Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 208

Theodore had promised to take Emma and Grandma out for the day. Now, Emma was curious to see how he’d answer.

She could tell Theodore hesitated for a split second—just a brief flicker of doubt—before he agreed without missing another beat. “Sure, let’s go to the island.”

Jared immediately burst out laughing. “Oh, I see how it is! Theo, you’re just dumping all the work on us so you and Emma can sneak away for a romantic getaway?”

Hanley chimed in, feigning indignation. “Not fair. We’re going to need double pay for covering your shift.”

Theodore grinned, easy and unbothered. “Deal. I’ll pay you both myself.”

“And I want a souvenir!” Jared demanded.

“You’ll get one,” Theodore promised, still smiling.

Cecilia suddenly remembered, “Wait, didn’t you say Emma was joining us for dinner? Where is she?”

Before Theodore could answer, Jared cut in, “Emma’s never liked hanging out with us. Honestly, Cecilia, you’re the only one who insists on making friends with her, even after she’s given you the cold shoulder again and again. You never learn.”

“Oh, come on—” Cecilia protested playfully, “I only do it for Theo. If I were him, I’d want my wife and my friends to get along, not be stuck in the middle. Besides, after what happened this morning, I’m sure Emma’s upset about Theo’s decision. I should apologize and smooth things over for him. I’m just looking out for Theo.”

“Theo, Theo, Theo—always Theo,” Jared teased with a laugh. “Aren’t you afraid we’ll get jealous?”

“It’s fine,” Theodore replied calmly. “I already explained it to her. Emma wasn’t mad—she took it really well. You don’t need to worry.”

It was rare for Emma to hear Theodore praise her, and now he’d done it twice in a row. That was a first.

“How do you know she’s not mad?” Hanley interjected. “I’m telling you, women always say the opposite of what they mean. If she says she’s fine, she’s probably already plotting your doom.”

Emma couldn’t help but laugh. For once, Hanley was speaking up on her behalf. Whatever he said before, she didn’t care; that last part about sentencing Theodore to death hit the nail on the head.

“Nonsense,” Theodore scolded Hanley. “If you don’t believe me, ask Emma yourself. Emma, are you ready? Everyone’s here.”