Page 13 of Tobias

I nod carefully. “I hadn’t looked at it that way.”

“Like I said. I was meant to be here with you tonight.”

And suddenly, I really believe that.

Chapter Six

Tobias

Theo’s demeanor changes when I throw some reality at him. He’s been a bit sullen ever since, stuck in his head, no doubt contemplating what to do. It’s an important thing to think about, but is it worth $500 an hour? Because that’s what he’s paying me to be here, and he’s not even taking full advantage of it. Not my problem. In fact, it’s my gain. But I do feel a little bad for the guy.

We’ve since finished dinner, declined dessert, but we are working on another drink.

“Hey, have you ever been to The Butterfly?” I ask, not sure why I’m asking him this. There’s just something about him that has me curious and wanting to help.

His gaze darts to mine. “The Butterfly?”

I nod. “Yeah.”

“No, never even heard of it.”

“It’s a bar on the other end of town. My friends and I go there all the time. You should come hang out tonight.”

I hadn’t planned on going out to the bar tonight, but I mean… maybe it’ll help the guy. He’s sad as hell, confused about his life, and he needs to figure that shit out before he makes a huge mistake. I may never see him again, but I don’t want him to be miserable for the rest of his life. I was miserable for four years and that was hell—never mind being married to someone.

Brandon may be a piece of shit, but unfortunately he does know me, and helping people is something I am passionate about. He wasn’t wrong about that. Not in the way of donating tons of money, though I have done that. It’s more in the way of helping people understand themselves. I should have been a therapist or counselor, rather than aphysicaltherapist, but at the end of the day, I’m still helping people.

“A bar? I don’t know.”

“If you’re worried about the money—”

“I’m not. I have plenty of it.”

“I was going to say it’s not a paid gig. I’m asking you as a nice person.”

“Oh…” He blinks a few times. “Well, okay then.”

I narrow my eyes, wondering how that changes anything. Did he think I was only doing it to get money? Seems what this guy needs is a friend to talk to, not a paid date. He’s lonely. Doesn’t have someone who understands him. I could be that person for him, even if it’s only for tonight.

“I’m ready to go whenever you are,” I say, finishing my drink.

He’s already taken care of the check, and I even offered to pay for half because I really do feel for this guy, but he refused. Said it wasn’t appropriate. Whatever that means.

Theo takes the last mouthful of his drink then moves to get up, so I do the same. We get our coats from the coat check, and then we’re out on the sidewalk. The air is crisp, but at least the rain has stopped for now.

“I’ll order a ride,” I say.

“I can do it.”

“Well, so can I. It was my idea, so Iwilldo it.”

He blinks at me, then his shoulders sag. “Fine.”

So, he likes a firm hand? Interesting. It seems learning about him only makes me crave more.

“It’ll be here in six minutes,” I say, pocketing my phone.

He nods, rocking back on his heels, hands shoved into his Milford coat. Had I seen that on him at the beginning, I’d have known he came from money. Those aren’t cheap. It’s not just about the money, but the style. It’s long, stopping at his knees, and navy blue, which matches his pants. Not an everyday, casual jacket.

---