Chapter 3 - The movie was harder because he stayed too close in the dark theater. Every time their arms accidentally touched on the shared armrest, Clare’s heart raced inconveniently. When the movie ended and they walked back to the car, the connection between them seemed almost tangible in the cold night air.
Inside the car, before starting the ignition, Theo turned to her.
“I had a really good time today. More than I’ve had fun in years.”
“Me too,” Clare admitted.
It was a scary truth.
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to pull back. Her traitorous body stayed exactly where it was when his lips were inches from hers, when she could feel his warm breath on her face.
Reason finally returned in panic.
“I need to be sure first.”
She pulled back, placing her hand on his chest to create safe distance.
“I need to be sure of what I’m feeling. What this means.”
“I’ll wait as long as you need,” Theo said immediately, pulling away respectfully, though his eyes remained fixed on her with an intensity that made her skin tingle. “I won’t pressure. I won’t rush. You set the pace.”
The drive back to Clare’s apartment was quiet but not uncomfortable. When he parked in front of her building, she was almost relaxed again.
Almost.
Then her phone rang.
Lucas’s name lit up the screen, and her stomach sank. She looked at Theo, who had seen the name too, and answered because hiding would help no one.
“Hi, Lucas.”
“Clare.”
His voice sounded tired over the phone.
“Have you decided? Is it him or is it me? Because I can’t stay in this limbo anymore, waiting for you to work out feelings for someone else.”
Clare looked at Theo, who was watching her with painful attention, waiting for her answer as much as Lucas was.
“I still don’t know, Lucas. I’m still not sure.”
The silence on the other end was long and heavy.
“Then let me know when you do. But don’t take too long, Clare. I deserve more than being someone’s second choice.”
The call ended, and the silence inside the car became suffocating.
Theo ran a hand through his hair, clearly processing what he had just heard.
“You really like him.”
It was not a question. It was a statement with a touch of resignation.
“I do.”
Clare was not going to lie. Not now.
“He’s safe, reliable, predictable in a good way. Everything you weren’t when we knew each other.”
“But now I am.”
Theo stared at her with renewed determination.
“Now I’m all that and more, if you let me prove it. Give me time, Clare. Give me the chance to show you I can be the man you deserve.”
Clare got out of the car without responding because she did not yet have an answer to give.
May you like
Her heart was divided between the past she had always loved and the safe future that made sense.
Choosing felt impossible when both had valid arguments for staying.
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