Max wandered over to me. “Your audience looks smitten,” he said under his breath. “You sure he’s straight? Because from where I’m sitting…”
I didn’t look up. “He’s enthusiastic, that’s all.” I wasn’t about to share. Max would have a field day armed with that little piece of information. When Max didn’t respond, I glanced at him.
Max was grinning. “Of course he is. And I’m the Virgin Mary.”
“Go home, Max.”
“Not yet. We need a debrief.”
I couldn’t argue with that.
“Fine. Let me tell Cameron he can head home first.”
Then maybe I would be able to breathe.
Cameron
I packed away my sketchbook. I smiled as Theo walked over to me.
“That was incredible. I’ve never heard anything like it.”
Theo managed a faint smile. “They did well.” He looked away.
“They followed you,” I said simply.
“It’s a team effort.”
“Maybe. But you’re the pulse.”
Theo stuffed his notebook into his bag. “Flattery doesn’t suit you.”
“It’s not flattery.” I softened my voice. “It’s admiration.”
Theo froze, his hand stilling on the zipper of his bag. “Look, Max wants to talk to me, probably about scheduling or arrangement tweaks. You can head back if you want.”
I tilted my head. “You sure?”
“Positive.”
I nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you at the flat. And Theo?”
Theo’s gaze lingered, unreadable. “Yes?”
“Thank you for letting me be here tonight. I loved watching you do what you love.”
Theo looked away, but the faintest flush rose along his neck. “Thanks for coming.”
I pulled on my jacket. “Don’t stay out too late,” I said with a smile.
Theo snorted. “That’s usually my line.”
“Maybe I’m learning from you.”
I left before I could say anything more dangerous.
Outside, Soho was slick with rain again, the neon bleeding into puddles. The air smelled of smoke and wet pavement, alive with the noise of the city.
I slipped my hands into my pockets, smiling to myself as I turned toward the Tube station. I knew Theo would follow later, after whatever talk Max had planned. But for now, I carried the warmth of the evening with me. What stayed with me was the laughter, the music, and the quiet gratitude in Theo’s voice.