For the love of God, I hope she doesn’t.
I hold the door open for Aunt Kitty and a wave of cool air hits us as we step in. The shop is exactly what you’d think you would find in a Cape town. White walls, teak shelving, anchors and thick twine netting strung all throughout, with an inventory of cover-ups, bathing suits, and sun hats. Not to mention the blue-and-white-striped towels, tweed bags, and a rack of sandals.
I’ve purchased a few things from Threads before, and I mean a few, because it’s very expensive, but the items I have purchased have lasted a long time. So there’s something to say for the quality.
When my eyes adjust to the light, I move toward the register in the back, where I come to a complete halt.
“Ah, hello, love,” Theo says, leaning against the counter. “What do you think of these sunglasses? They’re unisex.”
You’ve got to be kidding me.
How could it possibly be that in one day, I’ve run into this man more often than my own freaking shadow?
He flashes me the Ray-Ban knockoffs and smirks.
“Do you two know each other?” Theresa asks as she moves around the counter.
“No,” I answer.
“We do,” Theo says, contradicting me. “She likes to pretend we don’t know each other, but we actually met online.”
“Oh really?” Theresa asks, looking far too intrigued.
“Yeah, it was a romantic arrangement,” Theo says, making me want to groan out loud.
Does he know nothing about small towns? You never divulge that kind of information to anyone, because within an hour, it’s all everyone will be talking about.
“A romantic arrangement, oh, that’s wonderful to hear. I can’t recall you ever being romantically involved with anyone,” Theresa says.
That’s because I never talk about it.
“Is that right?” Theo asks. “You didn’t tell me that.”
Uh yeah, because we haven’t really talked at all.
“Haven’t gotten to it yet,” I say, attempting to make sure my anger doesn’t show.
“Well, something to discuss over dinner tonight. Shall I make reservations down by the rocks?”
Why does he say that like he’s lived here all his life?
“I heard the summer special is lobster mac and cheese with a truffle breadcrumb topping. Theresa was telling me all about it.”
“Oh, it’s an absolute must for a date night,” Theresa says, her face beaming with excitement.
Theo pockets the sunglasses and presses his card up against the credit card machine, clearly having been in the process of checking out when I arrived. When he finishes up, he asks, “Shall I make the reservation?”
Uh, no.
You shall not.
“I don’t believe she has anything going on,” Aunt Kitty says, making herself known in the worst possible way.
“Uh, yes, I do,” I say. “I have plans with Tilly.”
“You do?” Aunt Kitty asks, genuinely confused.
“Yes, I do. So sorry, going to have to take a rain check.”
