Page 26 of Whole Latte Love
Not like we didn’t already do that, but better to at least try starting fresh. Having a new outlook on relationships means I shouldn’t go in with sex on the brain. Although, we are extremely compatible sexually. Which is a bonus to starting this new relationship with my boyfriend.
Theo is officially my boyfriend.
I say it out loud a few times. At first it feels surreal, like a foreign word I just can’t grasp the pronunciation of yet. But after I say it a few times I can feel my cheeks raise and the smile forming. I text my friends about my new boyfriend. The grin stays plastered on my face as I watch their replies roll in.
Bethany: That’s wonderful babe! You double baked it!
Violet: Ignoring Beth’s comment, congratulations on this new stage!
Sally: Congrats! Can’t wait for tonight!
On cloud nine, I glide through my normal routine. I’m excited for the double date tonight. I’ve already showered andshaved my legs, the whole-body shower routine. Covered in lotion, I try to style my hair but I just can’t get it the way I want. I spritz some water all over it and start again but opt to just blow dry and brush it out. I’m not nervous about tonight, I’m looking forward to it.
For once Victor and I are experiencing joy in our lives. When I had Seth in my life, Victor was going through his healing process post-accident. And his fiancée left him. Then I lost Seth. We both grieved what we lost.
But after a few years, he found Sally and fell in love. Then it was just me, alone with my grief and guilt anytime I tried to branch out.
Now I feel a new sense of happiness blooming in my chest. Seth will always be a part of me. I don’t need to ignore that. Dating means learning about each other, making sure you’re meant to be together.
And I look forward to this experience with Theo.
The Railway Tavern isn’t too fancy, so I just dress in a navy tank top that has a little beading on it, black jeans, and some sandals. I add some small gold hoops and some rose red lipstick. My hair is down and I’m feeling fun and flirty.
I’m the last one to arrive but the trio is waiting in the lobby. Theo greets me with a light kiss on the lips. He puts one hand around my waist and we chat with Sally and Victor.
We all get seated and start chatting. Victor and I catch up briefly on roastery stuff before Sally rolls her eyes and points out we see each other every day and to save the work talk for tomorrow. We both laugh and agree to drop it.
The waitress brings us our drinks, the guys opting for scotches while Sally and I both end up choosing red wine for the night.
“How’s the book coming along?” Sally asks Theo.
“Really well. I already sent the first half to my editor. It’s a little rough around the edges, but once I worked out the plot it all just sort of fell into place.” He squeezes my hand under the table. I can’t help but beam back at him.
“Nice! Marie mentioned that you have a lot of traveling coming up?” Victor chimes in.
“Yes, it’ll be the longest book tour I’ve done so far. Pretty much some major cities in Canada, New York, and California.”
“How fun!” Sally continues, “Sometimes I miss the big city life. All the hustle and bustle of New York City. But now I get amazing coffee any time I want so it’s a win in my books.” She kisses Victor on the cheek.
“You guys should make the trip to New York City when I’m there. I know we haven’t talked about it but, Marie.” Theo turns to me. “I’m happy to fly you out and pick you up at the airport. It’s a super short flight.”
I stammer, “That… that sounds nice, though I prefer the train trip. Very scenic.” I sip on my wine, my mouth suddenly very dry. The room starts to feel stuffy.
“Nonsense.” Theo squeezes my hand. “That’s such a long trip. I’d rather you not waste your time.”
I look to Victor to see if he’s going to say anything, but he’s just looking at his drink. Typical. Avoiding confrontation.
“I’d love a train trip,” Sally quickly interjects. “Maybe a girls’ trip is order? It’s been a while anyways.” Between this and her blonde hair, she’s an absolute angel in my life right now.
“Are you afraid of flying?” Theo questions me. “Don’t worry about, nothing bad ever happens. The worst thing that could happen is maybe they lose your luggage.”
He laughs and it’s like a dam that was holding all my emotions at bay just breaks.
My hands are tightly clenched, the pain from my nails digging into my skin nothing like the excruciating heartache Iexperienced. Memories of the phone call, the photos, everything from that night is coming back in flashes.
“Sometimes people lose more than luggage,” I say through clenched teeth.
I’m trying to remain calm but there’s an anger inside of me that I thought was long gone is simmering. I can’t push it down any longer. My face burns hot, and the room is closing in on me. I need fresh air. I need space. All eyes are on me. I want to be alone.