Page 148 of Press Play

“Sorry we’re late,” I say, entering Brandy and Mia’s home without knocking. “Theo couldn’t find his hoodie.”

Theo nudges my arm and whispers, “Because someone was wearing it.”

With a snicker, I wrap my arm around his and rest my head on his shoulder. “I didn’t hear you complaining.”

With a short, frustrated groan, Theo leans in to kiss me, stirring butterflies in my core.

“Couldn’t find his hoodie?” Theo takes a step back, clearing his throat as Mia smirks at us. “Uh-huh, sure. I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“Sorry, Mia.” Theo smiles softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “She wouldn’t listen to me. I tried to tell her?—”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I brush him off. “He’s the troublemaker here. Not me.”

Mia arches her neatly trimmed brows and darts her attention between the two of us. “Trouble always finds trouble. Doesn’t it, Theo?”

He parts his mouth but is cut off.

“Wren?” Mia adds.

“I—”

She shakes her head, her turquoise hair bouncing as she grabs her coat. “Brandy, they’re here!”

“Finally, I’m starving!” The stairs creak, and not a moment later, she grabs her keys. “Let’s go before any of us. . . cough, cough, Wren, gets hangry.”

“Hey!” I say, trying to hold back my laugh. “I would never.”

“You called me the ‘penis guy’ the last time dinner wasn’t delivered on time. And it wasn’t a compliment.”

I purse my lips and huff at Theo. “I thought you were on my side.”

“I am, but that doesn’t mean you don’t scare me sometimes.” Theo drapes his arm over my shoulder as we walk back outside.

“Remember that one time you snapped at a kid for taking too long to order a burger?” Mia asks while opening the car door.

“That was a dark day.” Brandy shudders as she starts the car.

“I didn’t know this was pick-on-Wren day. . .” I grumble.

Theo rests his hand on the small of my back and ushers me into the back seat. The slight yet firm pressure is enough to relax my tense shoulders.

“In Wren’s defense,” Theo starts, pressing his thigh against mine while adjusting his seat belt. “The kid took five minutes to pick out his cheese.”

“Okay, okay,” Brandy chuckles. “Let’s get going before traffic piles up.”

The drive is relatively smooth, and we manage to beat most of the evening traffic into the city. Theo took it upon himself to make up for the pizza incident, even though it wasn’t his fault. Originally, I offered to cook his favorite meal, my signature cheesy lasagna, but after he showed me the modern taco joint with raving reviews, the decision was easy.

Theo, Brandy, and Mia are talking excitedly about something I’m not paying attention to. With a sigh, I rest my head on Theo’s shoulder and admire how passing streetlights highlight his features. I used to fantasize about kissing that jawline, and now I can do it whenever I please.

I would recall his scent when I needed his comfort, especially when I lived with my parents. He’s steady and unyielding—proving time and time again that he’ll do anything for me. Iwas never worried about what would happen after the video, but getting over that hump wasn’t easy.

In the end, Amanda never posted the video, and we both agreed we could rely on one another for complete support. We had to work through our own issues, and that meant going back to therapy. It was easier than I thought it would be. We both returned to our old practices, and it just snapped into place. We saved our relationship before it needed saving, and I’m going to remember that when I need it the most.

The hum of the engine turns off as the conversation continues, and everyone steps out of the car. I cling onto Theo and smile when he wraps his hand around mine. The cool evening air is replaced by the warmth of The Three Llamas, and the smell—I never had the pleasure of smelling anything so delicious in my life. I inhale the savory aromas with citrusy undertones of lime mixed with garlic and peppers.

“The pictures don’t do this place justice,” Theo whispers in my ear.

I shake my head, noting how his voice awakens chills down my spine. It’s not packed, but voices can be heard from the dining room. A woman with a bright smile greets us, and somehow, it grows wider when Theo takes the lead.

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