Page 54 of Last Letters to Ara
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I’ve been so absorbed in getting the last of the new textiles displayed that I nearly jump out of my clothes when someone puts their hand on my shoulder.
“Ahhhh!!”
“It’s just me!” Theo laughs.
Theo wasn’t supposed to be here until after closing time.
“You’re here already?” That’s when I notice that most of the lights are off, which makes me even more confused.
Theo chuckles. “First day and you’re already a workaholic.”
He reaches over and playfully grabs one of my waves, which has escaped my top knot, giving it a little tug before placing it behind my ear. He’s done it before, yet the novelty of the shivers it sends over my skin never dissipates. Every time feels like the first time, leaving me lost in the sensation.
Theo looks away from where he’s tucked my hair back in place and meets my eyes. “It’s almost an hour after closing time. I was waiting patiently in my car, but I wanted to make sure you hadn’t been kidnapped.”
I had no idea what time it was. “Theo, I’m so sorry that I kept you waiting, Jane gave me this task, and I really wanted to finish it.”
“Do you want some help?”
I genuinely expect to wake up one of these days and realize that everything with Theo has been a sick trick of my imagination. “I don’t have much more to do, but that would be great.”
He nods. “Tell me where you want me.”
I can think of lots of places, starting with him pressing me against these shelves, but that is NOT why we are here. “Okay, see those little squares I’ve cut and set in front of the shelves? They need to go into the little plastic frame displays in front of their matching rolls.”
“Got it.” Theo moves to get started. “So, how was your first day?”
“It wasamazing. It was... a total fluke that I came by today. I got a sudden inspiration for another project, and came to get the supplies, and there was a sign on the door which said they needed help. Turns out ‘help’ was actually a manager position, and Jane wanted me for it.”
“That’s incredible.”
“You’re not surprised?”
“Surprised about what?”
“That she hired me as a manager?”
“I think it’s the best decision she’s ever made for this place. You’ll love it like your own.”
It must be because Theo wields words for a living, but damn is he good with them. His sincerity leaves me speechless, and a comfortable silence settles between us as we finish our work. With double the hands, it doesn’t take long at all.
Once we wrap up, I grab my stuff and the bag of old material I asked Jane if I could keep. I’m about to head off with Theo when I realize that I have no idea how to lock up.
“I’ll wait outside.” Theo heads toward the entrance, giving me the space to sort through my first day.
“Okay, I’ll only be a minute.” Walking to the back, where I presume Jane’s office would be. I find her with her glasses on, scrunching over some old beat-up notebooks, knocking softly to make her aware of my presence.
She looks up, shocked, and glances at the clock. “You’re still here? You should have left over an hour ago!”
“I wanted to make sure I got all the textiles displayed.”
“Ara, I didn’t expect you to stay late to do it,” she says in a sweet, but chastising, tone. With her silvery hair, soft eyes, and firm stance, she reminds me of the grandmotherly figure I’ve always wanted.
“I know, but I have trouble walking away from an unfinished project.”
Jane smiles. “I understand that quite well.”
