Page 55 of Strange Seduction (Strange #2)

Twelve hours later.

Theo: Did you get in safely?

Carmen: Yeah. Just got to my apartment.

Theo: Okay, great. Can I call you?

Carmen: Not tonight, Theo. I need space to figure out how to navigate this.

Theo: Okay. I respect that.

Carmen: Thank you.

Theo: I love you so much, Carmen.

Carmen: I love you, too.

Two days later.

Theo: Hey, just checking in on you. How are you?

Carmen: I’m fine. Today was my first day back to work, so I’ve been busy. You?

Theo: Same here. Up to my eyeballs in work.

Carmen: Sorry to hear that.

Theo: I’ll live, Amore mio . Maybe I could call you tonight?

Carmen: I don’t think so. Still working through some things.

Theo: Okay.

Carmen: I’m sorry.

Theo: Don’t be.

A week later.

Carmen: Hey…

Theo: Hey, Sweetness.

Carmen: I know this sounds pathetic, but. I can’t sleep…

Theo: It’s not pathetic. Do you wanna talk about it?

Carmen: Just feeling a little sad about my dad.

Theo: Right. Funeral’s tomorrow.

Carmen: Yeah.

Theo: Do you want me to come?

Carmen: No, no. It’s okay, Teddy. It’s too last-minute. Besides, Alyssa told me you started building that project you were working on, so I know you’re busy. It’s gonna be a small service anyway.

Theo: I’m not too busy for you, Carmen. But if you say it’s fine, I won’t overstep.

Carmen: Thank you.

Theo: I’ll call you in a minute.

The next day.

Carmen: Theodore, you didn’t have to pay for the service. I could’ve handled it.

Theo: I wanted to. He was a good man, and I wished I could’ve met him in person. It was something I wanted to do to honor him. And you.

Carmen: …

Carmen: Thank you.

Theo: You’re welcome.

Carmen: Can you talk?

Theo: I’m calling right now.

A month later.

Theo: Hey, I’m gonna be in New York for a few days. Can we grab lunch?

Carmen: I can’t. I’m in Florida for a case.

Theo: What? Why didn’t you tell me?

Carmen: I didn’t think I had to…

Theo: …

Theo: I guess you’re right.

Carmen: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that…

Theo: No. I get it. Maybe next time.

Another month.

Theo: Hey, we haven’t checked in in a while. Mind if we call?

Carmen: I can’t right now because I’m late for a hearing. Maybe when I get off?

Theo: I have a meeting in two hours. Does tomorrow morning work?

Carmen: Maybe. What time?

Theo: 10 a.m., then I’m busy for the rest of the day.

Carmen: It’ll be 4 a.m. here, Teddy.

Theo: Fuck. You’re right.

Carmen: I gotta go. Another day.

Theo: Okay. Bye.

Another day.

Carmen: Are you free now?

Theo: Unfortunately, not. Dealing with a problem with the water line at one of the sites.

Carmen: Oh. Okay.

Theo: I’m sorry.

Carmen: Don’t be.

Three months later.

Theo: Mikey told me you’re moving out?

Carmen: Yes. Is that a problem?

Theo: Can I ask why?

Carmen: The lease is up, and I don’t wanna renew it.

Carmen: I like the place, but maybe I should downgrade.

Theo: I’ll pay the lease.

Carmen: Theodore, no.

Theo: I want to. Please.

Carmen: You’ve done more than enough for me. It’s time I move on.

Theo: I want you to stay where you’re safe and comfortable,

Carmen. You live alone and work late, and the place has security.

Theo: I’ll talk to Mikey. Please stay there. It’ll make me sleep better.

Carmen: Okay.

Carmen: Thank you, Teddy.

Theo: No problem.

Two months later.

Carmen: Hey, do you have the camera where we recorded everything? I can’t find it anywhere.

Theo: Yes, I do. Do you need it?

Carmen: Kinda. There are some good memories in there. I wanted to see them.

Theo: Memories, huh. Sure you don’t just want to see me naked?

Carmen: Hush.

Carmen: Do you watch it back?

Theo: Sometimes.

Carmen: How does it make you feel?

Theo: Nostalgic.

Carmen: Hm. I guess I’ve been feeling that way too.

Theo: I’ll send the files over by email when I get home.

Carmen: Maybe don’t. I don’t think our sextapes should be shared over email.

Theo: Right.

Carmen: I’ll send you a secure link.

Theo: Okay.

Carmen’s birthday.

Carmen: Thank you so much for the flowers, Teddy bear!

Theo: No problem, Sweetness.

Theo: Any plans for tonight?

Carmen: Probably drink a bottle of wine and use my vibrator.

Theo: Hm. Call me and I’ll keep you company.

Carmen: I’ll think about it.

Some time later.

Theo: Are you awake?

Carmen: Barely. Is something wrong?

Theo: Yes. No. I don’t know. I couldn’t sleep with this on my mind.

Carmen: What’s on your mind?

Theo: Us.

Theo: I know how you feel about us. And I know it’s hard for you to believe in us possibly being able to get back together right now, but I’m working on it.

Carmen: Teddy…

Theo: Carmen. Please. Let me work on what I’m working on. I promise I’ll make it right. Just don’t give up on me yet, okay, Sweetness?

Carmen: Okay.

A year.

Theo: Hey.

Carmen: Um, hi?

Theo: Yeah. I know we haven’t talked in a while, but I’m back in New York and wanted to see if we could grab drinks. I’d like to discuss something with you.

Carmen: What’s it about?

Theo: It’s something that should be discussed in person.

Carmen: Okay. I can’t stay for too long ‘cause I’m buried at work.

Theo: That’s fine.

Carmen: Okay. Send me the address.