Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love - Kim Fielding Page 0,65
box printed with bright flowers and festooned with a garish pink bow. When he checked out, he used his own card, not Joyce’s. He figured he was pretty much on his own at this point anyway.
He had just exited the store, dragging the suitcases behind him, when his phone rang. Shit. Awkwardly, he veered to the side of the building, nudged the suitcases out of the way of his fellow pedestrians, and looked at the screen. Joyce’s number.
“Hello?” He tried to sound brave.
“Good morning, darling. I trust the two of you had a good evening?”
He blushed so fiercely that he was grateful she couldn’t see him. “Uh, yeah. Thanks.”
“Is Romeo there?”
“No. I’m out running an errand, and he’s... I’m not exactly sure. Getting breakfast.”
She made a thoughtful noise that he couldn’t fully interpret. “Our dinner last night was—well, we ended up ordering pizza.” She laughed as if this didn’t bother her, but Teddy’s heart thudded. It wasn’t as if he expected anything different—he knew what a disaster the meal was—but knowing and having it confirmed were two different things.
“I thought the tarts were okay,” he ventured.
“Not bad, although I didn’t see how they fit the floral theme. The flavor of the pasta was all right, although it was gummy and not especially pretty. The flatbread—”
“Made a good doorstop.”
Another laugh. “Yes. I do genuinely appreciate the effort, however. You and Romeo worked hard. You had some good ideas. It was the execution that was wanting.”
He was almost wanting an execution right now. A firing squad sounded less painful than being rejected by Joyce Alexander. A young woman walking by with a big brindled dog cast Teddy a worried look and paused as if she were going to ask if he needed help. He gave her a wan smile and she nodded and continued on her way.
“I’m sorry,” was all Teddy could say to Joyce. And he was.
“I know. Both of you have tried very hard with my ridiculous tests. You clearly want Reddyflora to succeed, and you’re willing to give a great deal of yourselves to achieve it. I admire such tenaciousness.”
That was an echo of all the teachers who’d told Teddy he was a hard worker even as they gave him a C out of pity. He sagged against the wall and waited for the axe to fall.
Maybe she expected him to say something, because she remained silent for a few moments before clearing her throat. Then she spoke in a serious tone. “I have good news and bad.”
* * *
Back in their hotel room, Romeo was acting chipper over bagels, coffee, and fruit, which he’d spread across the desk. “Do we have time to eat before we head to the airport?”
“I think so. Joyce is sending Dave so we don’t have to mess with rideshares or taxis.”
“Cool. I won’t mind one last ride in that Rolls.”
Teddy nodded and then did a Vanna White gesture at the suitcases. “Let’s pack first. Which one do you want?”
Romeo looked at them for a moment before grinning shyly. “Mind if I take the purple?”
“No, of course not. It’s all yours.” He meant that sincerely, although he’d thought for sure Romeo would go for the navy.
As if reading Teddy’s thoughts, Romeo shook his head. “A week ago I wouldn’t have picked purple, even though I like that one better. I’d have figured blue is safer. But that was before you dressed me in paisley scarves and retro suits.”
Despite the misery secretly lodged in his chest, Teddy gave a genuine smile. “You’ve found your more colorful self.”
“He’s always been there. You just helped me let him out.”
Shit. Teddy was not going to break down in tears. “Purple’s all yours,” he said a trifle brusquely. “But hang on. I got you something.”
Romeo widened his eyes and waited as Teddy unzipped the purple suitcase and removed a large plastic bag. The snacks could wait for the flight—assuming either of them had an appetite by then—but not the heart. He pulled out the box of chocolates and handed it to an astonished Romeo.
“For me?”
“Who else?”
“You got me fancy chocolates.”
Teddy scratched an ear nervously. “I know it’s kind of dumb, but—”
“Not dumb. Romantic.”
Over the years, Teddy had been called a lot of things, but romantic wasn’t one of them. He’d never thought of himself that way either. But maybe that side of him had always been there, deep inside. Like Romeo’s colorful self.
“It was on sale,” Teddy said gruffly.
Romeo laughed, set the box on the bed, and opened one