Maybe I Hate You

8 - Sunset & First Kiss

The whole house was one just one gorgeous log of wood after another. The staircase was stunning even if it was simple. It wasn't the average length of stairs either. The living room was sunken from the front entry by a few steps. This upper area was only a few more steps and a turn to the right above the entrance. It led to a spacious room with five oversized tan chairs, each with its ottoman. There were three in the front and two in the back. It was spaced apart not to interrupt someone's view of the large projector screen on the wall. The screen was framed with natural-looking branches and logs, at the top was a sign that read "Camp Theater".

The fireplace on the adjacent wall was also framed with similar branches. On the opposite wall from the fireplace was a desk along the whole bottom of the wall under a large window. In the back was a small closed-in area before it led to a large stone porch area and stairs.

"Well," Tyler says after a few moments of silence, "What do you think?"

I continue to look around for a moment before I turn to him. "It's amazing. I can't believe you live here."

He runs his fingers through his hair. "I grew up here, but I'm just staying here for a week or so while they are out of the country."

I gave him a confused look. "Do you not live with your parents?"

"No, not as of recently. I'm staying at my own apartment now." 

"Your own apartment?" I questioned.

He sighed heavily and took a few steps away from me. "It's complicated, but basically my dad and I don't get along so to save him the guilt of kicking me out, he got me my own apartment."

I nodded, not knowing what to say. He continued.

"I got the apartment because of him, but I still have to pay my bills. Which is new to me, but I like it."

"Which is why you're working at the pizza place." I nodded again.

"Yes, exactly. I don't mind working and I don't mind paying bills. It's given me a new sense of confidence I didn't have before."

I chuckled. "I would have never guessed you lack any confidence at all."

"Don't believe everything you see," He winks at me before turning away. "As you can see, this is the theater room. I have a movie in mind if you'd like to watch it now."

"Yeah, sure." I smiled at him.

"Great, let's go make some popcorn first." He smiles back at me. He has a cute smile.

I follow him back down the steps and into the kitchen. First I see the dining table straight ahead, centered in front of a window. There was a large chandelier matching the one living room. The kitchen was to the right of the dining area. An L-shaped counter and bar stools were at the edge of the kitchen. It had an island and a large hutch behind it. I could see what appeared to be a pantry to the right, and a doorway in the back that led to a laundry room.

Tyler flowed naturally into the kitchen and to a cupboard in the hutch, pulling down the popcorn. He gestured for me to sit on the bar stool, and I did.

"Stay here, I'll be right back."

I nodded but I was still confused about why he took the popcorn with him. I couldn't bring myself to remain seated when there was such an amazing view of the river out of the windows. Walking over to the patio doors on the other side of the dining room table, I couldn't help but look at all of the pictures on the walls. Basic family photos, mostly of Tyler and a younger boy looked a little familiar to me. I assumed it was his brother, I've probably seen him around before.