Page 38 of Last Letters to Ara
“As we should,” I say in hopes of putting this conversation to an end before it begins.
He clears his throat again. This is going to bebad.
“You’re going to college soon, and I just want to make sure that you’re…safe.”
“Da-”
“Safer than what safe meant with...Cameron. There are other...things...to worry about in college that you probably...well,hopefully...didn’t have to worry about with Cameron.”
This is worse than I had even imagined.
“Dad, for the love of God, please stop talking.”
“I’ve heard about this new Binder thing...”
“Binder?”
“You know, the app you kids use these days to find...um...dates?”
Someone shoot me. “Do you meanTinder?”
“That’s the one. I just want to make sure you don’t take too many risks in that, uh, department.”
“Consider me thoroughly warned.”
“Good. Thank God that’s over with.” Dad grabs the remote, looking more like a tomato than a tomato itself, while I try not to combust from mortification.
Present - Ara
TODAY IS VALENTINE’SDay.
This entire week felt like time wouldn’t pass fast enough, when in fact, I could have used a lot more of it, having called in sick in order to have Theo’s jacket and matching tie done in time. Not to mention, I obviously had to have something to wear myself. Full of anticipation for our “date,” I haven’t even thought about the potential consequences of skipping out on a portion of my last two weeks.
Theo’s jacket turned out amazing. He’s supposed to come in black dress pants, a white tuxedo shirt, and leave the rest up to me, my sewing kit handy, just in case I need to make any final adjustments.
A moment later, there is a knock at the door, right on time.
My nerves go crazy, sending a tremor through my hands as I unlock the door, swinging it open to reveal the man on my doorstep.
Wow.Theo is an absolute vision and he’s not even fully dressed yet. I’m speechless as I take my time looking him over, his hair styled to perfection, gelled into those old Hollywood-waves that I love so much. Face smooth, the fresh scent of his aftershave invades my senses and I hope it accompanies us for the rest of the night.
His tuxedo shirt is tailored flawlessly to his frame, unbuttoned enough that a smidge of toned chest peeps through. My jaw slackens as I take in how well his clothes hug him, stopping at his belt before I start imagining what’s underthere.
Theo notices the liberties my eyes take and grabs at the opportunity to do the same. His eyes rove over my hair which I styled into old Hollywood-waves myself, hoping he’d do the same. Theo has never seen me in anything but oversized t-shirts and messy buns, yet surprise isn’t what I’d use to describe what I see in his eyes, as my hair falls to my waist even when curled. His gaze slowly drifts over my face, taking in every single detail, leaving a warm trail in their wake as they drift down to what I’m wearing.
“You look stunning.” Theo’s voice is rough, slightly breathless. Must be the stairs.
I snort. “Theo, I’m not actually going to wear a robe on our date.”
“I wouldn’t care if you did.”
“No, Theo.” I roll my eyes. “I just needed something easy to change out of so I can make sure your jacket is perfect before getting dressed myself.”
I’m positively delighted as something close to wariness crosses his features, knowing that this isn’t the final look.Good.
“Let me grab the jacket,” I say, walking toward my design room, making sure to close the door behind me so he doesn’t get even apeekat what I have in store. Exiting the room in the same fashion, Theo doesn’t miss a thing. To distract him, I hold up his jacket and the matching bow tie with a huge grin. “What do you think?”
Theo moves toward me, taking the jacket into his hands, stroking the velvet with those perfect fingers of his. He meets my eyes again with a smile. “It’s almost as beautiful as its maker.”
