Page 24

Mackenzie

I sit on the edge of my bed, staring at the chipped red polish on my toes. There’s no time to redo it. I grab the bottle and brush some more on, covering the spots. It’s not perfect, but who’s going to get close enough to notice?

Maybe going out with Theo tonight isn’t such a great idea. I should’ve made up a reason to stay home. I could use a quiet night by myself. Where is that coming from?

Come on , I tell myself, taking a deep breath as I paint the last nail. It’s been ages since I’ve had a real date. I deserve a night out.

I get myself dressed, careful not to smudge my toes, and then there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in!”

Theo appears as I put on my earrings. His eyes linger over me for a moment, taking it all in, from the sparkle of my jewelry to the dress I’m wearing.

I smooth the front of my outfit, suddenly unsure. “Is this too much?” I ask.

His mouth curves into a smile as he shakes his head. “You look amazing.”

Warmth spreads across my cheeks. See? This night won’t be so bad after all .

Theo holds out his arm. It’s a quiet gesture, but there’s something sweet and old-fashioned about it. I slide my hand into the crook of his elbow, and he leads me down the staircase. The soft sound of my dress brushing against my legs is the only noise between us.

“Phillip’s waiting,” Theo says as we reach the bottom step.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

His eyes twinkle. “Bix.”

I blink in surprise. “Bix? You mean the one hidden down that little alley off Jackson Street?” Excitement rushes through me. Bix feels like a secret—fancy, mysterious—and I’ve always wanted to go.

“That’s the one,” Theo says, looking pleased as he leads me outside.

Phillip greets us with a nod. “Good evening, you two.” He opens the car door, and we climb inside.

The drive is quiet and smooth. Theo reaches for my hand, and we lace our fingers together.

“Crystal’s been on my mind since I got that message,” I tell him, watching gold and neon lights streak past.

I can feel Theo looking at me, waiting patiently.

“Something about her story doesn’t make sense.” I turn to face him.

Theo lets out a long breath. “I know. She’s always been a little different. I remember when she first came into our lives…” He shakes his head. “We’ve been through a lot. And now I’m not sure what to believe.”

“Could she have poisoned Justin?” I ask quietly. The words sound strange, like they don’t belong in the real world. “It’s just…hard to believe. It’s too obvious. And why? What would make her do something like that?”

“I agree,” Theo says. I can see the doubt in his eyes. “A little voice in my mind tells me she’s being set up.”

We sit in silence, not awkward, just thoughtful. We’re both puzzling through the same thing, and there are definitely pieces missing.

Phillip brings the car to a gentle stop, and the engine goes quiet. We exit into the alley, the stone path bumpy under my heels, a reminder of how unsure everything feels. A cool breeze raises goose bumps on my arms, and I reach for Theo’s hand.

“Watch your step,” he says.

The entrance to Bix is partway down the corridor, small and hidden. But once we walk in, we’ve entered a whole new world. Candlelight glows, and people talk in low voices. I take it all in—the tall staircase, the second-floor balcony, the artwork on the wall.

“Wow,” I breathe.

Theo grins when he sees my reaction. “This place is a hidden gem.”

A friendly hostess greets us and walks us through the restaurant. We head up the tall staircase to a cozy corner booth on the balcony. It’s tucked away just enough to feel private, but we can still see the bustle of the room below. I slide into my seat, and Theo sits beside me. Our legs touch slightly, just enough for me to notice.

“Thanks for coming out tonight,” Theo says.

I look at him. This time, his smile doesn’t feel like flirting. It’s more than that.

“I’ve never been happier,” he says.

I should feel warm hearing that, but instead, I feel a little off. Why is he so sure when everything else feels uncertain? My thoughts start to race, but I stop myself. Not tonight . Tonight is just dinner. We’re supporting each other through a difficult time. No need to get carried away.

The server stops by, and when I ask for a drink recommendation, she picks a surprise for me—an amaretto sour. Theo orders a Johnnie Walker Blue, neat, and a nice bottle of pinot noir to go with dinner.

When the server walks away, I turn to him. “Think we can avoid talking about work, Crystal, or Levi tonight?”

He grins. “That might be tough, but I think we can manage.” His hand slides onto my thigh.

“And no sex talk.”

“You’re really killing the vibe.”

I smirk. “That’s kind of my thing.”

Theo laughs, loud and carefree. “What sort of music are you into right now?”

I take a deep breath. I want to say something edgy and cool, but I go for the truth. “Taylor Swift. I think I’m a full-blown Swiftie. What about you?”

He raises a brow. “So, is it the man-hating songs or…?”

I roll my eyes. “When I was younger, my dad made me take piano lessons because my mom was this amazing concert pianist. But I was terrible. When I hear Taylor’s songs—the lyrics, the chords—she just gets it. I understand why people love to play music. And she’s upbeat, for the most part. Not all moody and melancholy. We get enough of that at work.”

The server returns with our drinks and takes our order. We thank her, and Theo lifts his glass. “To Taylor Swift.”

I laugh and clink my drink against his. “Your turn. What are you listening to?”

“Should I lie and say Taylor Swift?”

“Only if it’s true,” I tell him.

“I’ve been on a metal kick lately.”

I groan and tilt my head back. “Noooo…”

“But for kind of the same reasons you like Taylor. The other night, everyone left the office, and ‘Hells Bells’ came on. I cranked the volume and screamed along. Felt incredible.”

I giggle. “Did you jump around like a crazy person?”

“I’d lose my man card if I said yes.”

“Oh, please. You lost that card the day you wore those salmon-colored pants with suede oxfords.”

He gasps. “Those are amazing pants! Most comfortable ones I own.”

“Well, then cheers to your pants!” I raise my glass again, and we burst into laughter. It seems this evening we’re going to swerve into the ridiculous.

When dinner arrives, we keep the nonsense going. I cut into my seared tuna, pink in the center, just right, and Theo takes his time with his steak, savoring each bite, like it’s art.

Then, completely out of nowhere, he says, “You ever think about living together?”

I freeze, my fork mid-air. My heart stumbles. I let out a soft laugh, trying to play it cool. “I believe that’s what’s currently happening. Your guest room is lovely.”

Theo leans closer. “Oh, I’m not talking about the guest room.”

My breath catches. The air feels different now—charged, almost electric.

“That’s never going to happen,” I say, trying to sound like I’m joking, though I’m not at all sure how I feel.

“Never say never.” There’s a playful glint in his eyes. “I love a good chase.”

I roll my eyes, since I know from experience that once he catches his target, he moves along. I can’t get caught up in the idea of sharing a life with Theo, as I’ve seen no evidence that he’s capable of that. Or that it’s even something he wants, his last comment aside, I suppose. Am I scared? Or do I want it? Maybe both.

Our talk turns lighter again. We laugh and joke, and before I know it, the plates are cleared and I’m finishing my last sip of wine. Theo pays the bill, and we step outside into the cool San Francisco night.

Theo slips his hand into mine. “Want to take a walk?”

I nod. “Sure.”

We walk through the quiet streets of Jackson Square, our steps in sync. The City lights reflect off wet sidewalks, making the ground glow gold beneath our feet. It’s peaceful. It should feel simple. But in the back of my mind, his words still echo.

Living together.

Was it a joke? A test?

The question keeps circling in my mind, soft but steady, until Theo suddenly stops walking.

He’s led me into a quiet alley, far from the streetlights. It’s still and dark. Without a word, he presses me back against the cold brick wall. His hands find my waist, and then his lips meet mine. The kiss is strong and sure, and I gasp a little as heat rushes through me. I grab his shirt and stop thinking. There’s no more worry. Just this. Just us.

He moves closer, and I feel every part of him, making my heart race even faster. I let out a soft sound, and his kiss deepens, his grip on me growing tighter. It sends my pulse jumping.

When Theo pulls away, I feel the difference—his lips gone, the air cool against my skin. I remain against the brick wall, trying to catch my breath. My dress feels too light for the night air, or maybe it’s just how far away he feels.

“Hold on,” he says. He pulls out his phone, his fingers moving quickly across the screen. A moment later, headlights appear at the end of the alley, cutting through the darkness.

“Phillip’s here,” Theo notes. He extends his hand.

I take it, letting him guide me away from the wall. My legs feel unsteady, my pulse still racing from the kiss. As we walk toward the car, I smooth my dress, trying to pull myself together. But the way Theo keeps looking at me makes it clear. He knows exactly how I’m feeling.

Phillip, always the professional, doesn’t even blink at our disheveled appearances. Instead, he just opens the door. “Good evening.”

“Evening,” I tell him.

We sink into the soft leather seats, and he pulls away from the curb.

Theo reaches for my hand, his fingers weaving with mine—steady, warm, sure. It feels like a question, a quiet pull. Stay present , I remind myself.

As Phillip drives to Theo’s place, a slow wave of anticipation rises in me. And when we step out of the car and enter the building, I find I’m ready—body and mind—for what’s coming next.