Page 82 of Last Letters to Ara
Walking out of Theo’s room, I find myself in a massive hallway with about seventeen doors. Since I don’t know where to go, I follow the luring scent of coffee because coffee is one thing that has never steered me wrong.
Turns out Theo used the term “apartment” very loosely. His room should have been the first indication, but as I step out of the hallway and enter what must be the actual living room, I am speechless. This is definitely a penthouse, and probably the most expensive real estate that Tampa Bay has to offer.
The obscene amount of natural light coming from thetwo-storywindows sends a new wave of thundering through my head, but the uninterrupted view of the bay is so amazing I hardly notice.I register a staircase so modern that it appears to float, leading up to a large loft of some sort, taking up only half of the space above. The rest is left open, aside from a glistening chandelier, which could only be made from real crystal.
The furnishings are simple, modern and timeless, just like Theo’s room. A formal dining room sits off to the side, with a table so long I can’t even see the end of it. The other half of the living room leads up to the kitchen, and another hallway beyond.
I’m so caught up in the beauty of it, I almost don’t even notice the dude standing in the kitchen with his back to me, presumably cooking breakfast based on the mouthwatering smell. He turns around just as I notice him, his face opening up into a genuine grin.
“Oi! You must be Ara.” His thick Australian accent confirms exactly what I suspected. This is Connor. “Theo will be out in a few minutes. Do you want some coffee? Tea?”
“Yes, thank you. I’ll have a coffee.”
“I’m Connor, by the way. Theo’s roommate, bestie, brother, whateva’.”
Connor. The person who saved Theo’s life. Even though he is a total stranger to me, I’m already so grateful that he exists.
“Nice to meet you,” I say with a genuine smile. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Bloody hell, I can only imagine what you’ve heard.”
“I’ve only told her the worst.” Theo appears from the second hallway closest to the kitchen. He’s running his hands through his wet, wavy hair, fresh from the shower. I can tell he was in a hurry getting dressed because his gray shirt has wet spots on his chest leading down to his stomach from not being fully dry before putting it on.
Connor snorts, bringing me back to the present. “I’m whipping up some brekkie, want some?”
I’m glad he changed the subject because I can’t even remember what we were talking about a minute ago. I was too busy gawking at Theo like I’ve never seen a man before. My stomach practically answers for me as it lets out a loud grumble I’m sure the boys can hear.
“Oh my God,” I say as I cover my stomach, embarrassed. “I’d love some breakfast, thank you.”
“Anything you don’t eat?”
Theo answers for me. “She eats like a frat boy. You can make her what we’re having.”
“No worries,” Connor says, turning back to the stove as I shoot Theo a look.
“Don’t act like it’s not true.” Theo nudges me with his elbow as he passes to take a barstool at the kitchen island. I follow, taking the seat next to him.
Connor is about to set two coffee mugs in front of us before Theo stops him. “You need to pour about half of our milk jug into Ara’s coffee, otherwise she won’t drink it.”
My heart warms at Theo’s teasing tone, and the fact that he already knows so many small details.
Connor startles me with a gagging noise. “Mate, you Americans liking drip coffee and Starbucks is bad enough, but adding milk to it when it’s already half water? A fucking blasphemy.” He shakes his head in disgust. “Don’t even get me started about the muck you call half & half...”
“I never realized Australians were so passionate about coffee.” I try not to giggle.
“It’s part of the culture,” Connor says, dignified, righteous. “Your coffee is shit water compared to back home.”
Theo leans over and whispers in my ear, “Why do you think I started drinking black coffee? I couldn’t take this speech every time.”
This time I can’t hold in my giggle.
“Shut up, cunt. I’m not deaf,” Connor says while pointing a spatula at Theo, as if it’s a weapon with one hand, and holding my milk-doused coffee in the other.
Connor finally puts down my mug and I greedily reach out to take a sip. It’s stronger than I’m used to, but the taste is incredible. Maybe Connor isn’t totally wrong about our lack of coffee culture. Lou should pick his brain when she’s ready to start her coffee revolution.
”So, based on the fact that Theo showered in another bathroom, I guess you guys still haven’t sealed the deal.”
It happens so fast, there is nothing I can do to prevent it. The coffee sprays out of my mouth, covering the counter and scarcely missing Connor. He jumps out of the splash zone with a maniacal laugh, clearly enjoying my reaction.
