Theo gives her a knowing look, not missing the tears in her eyes. “I don’t buy that for a second.”

She exhales through her nose, giving him a long, measured look. Then, finally, she shakes her head. “You really are a pain in the ass, you know that?”

He grins. “It’s one of my best qualities.”

Aubrey glances between the two of us, a flicker of emotion in her expression. Whatever it is, she doesn’t say it. Instead, she grabs her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. “Fine. You win. But if this place burns down, it’s on you.”

Theo clutches his chest dramatically. “You wound me, Auntie.”

Aubrey rolls her eyes but softens just a little. “Try not to do anything stupid, Teddy.”

She heads for the door, pausing only briefly. “Selene, it was nice seeing you.” She says, offering me a small nod. Then she’s gone, leaving behind a moment of silence.

Exhaling, he shakes his head. “Stubborn,” he mutters.

“You’re one to talk,” I tease.

His lips twitch. “Fair point.” He leans against the counter, arms crossed as his hazel eyes settle on me. “So, what exactly was going on before I barged in? You two had your heads pressed together like you were conspiring to take over the town.”

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “Not quite.”

His smirk lingers, but his gaze shifts—curiosity, maybe even a little concern. “It looked intense.” He tilts his head, studying me.

“Just stories from her past. Things she’s been through.”

Theo’s expression shifts slightly, his easygoing demeanor dimming just a fraction. “Aubrey doesn’t talk about the past much. She prefers to live in the present, as most of the town is aware.”

I chuckle. “I got that impression.”

He watches me as if trying to piece it all together. “And? What do you think?”

I exhale, choosing my words carefully. “I think she’s been through a lot. More than I realized.”

Theo’s jaw tightens for a split second, but then he forces a smile, shifting back into his usual teasing mode. “And yet, she still has the energy to remind me what a disappointment I am for my taste in music.”

I chuckle. “To be fair, that was a bold entrance.”

He grins, clearly pleased with himself. “Gotta keep things interesting.”

The moment lingers between us, charged yet comfortable. Then, he leans in slightly, lowering his voice. “She trusts you, you know.”

I blink, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity.

“She wouldn’t open up like that otherwise,” he continues, his hazel eyes searching mine. “Which makes me wonder—what kind of spell do you have people falling under, Selene Smith?”

I roll my eyes, but the way he says my name sends a shiver down my spine. “Oh, you have no idea.”

His grin widens. “Now I’m even more intrigued.”