Page 34 of Press Play

I chuckle, and the pressure that settled in my muscles starts to melt away. Theo always has this effect on me, and I appreciate it so unbelievably much.

“I’d make a terrible spy,” I tell him while grabbing a bag of frozen mixed vegetables. “I can’t keep a secret to save my life.”

“But you tell me all your secrets. It doesn’t count if you tell another spy.”

I nod as I consider his argument. “That’s a good point.”

“We should look it up.”

“You can’t just apply to be a spy,” I chuckle as we continue through the store.

“How else would you become one?”

“For starters, I suggest not talking about it in public.” Her familiar voice sounds from behind us.

Theo and I both jump from the sudden fright before turning to face our biggest nightmare.

“Hey, Mom, when did you get here?” Theo tries to sound nonchalant, but his voice is panicked.

“Since ‘the Department of Spies’ comment,” she laughs while eyeing up the cart. “Do you two always shop together?”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Theo and I answer at the same time, causing us to fumble.

“No.”

“Yes.”

Dropping my shoulders in defeat, I sigh as my cheeks burn.

“Wren is helping me. You’ve said time and time again that I need to do better with keeping my kitchen stocked.”

“It’s a disaster,” I say, forcing a laugh.

“Thank you for ensuring my son eats.” Her hair bounces as she takes a step forward to pinch his cheek.

Theo groans and swats her away, which only makes her smile wider.

“You two should come over for dinner sometime. I miss my babies.”

“We would love to,” I say with a broad smile. “Name a time and we’ll be there.”

Her eyes flicker between us, and she releases a small sigh. “If only you two see what I do. You’d know the universe made you for one another.”

Heat spreads over my cheeks, and I clear my throat.

We let Mal continue before she gives up, and with a brief farewell exchange, we’re left alone in the frozen aisle.

We don’t acknowledge what she said—neither of us knows how. Sure, the thought’s passed through my mind. He and I are always there for one another. We have a lot in common and adore each other. He deserves someone who makes him happy. Someone who can stand up for herself without asking for help.

As soon as Malory walks away, I feel like I can finally breathe again, but her words hang in the air between us.

If only you two see what I do.

I glance at Theo, but he’s busy adjusting the cart, pretending like his mom’s matchmaking attempt didn’t just make things a thousand times more awkward.

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