Mieux Que Tout

12

12 | tes yeux

Annie bit her fingernails as she stood by the kitchen counter. Tom was standing in front of the large living room window, attention focused on the distant city lights. His back was turned towards her, but Annie's heart was drumming loudly in her ears.

"W-w-would you like," she began, voice wobbling. Her cheeks grew hot. "Would you like some tea?" She finished, blinking.

Tom cocked his head. "Sure. Do you have green?"

"Ah," Annie sounded. She spun around. "Yeah, somewhere in here."

"Do you need some help?"

"No," she said, opening a cupboard. "Its fine." She turned around, waving the packet in her hands. She pulled out two teabags and placed them in matching mugs. Tom scratched the underside of his chin as he walked towards her. Annie felt his eyes on her movements as she poured the boiling water from the kettle.

"Here you are," she smiled, and handed him a mug by the handle. "Careful, it's really hot."

He chuckled, lifting it up to his nose. "I'll still burn my tongue anyway."

She laughed.

"It has a nice smell," Tom complimented, "really nice."

"I think it's jasmine," Annie answered as she looked down at the packet.

Tom hummed. "Your friend has a great house too, I love it."

"You do?"

"Sure, it's got that," he waved his free hand, "retro feel. The mid-century modern. I love that stuff."

"Huh," Annie sounded. "Mid century modern?"

"Yeah, it's classic. There's a few around in the hills around near here. Great examples of modern architecture."

"Cool," Annie grinned.

Tom leant against the kitchen bench, one palm resting flat against the granite. His eyes were focused on the hallway that led out of the living room.

"Would you like a tour?" Annie suggested. She clutched onto her mug, warmth spreading to her fingertips.

Tom glanced at her, grinning. "I would love one, if that's alright."

Annie smiled. "Follow me then," she said and walked out of the kitchen. She headed towards the hallway, where Sally's and her parents rooms were.

"I won't take you inside, but there's a bedroom here and here," she pointed to either side of the hallway. "But there's a study room in here," Annie pushed the door open slightly. Tom stood behind her, peering over her head.

The room was dark, but one wall was filled with entire shelves of books. On the main front, a large rectangle window stretched to either side, allowing for expansive viewing.

"Nice," Tom exclaimed, "this is great little space. Do you use it?"

Annie shook her head. "Sally does. It's soundproof, so she likes to do her audition tapes in here."

"Ah," Tom sounded, "an aspiring actor?"

Annie turned around. She glanced upwards. Tom grinned down at her, blue eyes glistening. She rubbed her arm.

"Yeah," she answered, stepping out of the doorway. "The bathroom is here. I think it was recently renovated."

Tom followed behind her, carrying his mug of tea. Annie opened the door and stepped inside. Her fingers found the light switch. Strips of lighting on two sides of the walls lit up the room, revealing the large modern black tiled bathroom.