only fools rush in

“Fuck men.” Theo smiled at the other girl, appreciating the sentiment, before downing her own shot. “God, I really should’ve listened to your warning.” She made a face, as the alcohol burned it’s way down her throat. 

The other woman’s words made Theodora’s cheeks flush, but the thought of getting drunk kind of excited her. “Well, gee, wait to make it sound so appetizing.” She joked, waiting for the bartender to return with their shots.

She nodded, trying not to get all emotional over the girls kindness. “I’ve never really been drunk before, but what the hell. There’s a first time for everything.”

“He’s not a douche.. I mean, okay he totally is. Sometimes. But in this particular situation, I kinda feel like I’m the douche.”

“You don’t have a middle name?” She asked, slight taken aback by his statement. Using her hands, Theo proceeded to stretch out the dough, continuing the conversation as she did so. “Very true. And I’m already too invested in this situation between you and your girlfriend, so you can’t just keep me hanging.” She shuffled through a draw for a few moments before pulling out a large rolling stick and cookie cutter. “You have the mind of a schemer! I didn’t even think about how unassuming my place would be.” Once his face dropped, Theo knew she messed up. “I guess ‘not believing in it’ is the wrong way to put. I believe in relationships and connections and all of that, I just don’t think what society has defined as “love” exists. Like.. there’s not this one special person out there made specifically for you who you will be insanely happy with for the rest of your life.”

“Maybe you’re just overthinking things between you too?” she offered. “You shouldn’t compare this relationship to your last though, that’s a sure fire way to make yourself miserable. But I understand why you’re concerned about things, I really think you should talk to her.” Theo grabbed a ball of dough from the refrigerator and placed it on the counter. “Yeah, it was totally insane. You’d figure if someone is cheating on their spouse they’d go to a chain hotel instead of a tiny B&B, but to each their own I guess.” She shrugged, sprinkling flour across the dough ball. Earlier in the conversation Joel had mentioned his fondness over “love” and Theo didn’t want to offend him with her own opinions, so she was careful how she worded it. “It’s not that I don’t like talking about it. I guess I just don’t believe in it, really. I’m sure that makes me sound insanely pretentious.”

“Why didn’t it feel natural?” she asked, genuinely curious. “You would not believe the stories I have for you. Okay, best one right now. The govenor and his wife are both cheating on each other, that’s not even the juiciest part-- it’s with the same woman.” she widened her eyes, before adding. “You wouldn’t believe the look on the mistresses face when I told her it was good to see her again!” She sighed, realizing how sad her life was if town gossip was the most exciting thing about it. “You know, I think there should be more people like you. Those who love love just for the sake of it. Most of us are too afraid to even approach the topic.” Leading him across the lounge and toward the staff area, she chuckled at his words. “Deal. So, are you ready for some donuts? It shouldn’t take too long.”

“It’s completely normal to be confused about your feelings especially since you guys have been so close for as long as you have.” she reassured him before continuing. “I do think you guys need to have a conversation though. A real one, about how you’re feeling. And who knows? She might be feeling the same way.” She hit a few light switches on the lighting panel as they stepped in the door. “You wouldn’t believe the unhealthy and broken relationships I see in this place so more power to her for finding someone who loves her. Age is nothing but a number, yeah?” Theo chuckled and shook her head. “Don’t worry about it, I'm one of those people who prefers to listen.”

She listened to him vent as she continued to search her purse for her keys. As embarrassing as it was, Theo didn’t have a ton of experience in the relationship department, so coming up with decent advice for the younger guy was a bit difficult for her, but she felt compelled since he was opening up to her. “I know you didn’t like.. ask for my opinion, but communication is the most important aspect in any relationship and most things can be solved by just being up front with someone, you know? So I think you should talk to her about how you’re feeling.” She offered him a reassuring smile, before finally opening the entry way door. “Ah, what a life she’s living! I’m incredibly envious.”

Amused by his story, Theo couldn’t help but chuckle. “You must care a lot about that shop. Any other person probably would have ransacked the place and went on with their lives. Have you heard from her since?” As they approached her B&B, Theo shuffled through her purse in search of her key ring. 

“No, you definitely don’t have to pay me for these donuts. Or any in the future. I just mean.. normally when I’m making these donuts I’m making them for my hotel guests, who are paying me to basically.” she chuckled, feeling kind of silly for explaining it. “But you’re welcome to free donuts any Friday, as long as you compliment them. I live on compliments.”

“Not unless they’re paying me.” She chuckled, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “I wish I could say I was as charitable as you are, but no this is my first free donut offering. Who knows? Maybe if it goes well, I’ll start doing it more often.”

“Despite my dream nickname obviously being ‘donut lady’ you call me Theo.” she mirrored his smile and extended her hand toward him.