Page 119 of Last Letters to Ara
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After Immoral Support’s set, I tugged Theo’s sleeve reminding him with my eyes that there was one more thing I needed before calling this the perfect day.
Connor had asked what the rush was, inviting us to an after party, but Theo gave him one look and Connor offered up a car that was supposed to be his ride so we didn’t have to Uber back. Bro code and all that jazz.
But it’s what happened on our way out which has kept rolling through my head on our ride back to my place, where Lou picked up her car and I grabbed my overnight stuff, before heading to Theo’s.
We had almost reached the exit when a girl about my age stopped me with a tug to my arm as I passed her. “Oh my God, girl. I LOVE your top. Where did you find something like that?”
“Oh. Er, I didn’t. Well, I did, but I didn’t. It’s not someone else’s. I mean, I didn’t find it, but it is mine?” The last bit had come out as a question, and I can say with certainty nobody knew what the fuck I meant.
Thankfully Lou came to my rescue. “Ara means that shemadeit. She came up with the idea and created it from scratch. By herself.”
The girl’s eyes widened. “Youmadethat?”
I nodded.
“I need your Instagram.” She pulled out her iPhone, strapped with a glowy circle thing and wrist strap. “What’s the name of your brand and how do I order one?”
“Oh, uh–”
“Here.” Lou took the girl’s phone and typed in my username. “You’ll be her first customer. Actually second, because I’m already her first, but you can be her first one who isn’t family.”
Theo had stood there with not an ounce of surprise, just pride, as he held my hand for strength. The girl followed me instantly, following it up with a DM request for a custom piece for some occasion she had coming up. One question has haunted me all the way through Theo’s front door.
Could I really do this?
“You’re quiet,” Theo says as I set my stuff down next to his bed.
It will never not be surreal, walking into an apartment this nice and not being at risk of being escorted out by a fancy set of security. “I’m just in shock.”
“Because that girl wants you to make something for her?”
I nod.
“I’m not. Your designs are going to be coveted by anyone who’s unlucky enough not to have a piece.”
“You have such confidence in me.” My voice hitches a little.
“So did your dad, and he was a smart man.”
It’s all I needed to hear.
Opening my Instagram, I accept her follow and DM request before sending her a message of my own, requesting more information about her party theme, and to send some photos for inspiration.
Icando this.
Something else from tonight still bothers me. “What do you think of Connor’s way with the ladies?”
Theo sighs. “I can’t say I agree with his…way of life…but he has his reasons.”
“He was hurt?” It’s the only thing that would make sense. Connor isn’t someone who doesn’t have a heart, and I get the feeling he is just trying to protect himself in the only way he knows how.
“Not in the usual way, but yeah, he was hurt.Bad.”
“Do you think he’ll ever find someone who will be worth the risk to him?”
Theo considers this. “I used to think so, but now I’m not so sure. I’m a bit scared of the kind of woman it would take to reel him in at this point.”
