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As soon as we entered the cafe, all eyes were on us. I wondered if I had something on my face. Theo assured me I was fine and smiled like I missed a joke or something.
The cafe had a clean modern interior, with light streaming through the skylight. The food selection was amazing, everything from quiches to chicken croquettes, chocolate caramel slices to Dutch apple pie. It was likely popular because it had lots of customers.
There was even a selection of ice cream. I made a mental note to come back for it later.
We got our orders from the barista, who seemed flushed when Theodore smiled at her. I took out my credit card, but Theodore was a gentleman and insisted on paying.
By luck, we found an empty booth just as a pair of students were leaving. People were craning their necks trying to see our table, so I finally asked what the fuss was about.
“It was well while it lasted,” Theo said with a smile. “They might be staring because of me.”
“Are you notorious or something?” I whispered.
Theo laughed like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. I was more confused than ever.
“I blame Eleanor. She didn’t tell you anything, it seems,” Theo said. “I might be a famous racecar driver, who is also part royal.”
“Wow, which romance writer made you up?” I said, laughing.
Theo raised his eyebrow.
“Oh,” I said. “That wasn’t a joke?”
“Nope.”
“You are a famous celebrity and I am the only person on this planet who doesn’t know?” I asked.
“Pretty much,” Theo said with a sly grin. "I am sixteenth in line to the throne; not high-ranking enough to be important, but not so far down as to be invisible.
Why did Ellie didn’t tell me? I wondered.
“I know what you are thinking,” Theo said, taking a sip of his coffee.
“Are you a famous mind reader, too?”
“I wish I was, so I would know what kind of impression I was making,” Theo said. “You are hard to read, Cassandra.”
I blushed. “I am mostly curious about what happened between you and Eleanor.”
“We dated once and thought it was best if we never did that again,” Theo said in a casual tone.
I nearly spilled my hot chocolate over my shirt.
“You two dated?” I asked. “And you learned about me how?”
“You are all that Eleanor talks about,” Theo said. “In fact, she relayed one of your stories to me when I behaved poorly with my fans.”
“Which story?”
“Your version of Beauty and the Beast,” he replied.
“Ah,” I said.
“I deserved it,” Theo said. “I behaved like a stuck up arse. And your story fits me to a tee. I can never forget Eleanor’s face when she said the killer line: all anyone really looks for, and craves for, is a little love and kindness.”
“I am sorry that my story put you in such agony,” I teased.
“You have no idea,” Theo said. “I had an instant crush. I wanted to meet this beautiful soul who wrote this fairytale, where the prince was a beast because of how others perceived his character, not because of any physical deformity. The version where he fell in love with the girl and, for the first time, he loved someone other than himself.”
I blushed. “Well, you met me. I hope you weren’t disappointed.”
“Not in the least,” Theo said as he held my hand. He looked into my eyes as he said, “You were the mirror who showed the prince his true form. I was determined to meet you the second I heard about you.”
“That’s crazy,” I said. I didn’t know what else to say.
“Eleanor said the same, and it didn’t deter me,” Theo said. “Privilege made me into a jerk. I need someone humble like you to bring me back to earth.”
I stayed quiet, and Theo burst out laughing, “Oh dear lord, I frightened you, didn’t I?”
“Is it bad that I want to call the police?” I said.
“Don’t get me wrong, your story inspired me, Cassandra,” Theo said. “I never liked the original version of the Beauty and the Beast.”
“Me, too,” I said. “I was disappointed when he turned into a prince. I wanted the beast back.”
“You did?” Theo said. “You might enjoy reading monster romances, then.”
“What’s that?” I asked. “Is it anything like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies?”
“Not even close. It romances with monsters... where the readers can live out their fantasies.”
“What kind of fantasies?”
“Various kinks involving tails, talons and other monster parts,” Theo said, grinning.
I never blushed harder. “You are a scoundrel!” I said, laughing.
“That I am,” Theo said. “It makes me wonder how I came across an angel like you.”
“A bad scoundrel and a worse flirt,” I said, smiling. “How do you even know about such books?”
“I will read anything at least once,” Theo said. “I also speak what’s on my mind. You will never have to wonder. I am an open book.”
Unlike John? I immediately thought and then chastised myself. Why was I thinking about him?
“Theo, did you come on campus to stalk me, or do you actually attend here?” I asked.
“I actually have classes here. Please don’t report me,” Theo said. “I thought it was you who came to see me after Eleanor gave my glowing review. It turns out she never mentioned me. How embarrassing!”
“I guess I would have to do the review on my own,” I said.
Theodore grinned. “I would love to hear all the details. Hold nothing back.”
The time flew by, and it felt like it was just the two of us there. Theodore was an intelligent and captivating conversationalist, friendly and easy-going. He talked about anything and everything.
John and Theodore couldn’t be more different.
I looked at the time and saw it was getting late. Buddy must be up by now.
“It was nice meeting you, Theo,” I said, picking up my bag. “I have to go.”
Theo looked disappointed at me leaving, even if we just talked for an hour. “Are you going to meet someone?”
“Yes, he doesn’t like waiting,” I said.
“I am so jealous of your boyfriend,” Theo said. “What’s his name?”
“Buddy,” I said.
“Buddy?”
“Yes, he is my dog,” I said. “My one and only beau.”
Theo gave a sly grin. “We have to fix that, won’t we?”
My heart raced at his flirty grin.
“When can I see you again?” Theo asked.
“Soonish?” I said. “I still don’t know what my course load is going to be like.”
“Wow, I never met an angel who was a nerd,” Theo jokes.
“Well, I never met a racecar driver who was part royal, so I guess we are even,” I said.
Theo smiled. He was going to say something, but he paused as someone entered the cafe.
“Oh, bloody hell.”
“Who is it?” I asked, craning to see the person who arrived.
“Do you have a second?” Theo asked. “I would love for you to meet my friend.”
I shrugged my shoulders, “Sure.”
Theo jumped from his seat towards his friend. I still couldn’t see who it was because a line of planters blocked the view.
I wished I had known sooner and made my escape.
He was walking slowly behind Theo, like a dark cloud rolling in after sunshine.
“Have you met John?” Theodore asked as he reached our table. “John is helping me out with translations. Did you know he is proficient in five different languages?’
Of course he was.
How would I say ‘bane of my existence’ in all five languages? I wondered.
“That is quite an accomplishment,” I said politely.
John smiled.
“What’s so funny? Do share with me, old chap,” Theodore asked, amused.
“Nothing,” John said. “We have met before.”
“Really? Keeping her a secret, were you?” Theo said. “I can’t blame you for hiding such a divine goddess.”
John opened his mouth but no words came out of it. Was he shocked that someone complimented me?
It was high time I made my escape.
“Thank you, Theo, for the coffee. I really have to go,” I said.
“Send my hello to Buddy,” Theo said. I nodded.
“It was nice meeting you,” I said to no one in particular as I dashed to the nearest exit.
I heard John’s voice asking, “Who is Buddy?”
As Theo was explaining, two girls approached his table, asking for his autograph. He shrugged and gave a grin.
Why did Theo have to be friends with John? I groaned. What if he told him about our history?
I was hundred percent certain I was the big, terrible beast in John’s story.
——-
The next few days, I was busy adjusting to my class schedule and finding the best walking routes for Buddy. I almost forgot about the weekly check-in with my grad advisor, a.k.a. John.
He found me sitting in the common area, with headphones stuck in my ears for some peace and quiet. The leather sofas were big and comfortable, if I ignored the shouts coming from the gaming tables.
“What are you doing here?” He asked. I noticed he didn’t bother with a hello.
“Reading,” I said.
“There is a library,” John said. “I remember you used to be fond of them, or has everything changed?”
I felt the iciness of his tone.
“It was busy,” I said. “Not enough space.”
John’s eyebrows went up. “Is this the same library we are talking about?”
“Yes?” I said, uncertain.
John stared intensely for a few seconds, making me feel goosebumps on my arms. “Follow me.”
He didn’t wait for me to answer and walked ahead. I sighed and gathered my things to follow him.
He took me to the same library I was in five minutes earlier. The study tables were all full.
“See?” I said in a hushed voice, pointing to the students-filled tables.
John looked like he was trying to hide a smile. He kept walking, past the lobby of study tables and reference books, until he got to the counter.
John then walked behind the counter and I followed him, confused. There was a set of stairs, and when we reached the top, I discovered the upstairs was a maze of small alcoves with thousands and thousands of books.
A gasp escaped my lips. “It’s a hidden library! Like the one we saw in the word exhibit...”
The moment reminded me painfully of my first date with John. He stared at my response.
“That was so long ago,” I added quickly.
“It only feels like yesterday,” John replied. “It surprised me to see you in the registrar's office, Cassandra.”
I didn’t know what to say. I thought the same about him.
“I thought you were going to Oxford?”
“I changed my mind,” John said simply. “How’s Eleanor?” He asked after a while.
“She is well... we reconnected recently,” I said. “She is coming to London in a week.”
“You reconnected?” John said, furrowing his eyebrows.
“We had a ... falling out,” I said. “But things are better now.”
“Why did you two drift apart?”
“She dropped out of school and wanted me to do the same,” I said. “I didn’t want to leave Haven.”
John stepped closer, and I felt my heart beat faster.
“What made you leave Haven?”
“I changed.” I said.
John didn’t seem satisfied with my answer. “I thought nothing could come between your friendship with Eleanor.”
I stiffened. “Yes... and it never will,” I replied.
“Your loyalty to your friend is commendable,” John said drily.
I didn’t know whether he meant it as an insult.
“I will stay loyal to those I love... even if it makes me seem weak to those who don’t understand,” I said angrily. “I will never ignore my true feelings. I love unreservedly, in all respects. I will never disappear on someone and pretend like they never existed.”
John looked like I had just slapped him. I think I said too much... somehow the conversation switched from talking about Ellie to what happened between us.
"John, I didn’t mean... "
“You should have more privacy here in this part of the library,” John said, looking ashen. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“John, wait...”
John didn’t stop. He was already on his heels and down the stairs, leaving me behind with an aching loneliness.