“How about I make you some popcorn?”Peter said, pressing a kiss to Theo’s temple.
“Uh, sorry.I don’t mean to stare at my phone.Sorry.”
Peter hugged him close before getting up off the couch.“Don’t be.I’m surprised you’re not in higher demand for group projects and the like.Have the other students yet to figure out how smart you are?”
Theo chuckled.“Funny.”
“I wasn’t trying to be, Theodore.Salt or sugar?”
“Hm, can you do that salted caramel thing?Please?”
Peter smiled, the light from the screen making his platinum hair shimmer.“Of course.”
Peter walked back upstairs on silent feet, and Theo turned his attention to his phone once more.Will had texted more.
Are you really going to work for Celeste?
I always come along when we have a job there.Maybe we’ll run into each other again, or if Peter needs more windows repaired.
Or if you need magic done, I guess Sage would let me tag along too.
Glad you liked the food, and you’re welcome.Yeah, I’ll tend bar at the Boudoir.I don’t need any magic done, but if you want to hang out again some other time, just let me know.
Theo sent the text.That was unlike him.He hadn’t sought out other people to hang out with in so long.Even getting to know Corvin had felt like an accident that was unavoidable with him being the soon-to-be spouse of one of Peter’s colleagues.Corvin had wedged himself into Theo’s life though, and it looked like Will was doing the same thing.Theo’s phone buzzed with yet another text.
Hi.Carl here.I was informed you’d be starting work for us this coming Wednesday.I will be driving you to and from our establishment as needed, so if you need a pickup ahead of your shift, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.Thank you.
Theo snorted.
Hi Carl.Peter isn’t reading my texts.
Of course not.Mr.Collins is well known for keeping private matters private.
Dude, you don’t have to talk like he’s reading my texts is all I’m saying.He’s not reading my texts.
Okay.
Whatever.I don’t need you to pick me up.
Please let me know if that changes.
Theo decided to leave it at that, but since Will had also texted, he went back to that conversation.
YES!I’d love to hang out with you again.Are the others coming?Can I bring Sage?
Sage really wasn’t trying to be mean to you, but Peter used to babysit him and scare him when he was a kid, so I guess he feels protective now.
Peter scared Sage when Sage was a child?
Yes.He scared me when I first met him too.Weren’t you scared?
Sorry.Of course you weren’t.
Sorry I asked.Forget it.
Can I bring Sage, please?
Theo was smiling at the screen.Will was like a kid—oddly eager, as if he didn’t have anyone…and maybe he didn’t.This is new, having someone younger who wants to spend time with me.He probably thinks I’m a grown-up and responsible adult who has life advice to share?Hopefully not…
