Page 94 of Tobias

“Areyousure?” I return, my heart beating way too fast.

He watches me, blinking a few times before saying, “Not really, no. Asher and I don’t talk that often. I just thought maybe he’d have told me. Sorry.”

Max turns away from me and busies himself on his computer. A sour feeling settles in my stomach.

Is Theo lying to me?

I spent the night at his house—on Christmas. Surely he’d be with his fiancée if they hadn’t broken up, right? I’ve been over there a few times already. I see no sign of a woman being around. Plus, he told me he broke it off with her, and I trust him.

“I’m going to make my rounds,” I say, getting up.

“Hey,” Max calls, when I round the station. I stop to face him. “I’m wrong, okay? Don’t worry about it.”

I give him a smile, letting him know I’m not worrying about it.

Even though I really am.

By the time my shift ends, I’m beat. It was a long night and an even longer day. The nurses were short, and so I helped them out with changes and feedings even though I don’t have to nor am I supposed to, technically, but they appreciate it and the patients deserve their needs met as soon as possible.

I catch an Uber home and jump in the shower before making myself a bowl of cereal.

My phone rings, so I grab it and see Nathanial’s name on the screen. I haven’t been by the bar in a few weeks because I’ve been busy with work and my free time has been spent with Theo. Nathanial’s probably just checking up on me.

“Hey,” I answer.

“Hello, Tobias,” he sing-songs. “How was your Christmas?”

“Christmas was great. Christmas Eve was another story.”

“Oh? Well, you can tell me all about it at the New Year’s party we’re having.”

“At The Butterfly?”

“Obviously.” I can hear the eye roll. “You better be there. We miss you.”

“Yeah, I can stop by. Not sure what time or how long I’ll stay, but I’ll be there.”

“Yes! The guys will be so excited. And we havesooomuch gossip for you.”

“I can’t wait.” There go my eyes rolling again.

“Okay, bye sweetie pie!”

He ends the call before I can say bye, and I chuckle as I put my phone down to finish my cereal. I consider going for a jog when I’m washing my bowl, but it’s raining pretty heavily. My plan to do that consistently has completely gone to shit, but the sex is making up for it, I think. At least it’s some form of exercise. I’m in shape now, but I’m getting older, and I doubt my body is going to stay the way it is without me putting in some work.

I hang around my house in my underwear and put in a delivery order for food and some other staples I need, like cleaning products and toilet paper. It’ll be delivered tonight, around the time I’m getting back from my date.

As I drop onto my couch, staring at the TV, an episode ofFriendsplaying, I consider inviting Theo over here.

Actually, yes. I am going to invite Theo over.

I send him a text, asking him what he’s doing later, and wait for him to respond.

Nothing planned. Do you have something in mind?

You should come over.

To your place?

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