Page 41

Mackenzie

I stand in the center of my room, surrounded by a pile of fabric—four dresses draped across the bed, casualties of indecision. Why did I ask Theo to go to dinner tonight? It’s a Monday, for goodness’ sake. I’ve waited this long. I couldn’t wait a little more? The clock ticks forward without mercy, and I’m still in my robe.

Theo will be here any minute.

The news keeps saying I was the most important witness for the prosecution today. That seems strange. I was the fourth person to speak, after the EnergiFusion founders. But really, it doesn’t matter.

Tonight, I’m not a witness. I’m not the COO of EnergiFusion. I’m not even Levi’s big sister. He’s spending the night at Geoff’s.

Tonight, I have a date with a very handsome man. And I don’t know if this will be our last date or the first of many to come.

I hold up one dress, then another. The navy blazer dress looks too serious, like I’m going to a work meeting. The shiny one with sparkles? Tiffany said it made my eyes pop, but now, it just feels like I’m trying too hard. Nothing feels right.

I run my fingers through my hair. The thought of sitting across from Theo—not talking about work stuff, but about us—makes my stomach flip.

But I’m showing up as myself, with my head as clear as I think it can be. I’ve taken some time to try, at least. And I’ve decided I’m a woman who still believes in second chances, even when the first one didn’t go so well. A woman who’s spent too many years comparing men to her dad. I’ve realized that never leads anywhere good, and even my dad can surprise me sometimes.

Theo’s not perfect, yet he feels closer to something true than anyone I’ve ever known.

The front door buzzer sounds.

I take a deep breath and press the intercom. “Come on up. Door’s open. I just need a few more minutes.” I push the button to open the front door before rushing back to my room, heart fluttering.

It’s just dinner, but it doesn’t feel like just dinner.

I slip into the dress Caroline insisted I borrow, simple at first glance, but the neckline dips just enough to whisper rather than shout. One shoulder is bare. The fabric clings with intention, not apology. And the heels, Theo’s favorite, make me feel like I’m standing at the edge of a decision I’m finally ready to make.

Tonight is about being honest. Taking a risk. And maybe finding something more.

“Here goes nothing,” I whisper, giving myself one last look in the mirror.

“Hello?” Theo calls from the living room.

“Wait there! I’ll be right out,” I yell.

“Is that an invitation to come find you?” he teases, and his voice gets closer.

Of course it isn’t. But that’s how Theo is, always testing, always playful.

“Are you ever going to stop?” I ask as I walk out, smoothing my dress.

“Anytime you tell me to,” he assures me as I step into the living room.

He stands near the window, the Golden Gate Bridge cutting a familiar silhouette behind him.

His gaze lingers And in it, I see a reflection of my own hope.

“I’m ready,” I say.

“You’re ready,” he repeats. It sounds reverent. A faint smile lifts the corner of his mouth. “You look absolutely stunning.”

The words land gently, but they settle deep. I feel heat rise in my cheeks despite myself. “Thank you,” I murmur, touched in a way I hadn’t expected to be.

“Phillip is downstairs,” Theo says, glancing at his watch. “Where are you taking me?”

“Boulevard,” I say. “I remember you’re partial to their pork chop.”

He lifts a brow. “Did I tell you that?”

“No.” I smile. “But I’ve seen you order it enough times.”

He laughs. “So I’m a creature of habit.”

“Some things are worth repeating.” And somehow, even after testifying, that feels like the biggest truth I’ve revealed all day. I pick up a small clutch that once belonged to my mother. It’s my talisman tonight.

We step out into the evening, and our history walks beside us. But tonight, the future feels louder than the past. The click of my heels echoes against the marble as we descend the stairs, each breath just a little quicker than the last.

Outside the lobby, Phillip stands by the Escalade, impeccable as always. “Good evening,” he says, offering a nod. “You look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you,” I reply with a smile.

Beside me, Theo shifts. A quiet sound escapes him, low, almost a growl.

Possessive. Protective.

A flicker of amusement curls through me. Maybe I’m not the only one feeling like tonight could change everything.

The Escalade moves smoothly through the streets of San Francisco, but everything outside the window feels far away, almost like a dream.

“How’s the new job going?” Theo asks.

After spending all day with him in my previous role, it now feels like I don’t see him at all at work. That’s not true, of course, as we do sit in meetings together from time to time, but it’s nothing like our days used to be.

I fold my hands in my lap and look ahead. “Honestly? I really like it, and things are going more smoothly than I expected. We hired a fourth admin. Jeannie really needed the help, and Emerson found some great people.”

Theo nods and gives me a thoughtful look, the one that makes me feel like he understands more than I’m saying. It’s the look that made me trust him in the first place, even when I didn’t mean to.

We’ve always worked well together, making decisions, solving problems. But in quiet moments like this one, things feel more complicated. Emotions have a way of doing that.

Still… Tonight feels different.

I check my watch. We’re cutting it pretty close. That’s on me for once. “You’re pretty relaxed about being late, but I think we have me to blame this time.”

He laughs softly. “I’m not in charge here, that’s true. This is your party, and I’m just glad to be invited.”

A minute later, the car stops at the end of the alley. Boulevard is in the middle of the block, and you have to walk to it. Phillip gets out and opens the door. The sounds of the City rush in.

I step on to the sidewalk, my heels clicking softly. Theo walks beside me. The restaurant glows with warm, golden light, like it’s inviting us in.

A hostess greets us with a smile. Our table is by the window, with tall leather seats that feel private and quiet. Like this moment was meant to happen here.

I slide in, smoothing my dress, and suddenly, it all hits me.

Theo sits across from me. “You okay?” he asks. “Are you thinking about Levi?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m fine. Levi’s at Geoff’s. His parents are great, and the boys act like best friends already.”

Theo doesn’t look away. “Then what’s going on?” He leans forward, resting his arms on the table. “Something has shifted since we left the car.”

I study the folded napkin next to my water glass. I don’t have a clever answer. No work voice to hide behind. Just me, and the question I’ve been carrying for a while.

“I guess I have something important to discuss with you,” I tell him. “If we were to try this again…” I say softly. “You and me. What would you want that to look like?”

Theo doesn’t answer right away. But something in his eyes changes. I see it—memories, feelings, things he hasn’t said in a long time.

He takes a slow breath, his fingers brushing his glass. When he speaks, his voice is lower, a little rough. “I’d want it to look like this,” he says. “Us, right here. No rushing. No hiding. Just being who we really are.”