I poke my head inside. Though the room is huge, it looks homey too, with a large comfortable-looking sectional in a dark gray in the center of the room facing a ridiculously oversized television. There’s a large chest that doubles as a coffee table just in front of the sofa, littered with magazines. Underneath is a large rug with a dozen different shades of blue making up an abstract pattern. It kind of matches the artwork on the walls—they’re all abstract and in various shades of blues and grays. Except for one in the center of the far wall, which is a riot of reds and pinks, making me think of a sun exploding.
“It looks cozy.”
“I like it.”
He continues the downstairs tour, showing us the bathrooms, den, office, and home gym before leading us to the kitchen. “I still have a few rooms to do up, so I won’t bother showing you those just yet. Maybe you can help me decide what to do with them.”
I shrug helplessly. “It’s not exactly my area of expertise.”
He chuckles, but there is a hint of sadness to it. “Mine either. I usually left it all to my sister. She had such a knack for it.”
I look around the modern kitchen and wonder if she decorated in here too. It’s the kind of kitchen I’ve only seen in magazines, with white glossy cupboards and light oak countertops. The island sits six people, but there is a large table that seats eight more. I imagine it’s a great place for entertaining, you know, if you had an abundance of friends and liked being social.
Before I can break out in hives at the thought, I turn to Ambros talking softly to Star. He carries her to the fridge and pulls out a yogurt pouch, twisting off the cap for her. I lean against the table and watch the ease they have with each other, wondering what it is about Ambros that makes us both so comfortable around him.
Whatever it is, I hope it lasts.
* * *
We order burgers and fries with milkshakes and eat in front of the TV, despite my worries about the mess. Ambros doesn’t seem to care one bit. In fact, every time I glance over at him, he appears in his element with us here.
“Alright, let’s get you changed and your teeth brushed, ready for bed,” I say, standing up and offering Star my hand.
“I’ll grab the bags and bring them up,” Ambros offers. I agree and tug Star from the sofa. She doesn’t resist, but she does slip her thumb in her mouth, something she occasionally does when she’s nervous.
“I think we’re going to like it here. And it’s nice to have Ambros around, isn’t it?”
She looks up at me and nods shyly. I ruffle her hair and lead her up the stairs. By the time we reach the top, Ambros is behind us with a couple of our bags.
“Wow, that was fast.”
“I didn’t want to keep the princess waiting.” He winks at Star before slipping past us to the second door on the left. “This is Star’s room. I hope you like it. We can change anything you want.”
“Please don’t go to any trouble, I’m sure it’s perfect….” My voice drifts off as I step into the room.
“Oh my god, Ambros…” I’m lost for words as I glance around. The whole room is a warm, pale pink, with little 3D butterflies scattered across it, looking like they’re about to fly right off the wall. The bed is a four-poster with a crown in the center fitting, molded into the wood. Gauzy fabric encloses the four sides, offering privacy when needed. One side is pulled open to show the cushions, pillows, and a giant unicorn that is almost bigger than Star herself.
Star drops my hand and strolls over to the bed as I take in the thick rugs and bookcases lined with books. A child-sized table and chairs are set up in the corner with a tea set on top of it, and against the far wall, I spot a giant dollhouse that is the stuff of dreams.
“You like it?”
I turn back to Star and find her on the bed, snuggling up to the giant unicorn. I slide my arm around Ambros’s waist and look up at him. “When did you do all this? I don’t understand. I mean, it’s amazing, but you didn’t know we were going to be moving in until today.”
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I bought this house with you guys in mind. I never assumed, but I hoped that one day you’d see me as more than a friend.”
I fight back tears. “Ambros,” I whisper.
“I wanted her to feel safe here. I wondered if some of her fear of sleeping in her own bed is how exposed she feels alone in a bigger room than she’s used to. It might make her feel vulnerable.”
“So you found a way to make the room a little smaller when she gets scared,” I guess, looking at the gauzy drapes before glancing at the unicorn. “And a protector.”
“Well, I was thinking of getting her a dog, but I wasn’t sure if you’d be okay with that.”
I laugh. I can’t help it. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Anything you damn well want.”
Chapter Twenty
