Romeo:I'll be there.
I set down my phone and lie back on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
This is a terrible idea, and I don’t want to have any part of it. I don’t want Thad involving himself in the part of my life that was supposed to be my escape any more than he already is. But I don't know how to get out of it without making Thad more suspicious, more controlling.
I feel more trapped than ever, and I have no way out.
Of any of it.
—
Lunch is exactlyas uncomfortable as I expected.
We meet at a trendy bistro in SoHo, and Romeo arrives exactly on time, looking effortlessly elegant in dark jeans and a charcoal sweater. He sees me through the window and smiles, and I feel that familiar flutter in my chest. Then he sees Thad, and something changes in his expression. It's subtle—a slight hardening around his eyes, a tension in his jaw. But it's there.
"You must be Thaddeus," Romeo says, extending his hand. His voice is polite, but there's an edge to it I've never heard before.
Thad nods, shaking Romeo's hand. "And you're Romeo. The study partner."
"That's right."
We sit, and the tension is immediate. Thad orders for me without asking—a salad with grilled chicken and dressing on the side—and I see Romeo's eyes narrow slightly.
"So, Romeo," Thad says, once the waiter has left. "Savannah tells me you're in the MBA program. What's your focus?"
"International business and strategic management."
"And yet you're taking archaeology courses." It's not a question, and not quite an accusation. "Interesting choice."
"I find ancient civilizations fascinating. The way power structures develop, the way societies organize themselves. It's relevant to modern business in ways people don't always recognize."
"Is it?" Thad's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "I would think your time would be better spent on courses directly related to your degree."
Romeo chuckles, but I see the tightness in his jaw. "You sound a bit like my father, but I disagree. The best business leaders are well-rounded. They understand history, culture, human behavior. Limiting yourself to a narrow field of study is shortsighted."
I can see Thad bristling at the implied criticism. "I'm sure your professors would prefer you focus on your actual coursework."
"My professors are satisfied with my performance."
"And your family? What do they think of your academic choices?"
The question is pointed, and I see something flicker in Romeo's eyes. "My family trusts my judgment." He pauses. “And not to be rude, but I don’t think that’s any of your business, Mr. Whitmore. We don’t know each other, and my relationship with my family is my own.”
Thad turns to me. "Savannah's father and I agree that focus is important. Especially for someone in her position. She has responsibilities, expectations to meet. We can't all afford to indulge in hobbies."
The dismissal is clear, and I feel my face flush with embarrassment and anger. But before I can respond, Romeo speaks.
"Archaeology isn't a hobby for Savannah. It's her passion. Her calling." His voice is calm, but there's steel underneath. "She's brilliant at it. Her insights into Minoan religious practices are original and important. Any program would be lucky to have her."
I stare at him, shocked. No one has ever defended me like that. Certainly not to my father. Certainly not to Thad.
Thad's expression has gone cold. "I'm sure you mean well, but you don't know Savannah the way I do. We've known each other for years. Our families have been close for generations. I understand what's best for her."
"Do you?" Romeo's eyes are dark and intense, focused entirely on Thaddeus. "Because from where I'm sitting, it seems like you understand what's best for you. What's convenient for you. What fits into your plans, not hers."
"Excuse me?"
"Romeo—" I start, but he's not done.
