“Shit.” I jump slightly at the sight. It’s obvious he just woke up, and even now he’s still as handsome as he was when he was put together yesterday.
My headphones work a little too well since I hadn’t heard his loud door opening or his footsteps. Quickly, I set the pancakes down on the counter and wrap my headphones around my neck.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up,” I say rapidly.
Levi continues to stare at me, his bicep flexing as he runs a hand through his hair. He smiles while doing so, and I’m slightly confused about why he hasn’t said anything. Maybe he isn’t much of a talker. I was hoping he’d be more outgoing. I’ve been looking for new friends, ones who are willing to push me out of my comfort zone. From what I’ve seen, it doesn’t seem like my new roommate will be that person.
“I made breakfast. I hope that’s okay.” He doesn’t shift his gaze past my eyes, and his face remains slightly flushed.
He shakes his head as if waking himself up. “That’s fine.”
Phew. “Do you like blueberry pancakes?” I pause for a second. “Wait, damn, I’m not even sure what you’re allergic to. If you don’t like them or are allergic to anything in them, or, crap, maybe you’re vegan. I didn’t see any lactose products in the fridge. Wait, are you lactose intolerant? Never mind, that’s a rude and private question?—”
“Stevie,” he says, tapping my forearm. “I like blueberries, I’m not vegan, nor am I lactose intolerant. My fridge is empty because I normally eat on campus.”
What was that?It was like I was talking to Andrew all over again. I squeeze my eyes shut. “I’m sorry. I tend to ramble sometimes.”
He laughs and shrugs. “My friend does the same thing, except it’s extremely annoying with her.” Levi smiles, and I can tell he loves whoever this friend is.
“I’ll fix you a plate then.” Taking a deep breath, I walk toward the cabinets and grab a plate, no longer facing him. While there, I see a picture I hadn’t noticed before on the kitchen corner where a corkboard hangs. It’s Levi next to a girl with bright red hair and blue eyes a shade lighter than his. They look young. Levi is in a tux, and she is in a dress, as if they’re at a family wedding. The photo reminds me of the times I spent with my cousins abroad.
“Is this your sister?” I ask while rummaging through the cabinet.
“No, not my sister.” He yawns.
I set the plate down and grab the spatula. “Your cousin or maybe that friend you were just telling me about?”
Levi clears his throat, and I keep my eyes on the pancakes, trying to continue the small talk.
“No, that’s one of my many prom pictures with my ex-girlfriend.”
I snap my head in his direction.
Girlfriend?! What does he mean bygirlfriend?
“As in, you had a romantic relationship with her?” My eyes widen when he hesitates and looks at me from top to bottom.
He bites his bottom lip. “Yes.”
No frickin’ way. He’s not gay! “You mean to tell me you’re not gay?!” I yell in horror at myself for assuming his sexuality and for wearing something this revealing in front of a stranger. Okay, maybe not revealing per se, but for me it’s pretty damn close—and why am I debating with myself when I should be running to change?
“I am not gay, I’m bi.” Levi seems to find this amusing instead of insulting. He looks at my nightgown again and has a hand over his mouth, trying to contain his laughter.
“Holy crap.” Running to my room and almost tripping on the damn rug, I rush to change into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. This is my first day’s impression. And I wanted a fresh, clean break.
Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Once I’m decent and my heart rate has slowed down, I straighten and walk to the kitchen, where Levi has his back to me. However, now he’s shaking. When I get to the island and look at him, he’s no longer holding back his laugh.
My face heats up at the second most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to me, and, of course, it’s in front of my new roommate, whom I’ve known for only twelve hours.
“I am so sorry, Levi. I shouldn’t have assumed that, especially as a person with two gay moms and a gay dad. I’ve been surrounded by the queer community my entire life and yet?—”
He bursts out laughing and then keels over. “Please stop, you’re killing me here.”
His laugh catches me off guard. It’s a manly, deep laugh that seems to come straight from his chest.
I raise my brows at his reaction. At least he’s having fun.
