37. Piper #2
That hadn’t been one of my smartest decisions. Going to the bar was far too much for where I was at, but I thought I could do it, and it had ended terribly.
But I survived it.
“That’s not what I’m doing this time.”
“Well, you’re distancing yourself from your friends, not telling us what you’re doing, and making sure to blow up your life while you’re at it. I’m sorry, Piper, but from my perspective, this doesn’t seem healthy.”
“My therapist thinks it’s just fine.”
“You and I both know what I think of your therapist.”
“I am making my life choices here.” My voice came out firm and with no room for argument.
“I understand that you disagree with what I’m doing, and I hear you, but this is the life I’m going to live.
If you want to be included in that, I would be happy to let you meet Theo officially.
If you don’t want to be included, that’s fine. ”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously. And unfortunately, I’m not in the mood to discuss this any further, so I’m going to hang up, and we’re both going to take some time to cool off. I do care about you and want you in my life, but things have to change.”
And with that, I hung up the phone. When silence surrounded me, I realized I was shaking. A feeling of guilt settled over me, even though this had been a long time coming.
I collapsed on the couch and made myself breathe through the panic. Fighting with Joey was something I always tried to avoid, but I couldn’t ignore the things he said about Theo.
It took a while for my heart rate to slow down and for me to feel halfway normal.
When it finally did, I was still angry. I was a fully grown woman. I didn’t have to explain myself to anyone.
Joey tried reaching out, but I said I was still cooling off and muted our text chain. Then I set out to do the chores I meant to do before he completely disrupted my day.
I hated to admit that I enjoyed the space.
Theo was late leaving the coffee shop. He’d been busy all afternoon because Kelsey had to leave early and he didn’t want to bother Paxton for such a short shift, and I wondered if I could convince him to let me help.
Thirty minutes passed while I considered it, and eventually, I was walking downstairs.
“I know what you’re doing, Marjorie. I really can’t tonight.”
“Oh, come on. You’re really gonna leave me stranded?”
“You and I both know Henrietta will come get you.” Theo sounded exasperated, and I could practically see him pinching his nose.
I peered around the corner, seeing Marjorie standing with Theo outside of the shop. She had to have eyes in the back of her head, because she zeroed in on me immediately.
“Piper?” she asked as she turned. “Is that you?”
“Uh, yeah.” I stepped around. “How are you?”
“Good. I just need this one to take me home.” She pointed at Theo.
“This is a thinly disguised ploy to get me to go have dinner with them,” he said. “They tried it once and it worked.”
“Hen just happens to be making your favorite again!” Marjorie whined.
It was obvious to everyone but him how much Marjorie wanted to spend time with him.
“Well, it’s obvious she needs you,” I said. “You should help her out.”
Theo turned to me, and I could read disappointment on his face. Marjorie looked between the two of us, brows pinched.
“You wanna come too, Piper?” Marjorie asked.
“That might help Theo say yes,” I replied.
“Don’t scheme,” Theo said with a groan. “Please not that.”
“Too late,” I said. “The scheme is happening. Let’s help this poor old woman home.”
“Yes,” Marjorie added, “this poor old woman with no help.”
“You’re full of shit,” Theo muttered. “Come on.”
Marjorie beamed and gave me a thumbs-up. I couldn’t help but laugh as I walked with her to Theo’s car.
“So—” she said once she was in the front seat. I took the back seat so she would be more comfortable.
“Don’t say anything,” Theo said.
“I was going to ask how Piper’s day was. Who do you take me for? Kerry?”
“My day?” I asked. “It started out great, but later was . . . different.”
Theo’s eyes flicked to mine in the rearview mirror.
I shrugged and looked at Marjorie.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, just some friend stuff. How’s the library?”
“Same as always, though, I can’t tell if it’s harder to run now because I’m old or if it’s busier.” She looked at Theo. “And don’t say anything.”
“I wasn’t gonna.”
“You thought it.”
“I did,” he admitted.
“Either way, we’re happy to do it. There was this massive play with the elementary school kids. They all had a great time.”
“You could have rested tonight,” Theo said.
“Eh, we wanted to see you.”
He blinked and his lips turned downward in a slight frown. If I was a betting woman, I’d bet that he was wondering why she wanted to have dinner so badly with him.
“That’s really sweet,” I said. “I can’t believe he tried to turn you down.”
“We had dinner plans. Do you really think I was gonna cancel on you?”
“Why?” Marjorie asked innocently. “Because she’s your girlfriend?”
“Yes,” Theo said.
Her eyes went wide. “I knew—”
“Don’t.”
I could only laugh.
“I was trying to keep it cool until we were with Henrietta. Whoops. I had to say something.”
“It saves me from the subtle hints you two throw.”
“Hey!” Marjorie pouted. “We can be subtle!”
“Can you?”
She turned to me. “We can be, right?”
“Considering I’m going to your house,” I began as I tapped my chin, “maybe I should lie and say yes.”
“You should.”
“Then yes.”
“Extra dessert for you then.”
I perked up. “There’s dessert?”
“Only for people who are nice.”
“You’re never nice!” Theo argued.
I couldn’t help but watch them with a smile. I’d been in a bad mood up until this, and usually I had to stay home until it lifted.
But being with Theo and people that cared about him showed me that I didn’t have to hide out, and I was ready to enjoy every second.