. “He’s... doing the smart thing. Protecting himself. And here I am, unraveling because I don’t know if he’s ever coming back. I know I don’t deserve him. And if he picks himself over me—I’ll understand. I just... I don’t know who I am without him anymore.”
“That’s not love, Theo,” Rosalie said softly. “That’s fear, and it’ll eat you alive.” Silence stretched between us, heavy and kind. “How old is he again?” she asked, her voice tentative.
“Twenty-three,” I mumbled.
“Oof. Twelve years between you,” she whistled. “I’m not judging. But that’s a gap. That’s life lived and trauma and expectations that don’t always line up.”
“Yeah,” I said. “He’s been through so much. And still... he’s trying to build something with me. That takes courage I don’t think I’d have.”
“Youdo,” she said firmly. “You just sometimes forget. He’s trying to grow, and you need to let yourself grow too. Don’t hold your breath waiting for him to fix you. You have to meet him halfway.”
“I don’t even know what halfway looks like.”
She let out a slow breath. “Then start by being honest. With yourself. With him. Use kid gloves with each other for a while—until you’re both steady enough to hold the weight.”
I closed my eyes. “I don’t want to lose him.”
“Then show up for him,” she said simply. “And for yourself.” Silence again. The kind that said more than any apology orpromise. “I’m here for you,” she added softly. “Call me. I don’t care if I’m falling apart, or furious, or half-asleep. You call. Got it?”
“I will,” I whispered. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me. But next time?” A grin in her voice. “Spill some filthy secrets. You know. For emotional balance. And because, let’s be honest, the thought of you and him?Hot.”
I laughed, the sound catching in my chest like relief. “Over my dead body.”
“Fine. Then I’ll just befriendhisbest friend and get the dirt from her.”
“Rosalie—”
“Okay, okay,” she laughed. “I’m going. Take care of yourself, Theo.”
“You too.” I ended the call before she could say anything else completely inappropriate. But my heart felt steadier. Fuller. Not whole—but held. It was good to know someone still believed in me. Even when I didn’t.
CHAPTER 26
SIN
Ikicked the door shut with my heel, arms full of junk food I didn’t even want—coffee I wouldn’t drink, pastries I’d picked out just to fill space. I needed something in my hands that wasn’t him. Something to carry because my chest already felt too fucking full.
Thalia looked up from the couch, long legs curled under her and a blanket over her lap like the embodiment of “safe space.” She didn’t say anything. Just lifted one brow and stared at me like she was watching a fuse burn slowly.
I dropped the coffee and junk food on the table and flopped down next to her, dramatic as hell, because if I didn’t lean into it, I’d explode. “I hate this,” I muttered.
“You’re gonna have to narrow that down,” she said, brushing her hair off her shoulder. “The coffee? Your life choices? Theo?”
