We followed suit, leaving Adrian sitting up in bed, looking dumbfounded as we headed back downstairs. Vlad led the way to a living room furnished with luxurious couches surrounding an antique table with intricate carvings. Next to the fireplace sat a white baby grand piano. A delicate green rug, interwoven with the kind of white that made you think of baby’s breath flowers, was soft underfoot and warmer than the marbled tiles underneath it.

As if she had a sixth sense that could detect that we were now in the living room, the maid came in from the hallway carrying a tray of cookies, a pot of tea, two teacups, sugar, and milk. She placed the tray on the table and was about to pour the tea when Vlad stopped her. “Let me take care of it, Althea.”

Althea smiled, placing the porcelain pot back on the tray, and took a step back. “You never let me do anything for you.”

Vlad looked a little sheepish as he poured the English breakfast tea. He was about to hand the cup to me when he paused, then put in an extra spoonful of sugar. He knew how I took my tea. I couldn’t believe he had even taken notice of these kinds of details about me. He passed the cup to me and I took it with both hands.

“Thanks,” I said and sighed heavenly. Satisfied that we were content, Althea left the room.

Feeling the need to do something while we waited for Adrian, I took one of the delicious-looking chocolate chip cookies and stuffed it into my mouth. Once I had finished my third cookie and was reaching for the fourth, I heard Vlad say, “Don’t think badly of him. He probably had a rough night. It’s been tough for him, after Marsela that is.”

“It’s just typical Adrian,” I said.

Vlad placed his cup on the saucer. “I don’t think you understand Adrian as well as you think you do.”

“Vlad, we both know his reputation. Let’s not pretend that he’s changed just because he’s back here and—”

Rhythmic footsteps came from the spiral staircase as in walked Adrian, wearing a pair of jeans and a white T-shirt that fit him perfectly. He was rubbing the back of his neck with one hand while the other waved at Vlad and me. Vlad nodded in response; I grimaced.

“To what do I owe this honor?” Adrian stifled a yawn.

“Sorry about barging in.” Vlad shot him an apologetic look. Perhaps guys had their own codes.

“Nah, man, it’s okay. Althea can’t seem to leave me alone lately. It’s like she just can’t accept that I’m no longer a teenage boy.” Adrian smiled lazily. There was something in his eyes that bothered me. A lot. Like he looked guilty when he had no reason to.

“Do you want to go for breakfast with us?”