with me, but I was sure many more had judged. Theo refused to fill me in on the city gossip, and I knew he was always in-the-know even if he didn’t want to be. Like Sophie, he heard who cheated, who broke up, and who was in love. He just didn’t care, especially if talk involved me or my family.
I believe the words he always used were, “Why would I give a rat’s ass what people do with their lives?”
He had a point.
“Your concern for my talent is noted,” I told her calmly, a smile tilting my lips as I was trained. However, the following words were not in the social etiquette handbook I’d gotten lectured on time and time again. “However, what I do with my life is of no concern to you. Just be happy I’m still breathing.”
“I am happy you’re still breathing. What kind of comment is that?”
“One that’s justified,” a husky and low voice butted in. I couldn’t help but smile at Theo’s appearance in the doorway.
Sophie turned to him, surprise clear on her face. “What on earth are you doing here? You haven’t come to brunch in months.”
“Della and I have plans.” His eyes turned to me with an eyebrow quirked. “Unless you forgot? I know how much these brunches mean to you, spending quality time with your aunt.”
It took everything in me not to waver a smile, which would have given away his sarcasm. He delivered it so smoothly, so carefully, most people wouldn’t know it at all. It was how he got away with so much in conversation. Unlike those people, I knew better.
“Our plans.” I shook my head, dropping my napkin on the table. “I can’t believe I forgot about them.” My eyes turned to my aunt, who was frowning. “I’m sorry, Sophie. I need to go.”
She stood when I did, her palms flattening her typical Sunday best. The attire was flashy and bold but fitting for her personality. “Don’t think I don’t know what you two are up to. I’m not stupid.”
For a split second, my mind took me back to the night Theo stumbled into my flat and pressed me against the wall. Heat gathered between my thighs just remembering how hard he was everywhere, especially where he’d ground against me with his hips like he was trying to prove how much he needed an escape.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I managed, feigning innocence.
Sophie’s eyes rolled as a small sigh escaped her lips. “I know I’m not your favorite, but you didn’t need to plan an escape route. You could have simply said you didn’t want to come.”
She knew I’d never do that though without a good reason.
Theo appeared beside me, a palm going to my lower back. It wasn’t unusual, but the flutters in my stomach were a new occurrence since the night my mind liked taking me back to. Maybe he didn’t realize it, but Theo found ways to touch me every time we saw each other now. Our hands would brush, our shoulders, some part of him always needed that contact and I never shied away from it because I’d all but beckoned him to make those moves. “We really do have plans, Sophie. She goes back to school tomorrow.”
My aunt’s eyes widened. “I forgot all about that. Are you sure—”
“I’m sure.” I didn’t mean to cut her off, but I didn’t want to discuss this further. Whatever her opinion was, it was probably going to upset me more than I already was.
“Fine. Just think about what I said, okay? I spoke to Judith and she’d love to have you back. They’d be fools not to know you were the reason people came to the recitals before.”
I could feel Theo tense next to me, but he remained silent until we said our goodbyes. I promised Sophie nothing, knowing I wouldn’t break a vow or lead her astray. My mind was set.
When we were safely outside, Theo chose to speak. “She was trying to get you to dance.” It wasn’t a question, so I considered not answering. I knew Theo wouldn’t relent though.
“Yes. I told her no.”
There was a stretch of silence. “You’re smart, Della. You know your limits. She may not say it, but I will. I’m proud of you. Your father would be too.”
Tears burned the back of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I simply said, “Thank you” and climbed into the car that Dallas usually drove us around in.
Once we