Reputation's Bloom

Chapter 37. Firecracker

Chapter 37

Theo and Daphne

Daphne moved around her apartment with a practiced ease, fluffing the extra pillows on the pullout couch while her mother, Molly, stacked folded blankets at the foot of the bed. Her father, Bill, was busy inspecting the small shelf of books and knickknacks by the window, a fond smile on his face as he commented on the miniature plant collection that Daphne had meticulously nurtured.

"This one's a keeper," he said, pointing at a fern in a bright yellow pot. "Looks like it's thriving."

Daphne chuckled as she turned off the overhead light, letting the soft glow of a floor lamp create a cozy ambiance. "You've said that about the last five plants, Dad."

"Well, they all look like they're thriving," he teased, patting her shoulder.

"Alright, everything's set," Molly announced, brushing her hands together. "We're not taking your bed, Daphne. This couch will do just fine."

"Mom, it folds out. It's practically a bed," Daphne replied, crossing her arms with a mock sternness. "I will be very comfortable here."

"Are you sure?" Molly asked.

"Yes, yes, yes," Daphne laughed. "Please take the bed. And I'm also stepping out with Theo so I will be late. I don't want to wake you guys up when I come back.

"You're such a good hostess," Molly said, opening her arms and pulling Daphne into a hug. "Your dad and I are lucky."

"Yeah, yeah," Daphne said lightly, though her cheeks warmed. She kissed her mother's cheek and squeezed her father's hand. "Goodnight, guys. Let me know if you need anything."

"Goodnight, sweet pea," Bill said as Molly echoed the sentiment.

Daphne waited until her parents disappeared into her bedroom to grab her coat and dash out of the apartment. The cool night air greeted her as she stepped onto the quiet street, her eyes landing on Theo leaning against his car. As she approached, he smiled and opened the passenger door

"What are we doing?," Daphne asked as Theo slid into the driver's seat and started the engine.

Theo shot her a quick grin. "Figured you might need a little reward for all that hostessing."

"I like rewards," Daphne laughed. "What's it going to be?"

"You like ice cream, right?" Theo smiled.

"Ice cream is your idea of a reward?" Daphne shook her head. "Where are we going to find ice cream at this time? Plus everything is closed for Thanksgiving."

"I'm sure something is open," Theo said.

Daphne raised a skeptical eyebrow as she fastened her seatbelt. "What's your plan if we strike out?"

Theo glanced at her with an exaggerated look of offense. "Do you have so little faith in me? I'm wounded."

She laughed, the sound light and genuine. "I just know how stubborn you are. If there's no ice cream, I'll probably end up eating frozen peas in the back of your car while you insist it's the same thing."

"Frozen peas?" Theo scoffed. "Do I look like a man who doesn't know how to properly spoil his girlfriend?"

Daphne smirked, leaning back into the seat as they pulled away from her apartment. The city was quiet, the streets nearly empty save for the occasional car or flicker of holiday lights strung along porches and storefronts. The soft hum of the heater filled the silence between them, punctuated by the faint sound of Theo drumming his fingers on the steering wheel.