Escape from Mr. Whitman (Emma and Theodore) novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

“Theo, you’re really heading out this early? Aren’t you tired? What’s the big deal about checking out later?” That was Jared’s voice, thick with exasperation.

“If I wait till later? She’d be long gone by then,” Theodore shot back.

“Come on, Theo. So what if she leaves? She’s still gotta get on a plane home, right?”

That seemed to stump Theodore. For a moment, he just sat there, then muttered, “Yeah, I guess. I just can’t let it go.”

“Honestly, I’d be pissed too,” Jared said, his voice low and sharp. “She spends your money and cheats on you? A wife like that, you should’ve dumped her ages ago.”

“If you ask me, she’s just asking for trouble. Theo, you’re way too soft on her. If it were me, I’d have set her straight a long time ago.”

Typical. That was his friends for you.

They were always like this.

If there ever came a day when they didn’t talk bad about her in front of him, she’d never believe it.

Cecilia spoke up then, her tone gentle, “Guys, enough. Theo’s already going through enough as it is. You think this makes him feel any better? The truth is, we owe everything to Theo’s kindness. If he were anything like the ruthless businessmen out there, none of you would even have a job.”

A brief silence fell over the table. Then Jared grinned and said, “You’re right. If Theo wasn’t such a stand–up guy, we wouldn’t be brothers. We’re just worried about him, that’s all. It always takes you, Cici, to say it how it is. You really get Theo.”

“Thank God you’re back, Cici,” another of Theodore’s friends chimed in. “Theo’s had it rough these past years. He needs someone like you–someone who actually cares for him.”

Theodore finally spoke, his voice measured. “Alright, let’s not dwell on it. I know you guys mean well. Honestly, I wouldn’t have made it through the last few years without you. Whatever’s happened, I can handle it.”

So, in other words, the five years they’d spent together had been a total disaster, and now that Cecilia was back, she was the angel sent to save him from his misery.

Emma set her coffee cup down. The morning’s American brew tasted even more

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Chapter 82

bitter now.

She quietly stood, slipped out from behind the pillar, and walked past their table.

Jared was facing her. He had just taken a bite of his breakfast when he looked up and saw Emma walking by with a gentle smile. His jaw dropped, and a chunk of food tumbled out of his mouth.

“Jared, can you stop dropping food everywhere?” Cecilia scolded, not even looking up.

“She… she…” Jared stammered, pointing in Emma’s direction.

“What is it?” Cecilia followed his gaze, and the color drained from her face.

Now Theodore and the other friend noticed something was off. Both turned to look.

Theodore had his back to Emma, but when he turned and saw her, he froze for a second–just a second.

Emma could see the same dawning realization in all four pairs of eyes: Surely she hadn’t overheard their entire conversation just now?

She smiled, picked up the coffee sitting in front of Theodore, and held it up to his lips.

Theodore hesitated, eyes dropping to the cup.

Emma began to tilt the cup slowly. The coffee crept right up to his mouth, but he refused to take a sip. Instead, it spilled, dark droplets running down and soaking into

his shirt.

Half the cup dripped onto him before Emma finally set it back down with a look of feigned surprise. “Oh, you didn’t drink? I thought you had–I guess it all just spilled

out.”

“Emma…” Cecilia’s eyes filled with tears as she stared at Theodore’s stained shirt. “What do you want from us? If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. Please, don’t take it out on Theo…”

“This has nothing to do with you, Cici,” Emma replied, mimicking Theodore’s gentle tone, her smile as sweet as ever. “I just wanted him to have some coffee. I really thought he drank it. How was I supposed to know it would all end up on his shirt?”

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