Update: The “alpha energy” has been successfully contained. Leon brought up orchids and it’s like a light went off. Lina apparently has a large collection. Also, they both enjoy the same type of music—MJ, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, you get the gist.
Thirty minutes later . . .
Kaori
I think we’ve officially been fired as wingmen.
Kaori
They ditched us! We’re currently sitting here with an empty bottle of sake, a lot of leftover ginger, and the bill. Mission accomplished?
Kaori
Hope the flight is smooth.
Theo
So far, so good. Thanks for the updates. It’s keeping me entertained. Glad to hear Leon and Lina hit it off.
Kaori
Happy to be of service.
I stare at the three dancing dots on the screen.
Theo
Text whenever you like, Kaori. Wish you were here. Could use a friend.
The words feel different than our usual banter. My thumb hovers over the keyboard as a rush of warmth flares up inside me.
Kaori
Don’t worry, I will. Consider me your London-to-Orlando lifeline. Good night.
Theo
Good night.
I lock my phone and set it down. Around me, the restaurant is a blur of clinking glasses and the guys still arguing over the check, but my mind is four thousand miles away. He didn’t just ask for updates; he asked forme.
It’s the weekend again.I’ve got Spotify streaming the new Taylor Swift album, and the opening chords of track three fill the room as I hunch over my tablet, stylus in hand, chasing an idea I dreamed about last night. It’s been eating at my brain all morning.
“One more loop here and... wait a second.” I zoom out, squint, then groan. “Really? I’ve drawn the Central Line?”
I set the tablet down and stretch, trying to shake the realization that the design I haven’t been able to get out of my head looks exactly like a map of the LondonUnderground. “It’s all your fault, Theo,” I mutter under my breath.
As if the universe has decided to mock me, my phone chimes. I know it’s him before I flip it over and read the name on the screen. Except, it’s not just a text from him. It’s a video request.
I inhale sharply, my heart leaping into my throat. I cast a frantic glance down at my outfit—a soft knit sweater and my favorite jeans. Thank goodness I actually bothered to get dressed this morning. The last thing I would’ve wanted Theo to see was my purple PJs with tiny unicorns on them.
I swipe to accept. Theo’s face appears a moment later. His hair is tousled, and there’s a layer of light-brown fuzz running along his jaw and neckline. He’s sitting at a small kitchen table with a mug in hand.
“Hi,” I say, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “Um... how’s everything going?”
“Fine.” His voice is warm but a touch hesitant. He rubs the back of his neck. “Did I, er... catch you in the middle of something important?”
“No.” I hold up my tablet. “I’m just sketching an homage to your home country’s public transportation system. Behold, my new coaster concept, sponsored by Transport for London.”
