“Maybe we should let them think what they’re gonna think. I’d rather enjoy the moment.”
Theo blinked and fully turned to me. “You’re right. What do you think of the diner so far?”
“It’s cute. It’s like one of those places you see on TV. A lot of them closed down. Or at least the ones I heard about. It’s not like I could go or anything.”
“This place has always been a cornerstone of Strawberry Springs. And it still is. I was worried that Tammy would have issues with me because I was technically moving into the coffee space. But she’s not said anything.”
“It’s a diner, not just a breakfast nook. I’m sure she’s happy that there are more options for the town.”
“Maybe. It was still nerve-racking to open it. Some days I can hardly believe I did it.”
“But you did and it’s amazing. I’m feeling the same way about even moving here. I do feel like I’m in some form of denial, but I have to pause and remember that I am actually making progress.”
“Another thing you learned in therapy?”
“Yeah. My therapist is incredible.”
“What does she think about this? I have a feeling any trained mental health professional will have an opinion on our ages.”
I crossed my arms. “She’s been away while moving, so I haven’t talked to her much. But I doubt she’ll have anything bad to say when I have my next appointment soon.”
“Piper, I’m twelve years older than you.”
“And yet we get along just fine. If you were my boss or had any power over me, then it would be an issue, but you don’t.”
“All right. Maybe some of that is true.”
“You’re not as bad as you think you are.”
His mouth tightened, and I knew he didn’t believe me.
One day he would.
Theo had said that he might need to leave town, but the romance author in me wanted a different ending.
Maybe I was delusional, but I hoped that no one ever figured out anything about his past. Then we could be like this forever.
I moved and gently brushed my foot against his. I hadn’t thought twice about making sure that I wasn’t close to anyone else.
He watched me closely, but didn’t pull away.
“You know, you’re pretty emotionally intelligent for a guy.”
“I’m trying to make up for all the other men.” He was absolutely terrible at taking compliments. “That, and I have to survive.”
“Yeah, you don’t have a mom doing it all for you.”
“You know, maybe there is a benefit to you then. You’re way too young to be my mom.”
“But you’re almost old enough to be my dad. I’m gonna have to work out my daddy issues so I don’t accidentally call you that in bed.”
Theo had taken a sip of his water and choked on it. “Are you trying to kill me?”
“You’re just so easily embarrassed.”
“And for someone with your past, you’re not.”
“It’s the trauma.”
