It's been a few weeks since I've spoken to Theo and it has been driving me crazy. Like crazy. My head spins out of control when I think of him or even dream of him or even hear his name through my mom or Mitchell.

I've been helping around with my mom with the wedding dresses, the reception, and invitations for the wedding. The wedding is set to the end of summer which is perfect timing for us since we can spend the time together.

Within a few days, I've been spending time with Halle and Julia before they go off to their adventures. Halle is going to L.A. for an organization event with animal rescue and Julia is planning a trip to London for a few months.

...

It was a Tuesday morning when I decided to go to the reception venue. I had bought some supplies for the wedding that Chrissy wanted me to buy.

I met her over at the reception, as she shows me her decoration ideas. It was colorful; with summer colors. Sunset yellow, aqua blue, orange, and light purple. She also showed me some rhinestones and beautiful flowers.

″I think Andrea would like these,″ Chrissy said, putting the glasses away.

″I'm sure she will, you know my mom and wine.″

She laughed. ″Honey, do you mind taking those with me back to the house? I wanna leave a few things around here.″

I gulped. Nervous thoughts cluttered in my mind as soon as she said House. Meaning, Theo.

″Oh, um, okay.″

″Thanks, honey, you're the best.″

″Oh, and honey. Would you mind staying for dinner? We're having steak, I also invited your mom and Mitchell, and a few friends. If that's okay.″

″Yeah sure,″ I chuckled nervously. ″Anything for you Chrissy.″ She taps me lightly on the shoulder as I gathered the small boxes and head over to my car.

I went over to my car and drove away from the reception area and back to my house first. After taking, a quick change I decided to stall myself all day before actually heading to Petrakis's house.

My mom had texted me that she arrived at the Petrakis's home, wondering where I am. I had texted her back, letting her know that I'll be there in a few.

I came across to my off shoulder floral romper. It was laced up from the waist, which gave it a boho aesthetic style; perfect for a summer look.

Leaving my house, I brought the boxes with me and finally went over to Theo's house. I parked the car right behind Chrissy's and walked over to the door.

Before opening it, the door was opened and Theo was there.

His lips were stretched tight like he hadn't slept in three days, and his eyes were puffy as if he had rubbed poison ivy all over his face. He ran his hand through his hair when he saw me on the doorstep, indicating his awkwardness.

I could tell how depressed he was. I'd never seen him look worse. The sight broke my heart.

″Hey,″ I finally spoke.

″Hey,″ he said back.

He ran his hands through his brown hair and I saw the despair in his blue eyes.

Normally, Theo looked calm and collected even when he was in stressful situations.

His shoulders never drooped and he always held himself upright, strong, and proud, but now his frame seemed broken. His jaw was tight with unspent tension and his mouth looked tense, not relaxed like it normally was.

″Are you okay?"

″Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just tired.″

I pushed the door open and walked into the room, placing the boxes on the kitchen table. He sighed as he shut the door behind me. I ignored his obvious despair and tried to act normal.

″There she is!" My mom shrieks when she sees me getting a plate from the counter. She gave me a peck kiss on the cheek. ″Miss you sweetie, thank you for helping out Chrissy.″

″Of course, mom. I had a great time.″

″Hurry up and come over to join us.″

″Aha, yes, I will just give me a minute.″ She gave me the okay and walked back over to the dining room area as I grabbed some food. I went over to the dining room where everyone was eating. I said hello and took a seat near the window.

There, Theo joined sat right next to me with his full plate of shrimp fried rice. There was a commotion in the dining room from my mom, Chrissy, Mitchell, and a few of their friends talking about ″those days.″

Theo and I were the only ones that sat there through silence. Often, I catch his hands on top of mine whenever I need more salt or passing over the fruit bowl to my mom or Mitchell.

After dinner, everyone decided to watch a basketball game as I isolated myself outdoors to the pool. It's been years since I've been here at the pool; it brings me back to those memories of me, Theo and Kenny playing 'Marco, Polo.'

The door opened and it was Theo joining me outside. He took out his lighter and lit up the pit.

He picked up a throw blanket from the couch and draped it around me, his warm breath on my hair. I wanted him to wrap his arms around me—and for a moment, I thought he would—but he moved away.

″I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Stephanie, unless you want me here." His tone seemed to be testing me, checking to see if I was truly interested in his company for the night.

I was, but I wouldn't admit to it. "I would feel better if you'd stay.

He smiled. "Of course I'll stay then."

Theo took off his black, down-filled jacket and sat down next to me on the couch. The heat from the fire began to do its job and I was feeling much better.

″I couldn't stop thinking about you,″ I blurted out in a whisper.

″Me too,″ He whispered back. ''I'm sorry for making this whole thing weird.''

''Theo-''

''No, listen to me,'' he turns to me. ''I meant what I said. I've missed you like crazy Steph. All I could think about was you. I understand if this is too much for you to handle. So, if you don't want to be around me because of... then I get it.''

He spoke as if he cared for me, and it made me want to fall into his arms again, my face against his chest. We looked at each other, the memory of that day shadowing our faces.

''I want to be around you, Theo,'' I responded.

We smiled at each other, and then his gaze turned serious. His right hand cradled my face and his thumb delicately caressed my cheek, like assessing fine silk.

It was the touch that confirmed everything I hoped would be true.

I turned my face up to his, wanting more than anything in my life to be kissed by those lips.

He gave me what I desired and leaned into me, pulling my face to his. His kiss was slow and soft, and then his lips parted and forced mine to yield to him.

"Steph," he whispered near my ear in between tender kisses. "You haven't said anything."

″I don't want to say anything,″ I whispered back and he laughs softly.

He kissed me quickly on the lips and then pulled away.

″Steph, honey! Let's go home!″ My mom shouts from a distance.

″I guess this time for me to go,″ I said to Theo. ″I hate to leave you right now...when things were just getting interesting between us." He kissed my forehead and turned to go.

″I'll see you soon?″ He questions.

″Soon as in?″

"Let me take you out for dinner tonight. I'll make reservations. Will seven be fine?"

″Very specific,″ I giggled.

″Trying to be a gentleman,″ he smiled.

That feeling in my stomach again.

''Yes.''