Page 99 of Where We Call Home

“Resting bitch face,” she said matter-of-factly. “For someone who feels a lot, you don’t show it well. I’ve come to the conclusion that you have a very boring face—boring but, luckily, quite handsome.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “That’s it. I’m shutting the door now. Hands and feet in.”

Theo grinned and quickly adjusted herself, making sure nothing was in danger of being caught as I closed the door.

Climbing into the driver’s seat, I started the truck and headed toward my mom’s house. It wasn’t far, just a couple of minutes away, but Theo managed to fill every second with a detailed rundown of how I could improve my facial expressions. Coming from her, of all people, it was rich.

“For someone who only started feeling her emotions a few months ago,” I said, cutting her off with a teasing glance, “you sure talk a big game.”

Theo gasped, mouth dropping open in mock outrage. “Rude!” she squealed, slapping my shoulder.

I just laughed, my chest warming at the easy banter between us. She always knew how to pull me out of my head, and right now, I couldn’t be more grateful for it.

The anxiety that was there eased as the jokes flew between us, and when I finally pulled up to the house, I let out a breath of air.

Theo carried the grocery bag in one hand, and I guided her to the front door. Step by step, we climbed the short set of stairs leading to my mom’s bright yellow door.

I skipped knocking, pushing the door open and stepping inside like I had a thousand times before. The warm aroma of my mom’s cooking greeted us immediately. She was an incredible cook—probably where I’d inherited my own skills, though I’d never claim to be half as good as she was.

“Ma!” I called, shutting the door behind us and pulling off my boots. Theo, in her platform slippers, slipped them off with ease and left them neatly by the door.

The familiar creak of the hardwood floor welcomed us as we made our way toward the kitchen. There, my mom twirled around with grace, an apron tied neatly around her waist, stirring something on the stove. Rob was perched on a stool at the kitchen island, his focus on a crossword puzzle spread out before him.

“Hi, sweetie!” my mom beamed, looking up from her pot with a radiant smile.

“Mom, Rob, this is Theo,” I said, motioning to the woman beside me. She stood tall, her smile warm and genuine, the crinkle at the corners of her eyes and the way her cheeks lifted making it clear she wasn’t holding anything back.

“It’s so nice to meet you both,” Theo said, waving politely.

Rob was the first to move, hopping off the stool with the energy of someone half his age and wrapping Theo in a dad-like hug. Rob embodied comfort with his rounded glasses, perpetual soft smile, and blond hair streaked with just a touch of gray.

“It’s my pleasure,” he said, stepping back and extending a hand. “Can I take your coat?”

Theo quickly handed me her purse and slipped off her light flannel, revealing her overalls and a fitted T-shirt underneath. “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice full of sincerity.

“Did you get the potatoes?” my mom asked as she came over to hug me. I nodded to Theo after pulling away. She turned and pulled her into an embrace, too.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you,” my mom said, holding Theo by the shoulders and giving her an affectionate squeeze.

“You too,” Theo replied with an easy smile. “Rhodes has said nothing but amazing things about both of you. Thank you for having me.”

“Oh, it’s our pleasure,” my mom said, taking the grocery bag from Theo’s hand. “I always make way too much food and end up sending most of it home with Rhodes.”

“It’s true,” I added with a grin. “I’ll be eating turkey and cranberry sandwiches for a week.”

Theo reached for her purse back, but I shook my head, gesturing to the empty seat next to Rob. “Go on,” I whispered. “Take a seat.”

She smiled and nodded, settling into the chair.

“So, Theo,” my mom began as she started prepping the potatoes. “Tell us a little bit about yourself.”

“Oh, wow,” Theo said with a light laugh. “That’s always a tough question.” I moved to stand behind her, resting my arm on the back of her chair. She leaned into me instinctively. “Well, I love photography and nature. Oh! And I love to travel.”

“Me too,” Rob chimed in, setting his pencil down. “What’s been your favorite place so far?”

“Egypt,” Theo said without hesitation, her eyes lighting up. “I did a magazine spread there. The pyramids were stunning, and I even got to ride a camel.”

She was breathtaking, her face glowing with excitement as she talked about her work.

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