“Iknewshe had a thing for him,” I say, feeling a spark of triumph that my intuition was right.
Theo laughs softly. “She’s been smitten for a long time. Leon’s the only one who hasn’t noticed. You’ll have to keep me posted on how their date goes. Text me all the highlights.”
“I will,” I promise.
“I’ll probably be gone for the week. With any luck, I’ll be back just in time for trivia night. I’d hate for you to lose your winning streak because the team forgot their British history.” He checks his watch, his jaw tightening slightly. “I should call a rideshare to the airport if I’m going to make the ten-fifteen flight.”
You know a man is overworked when he has the transatlantic flight schedules memorized like a bus route.
“Do you, uh, need me to run over to your place andovernight you anything?” The words are out before I can stop them, and I immediately cringe. It sounds incredibly invasive, even if a traitorous part of my brain is genuinely curious to see what his apartment looks like. Does he live like a minimalist? Or is there a hidden layer of “Whale Lover” decor I don’t know about?
“Thanks, but it’s not needed,” he says, tapping the side of his suitcase. “I never bothered unpacking from the last trip across the pond. Besides, I keep enough supplies in my London flat to survive a siege.”
“I’ll let Anya know you’ve been summoned by Darth Vader again,” I joke, trying to lighten the heavy air around him.
He sighs, heading toward the elevator. “Mr. Harris is more of an Emperor Palpatine.” He pauses, lifting the bag of Rocky Road bars. “Thank you again for these, Kaori. Truly. They’re a lifesaver.”
“You’re welcome.” I stand by his office door, watching his retreating form.
Just as the elevator chimes and the doors begin to slide open, I call out one last time. “Theo!” He turns, his hand catching the door to hold it. “Have a safe flight,” I say, offering a small, encouraging wave.
He doesn’t say anything for a heartbeat. Then he just offers a short nod before disappearing into the elevator.
Later that evening,I text Theo.
Kaori
Mission update. We have arrived at Takeuchi’s. Leon has checked his reflection in the glass door three times and counting as we wait for Lina.
I send a slightly blurry picture of our work dad adjusting his lapels.
Theo
Might be the only time I’ve seen him in a full suit and tie.
Kaori
That’s what I was thinking.
Theo
Tell him he looks sharp. And remind him to keep the conversation centered on Lina.
Kaori
I will.
I giggle. That’s much better than the “wisdom” Derrick and Andy were trying to dispense on the car ride over.
Derrick said, “Show off your alpha energy by telling her how you solved the hydraulic-failure issue on the Hurricane Harbor coaster. Chicks dig heroes.”
Andy wasn’t much better. “Play it cool by checking your watch every couple minutes. It’ll show Lina you have great taste in accessories and be a natural conversation starter.”
Thank goodness Amaya and Ela had gently reminded the guys that, one, Lina isn’t an engineer and a hydraulic lecture might make her fall asleep before the second course.And two, if Leon kept checking his watch, he’d look like he was counting down the seconds until he could escape.
Two hours later, I send Theo another text.
Kaori
