Page 30 of Last Letters to Ara
Something instantly happens in my stomach, but he can’t know that.
Me: Overachiever.
Theo: So if you are off work, what are you doing today?
Does he want to see me again?
Me: Why? Trying to get some more stalking in?
Theo: It’s not stalking if you want me there.
Me: And when did I say that I wanted you there?
Theo: You didn’t need to *winky face*
I roll my eyes.
Me: I’m going to Jane’s Material Store.
Theo: What a coincidence. I was JUST telling my roommate about how I needed some new materials.
Me: What a coincidence.
Theo: What time should I pick you up?
Me: Are youalsoplanning to make something black and lacy?
I wasn’t planning to make something black and lacy, but now I’m feeling a special kind of inspiration.
Theo: I wouldn’t want to stop your heart.
Me: Pick me up in an hour.
Theo: It’s a date.
My heart drops to my feet.
Theo: A completely platonic date.
Right. Is he trying to convince me or himself?
• • •
Keeping my posture nonchalant as I make my way down the sidewalk to Theo’s old BMW, I can’t help but worry that somehow our easy chemistry from last night or fromanyday, won’t be there again. My palms begin to sweat, my throat closes up. What if I’ve completely misread this situation?
Reaching his car, I pause a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
Just rip off the fucking Band-Aid and open the door.
Three, Two, One.
Car door is open.
“Hey, bestie,” Theo says in greeting with a huge grin.
“Hey, yourself.” My unease was for nothing other than the sick pleasure of that monster below my skin, never missing an opportunity to convince me of the worst.
”So, even though I’ve been there athousandtimes, for some reason I forget how to get there. You’ll have to remind me.”
