A few hours later in the aftermath of the party, Theodora and the strange boy sat together on the front steps of Jessica's home, both of them sipping cups of tea. Theodora was wet and shivering in the cold rain, so the boy handed her his jacket.
"You never did tell me your name," she said, pursing her lips.
Theodora suddenly felt something rubbing down her cheek and it suddenly occurred to her that her eyeliner had started to run as the rainwater washed it away. It had been starting to itch, anyways; it was cheap like everything else Annie owned. "Hunter," he replied gruffly, his cold, smooth voice bringing her back to reality. It was like a bucket of freezing water being dosed onto her. It was uncomfortable, yet strangely satisfying. And yet for some reason Theodora began to feel frightened.
Her mother had told her not to speak to any boys... Did she really want to risk having her heart broken again right after what had happened with Ian?
"Relax," Theodora told herself. "It's not like you're flirting with him, you're just making small talk. And who says you have to listen to Mum all the time? You're becoming a strong and independent woman now!"
She looked down at her legs, and it occurred to her that they were crossed in a coy position. She blushed and uncrossed them—
"I'd better go," said Hunter. Giving her a stony smile, he walked away.
"Shoot, was I too much?" Theodora wondered. "Why do girls like Annie and Jessica act like that on purpose and the boys LIKE it?!" It hadn't yet struck her that Hunter was not like the other boys...