Page 41 of Aperture

“It is a big deal,” Theo says with urgency in his voice. “You need to tell me if anything like this happens.”

I nod in agreement, looking at Theo. “I will. I promise.” We both turn to look back at Wyatt, who is observing the interaction with a pensive scowl on his face. He writes something down in his notebook before he begins asking more questions.

“Where were you this morning, Theo?”

“What the fuck?” Theo snaps. “You think I broke into my own girlfriend’s house?”

“I didn’t say that,” Wyatt says cooly. “I simply asked where you were.”

“Where were you? Let’s talk about that, huh?”

Wyatt smiles. “My whereabouts are not in question.”

“Well, maybe they should be,” Theo argues. “Millie picked me over you. That can’t make you too happy, buddy. This is deja vu.”

Wyatt jumps out of his seat. “You need to shut the fuck up.”

Somehow, in my frazzled state, I find my voice. “Both of you need to shut the fuck up!” I yell. “I don’t know, or care, about this game you two are playing. I’ve had a shit day, and I want to let my dog out of the damn bathroom, take a bath, and relax!”

They both have the decency to look contrite.

“I’m sorry, Millie. You’re right,” Wyatt says.

Theo pulls me into a tight hug and kisses the top of my head. “I’m sorry, Baby,” he says with his lips pressed to the crown of my head.

“Theo, I need to see you outside.” Wyatt motions for Theo to follow him.

“I will be right back,” Theo says, gently kissing my cheek before following Wyatt.

I hear raised voices, but when they return a few minutes later, no one is bleeding, which is a win. I answer a few more questions, and the officers spend about thirty minutes looking around. Theo and I are drinking tea in the kitchen when Wyatt walks in.

“Millie, we are going to go. I’m taking the picture to check for prints. There’s no sign of forced entry, and even without your alarm on, there would be some damage to that door if it was pried open. I think whoever was here came in through that back window. I need you to get the window fixed.”

“I can call someone tomor—” I start.

“I will fix it tomorrow,” Theo interrupts. Wyatt gives him a curt nod.

“Are you going to be OK tonight?”

Before I can answer, Theo interjects. “She will be fine, detective. I will be here with her.”

Wyatt's jaw tightens and it looks like he might bust a blood vessel in his neck, but he doesn’t argue. Wyatt and the two officers turn to leave and Theo locks the door behind them. I walk over, somewhat numb, and punch in the alarm code.

“Is it OK if I stay tonight?” Theo asks.

“I’d like that.”

We order pizza for dinner and laugh at reruns on TV. I am starting to feel better, but there's still a chill deep inside my bones. Theo runs me a bath as he makes sure everything is locked up for the night. I settle into the tub, the water warming my bones and pinking my skin as I close my eyes and focus on breathing. When I wanted excitement in my life, this is not what I had in mind. After my bath, I dress in a baggy sweatshirt and sweats. I don't think Theo is thinking of sex tonight, given the day I’ve had and our agreement to take things slowly, but once he sees my outfit, I’m sure it will be pretty clear. It screams “boner killer.”

When I emerge from the bathroom I see Theo, laying on the bed, still in his clothes, scrolling on his phone with his legs crossed at his ankles.

“Hey,” he says, looking up from his phone. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” I reply. “You don’t have to sleep in your clothes, Theo. Please get comfortable.”

He smiles sweetly. “OK. Do you have a toothbrush I can use?”

“I have an extra in the cabinet in the bathroom.”