Page 3 of Perfect Matcha

Theo hadn’t been in a relationship since.

Not that Camden had kept track of that either.

“But I was buried under my own doctoral bullshit that whole time. We were glorified roommates who sometimes cuddled and rarely had sex because I was too busy and self-absorbed and—”

“Hey, whoa, Theo. It’s all right. The breakup wasn’t your fault.”

People broke up. That was life.

Camden’s fear was about what had happened to Theo and Freddieaftertheir breakup. They’d been incapable of being in the same room without awkwardness, incapable of smiling at each other without sadness. Every conversation was tense and dysfunctional until they’d eventually stopped trying. Theo and Freddie’s decades-old friendship had warped into something ugly and small. An afterthought. A cell in themaybecolumn of a wedding invite list.

That terrified Camden. He couldn’t imagine a life without Theo’s friendship, a life where their connection was relegated to bittersweet memories.

That fear was what made it essential for Camden to push down his feelings for Theo, to keep them a secret. It wasn’t worth the risk.

“I know what will cheer you up,” Camden said, ready to suggest Tex-Mex, beer, and a game of shuffleboard, but Theo cut him off.

“A date! To the wedding. That’s what I need. Someone cool.” Theo blinked at Camden a few times, his eyes owlish behind his glasses. “Youknow cool people.”