Chapter Nine
Evie
When I pull up before the Barrington house for my date night with my wonderful husband, I find him sitting on the front step, staring down at his phone with creased brows and his lips pulled into a tight frown.
Like I said before, Noah is extremely hard to read and I barely ever see a lot of emotion on his face, but right now?
Seems he’s awfully upset about something.
Rolling down my window, I stick my head out. “Hey, hubby. Everything okay?”
His head snaps up, his eyes unfocused like he was so absorbed in whatever he was looking at on his phone that the rest of the world vanished. Then he blinks and shakes his head, removing any trace of those intense emotions from his face. “Yeah, everything is fine.”
He heaves himself off the step, stuffing his phone into his jeans pocket. Even though he’s masking whatever he’s feeling, I spy a trace of it in his eyes.
Placing a wide smile on my face, I say, “Ready for our special night? We haven’t been out on a romantic date since Melly was born. And truthfully? I haven’t seen a good movie in forever.”
“Same.” He slides into my car. “It’ll be nice to have a night to ourselves without worrying about the baby. Speaking of which, the assignment said to write down who’s watching Melly while we’re out. I put my parents. They’re looking forward to grandparents-grandbaby bonding time.”
“Cool. But my parents get her next. They need some bonding time with their precious granddaughter, too.”
“Okay.”
I step on the gas and drive us toward the movie theater. Noah doesn’t say much on the way, just checks his phone every so often.
After a bit, I say, “What are you so preoccupied with?”
He blinks like he was once again plucked into another world. “What? Oh, nothing.”
“Looks like Spill It!. I didn’t know you’re so active on social media.”
“I’m not.” He drops his phone on his lap and glances out the window. “Just looking at…actually, it’s none of your business.”
“Um…ouch. That was rude.”
“We’re not really married, Evie. I don’t owe you any explanations.”
“Geez, you’re in a good mood. And here I thought my Shnookums and I would actually have an enjoyable night.”
He’s quiet for a second or two before sighing and turning to face me. “It’s just that a band I’m into is getting some negative feedback online.”
I lift a brow and glance at him for a second before focusing back on the road. “Okay? I mean, it sucks, but why are you taking it so personally?”
He opens his mouth like he’s about to say something, but then he purses his lips and whips back to the window. That’s Noah. Even if you think he may be opening up, he just shuts down.
“Well, at least there’s the movie,” I say as I slow down before the movie theater parking lot. “We could forget all of our troubles for a couple of hours.” I glance around the lot. “Do you see a spot? Ugh, I hope the place isn’t packed.”
“It’s a Saturday evening. I’m sure it’s super packed. But I see a spot over there.” He points.
“Thanks.” I park the car and kill the engine.
Then I face Noah. “The point of this date night is for us to have a good time together and forget the stresses in our lives. So can we forget everything and have fun? I know that’s impossible for you to do because your middle name is anti-fun, but can you at least try? ”
“Evie, I’m not in the mood for your BS right now, okay?” He pushes the door open and gets out, shutting it behind him.
“Why did I marry him?” I grumble as I grab my bag and get out of the car.
Noah is already at the door, holding it open for me.
“Ooh, I married such a gentleman,” I say as I walk inside. “Thanks, honey.”
I giggle silently when he cringes. Then I try not to groan. Because the theater is full of families and people on dates, plus a lot of kids from our school.
“I hope Secrets of Kyto isn’t sold out,” I say as he and I get in line behind a college-aged couple who can’t seem to keep their lips off each other.
“Secrets of—what?” he asks as he looks up at the movie options displayed at the booth.
“Secrets of Kyto? Oh come on, Shnookums. It’s only the most anticipated fantasy movie to hit theaters in the last ten years. I was a little hesitant to watch it at first because there’s supposed to be this scene that—”
“Wait, fantasy? I don’t want to watch that. I thought we were going with Speed Race Fourteen.”
“Come again? Speed Race Fourteen? Oh heck no. Haven’t the last thirteen movies been enough?”
His brows shoot up. “You kidding? Critics say this is the best one yet.”
I fold my arms and tap my shoe. “I’m not in the mood to watch cars blow each other up.”
He cringes like I said the most ignorant thing. “Cars blow each other up? Oh my gosh, Evie. Is that what you think the movies are about? They’re filled with so much action and suspense and—”
I hold up my hand. “Save it, Noah. We’re watching Secrets of Kyto.”
“Why should we watch what you want to watch?”
“Because I’m the wife and I get what I want.”
He gives me a face.
“Isn’t that what they teach you in bachelor school?”
“Bachelor school?”
“Yeah, you know. When guys and their buddies get together and try to figure out how to make their amazing women happy. Someone should offer a course on that.”
He gives me another face. “As if guys do that. I mean sure, of course they want to make their partners happy. But to spend all of their time worrying about that? You wish.”
I drop my hands to my sides. “Fine, whatever. But as the sweet and caring and loving husband that you are, you should agree to watch the movie I want to watch.”
“As the sweet and caring and loving wife that you are, why don’t you give in for once and let me watch the movie I want to watch?”
“Hello, who’s taking care of the baby?”
“We both are.”
“Wrong. You’re away most of the time because of your football career. Which means the responsibility falls mostly on me—”
“Excuse me?” a woman says behind us. “The line is moving.”
“What?” I ask, my eyes flitting to the line, where the college-age couple are now quite a few feet ahead of us. “Oh, sorry. You know how it is, arguing with the husband. They can be so thick-headed sometimes, right?”
The woman stares at me with a horrified expression. “You’re married? I thought you kids are in high school.”
“We are,” I tell her with a large grin. “Check out my…” I hold up my left hand, then realize I don’t have a ring. I place my hands on my hips and glare at Noah. “You never bought me a ring, Shnookums.”
Noah gives me another look and then offers the woman an apologetic smile.
“We’re pretend married for a school project.
Don’t mind my friend. She’s from another planet.
” He takes hold of my arm and pulls me forward until we’re behind the college-age couple.
“Will you stop messing with people? It’s not cool. ”
“But her face was priceless! Come on, Noah. Stop taking everything so seriously.”
“You never know what kind of effect your actions might have. How something can hurt your reputation.”
I stare at him. “Do you even know that woman?”
“No, but you never know. Maybe she might see my face and then realize I’m from—” He cuts himself off and shakes his head. “Look, can’t you just behave like a normal person for once?”
I’m about to respond, but then I catch sight of the lovebirds standing before us. The way they’re making out…holy cow.
I lean toward Noah and whisper, “Oh my gosh. Don’t turn around, but the people ahead of us? I think they need a room. Like seriously.”
“What?” He turns around. Then he spins back around with huge eyes. “Oh, wow.”
We both stand there, frozen, not daring to look their way. We just stare at each other with huge eyes.
Then I laugh. Noah’s eyes get even wider, and to my surprise, his lips lift and a small chuckle escapes his lips. The shock just makes me roll even more.
“Evie, stop,” he whispers with another chuckle. “They’ll think we’re making fun of them.”
“Maybe we should!” I whisper-laugh back. “Someone needs to tell them how disruptive that is.”
“Be my guest. After all, you don’t care how people perceive you.”
“Uh…nope. I’ll just mind my own business.”
We both laugh again. I have to say, Noah looks really good when he smiles. His whole face changes and he looks like a totally different person. One who is actually fun for a change.
Once our laughter dies down, Noah and I lock eyes for a short while. Then we tear our gazes away, none of us knowing what to say because laughing with Noah like this? Never happened before. It’s weird and…good?
“Evie?” he says.
I move my eyes to his.
“Sorry for arguing about the movie. I’m sorry if I offended you in any way.”
I wave my hand. “We’ve been like this for years. Nothing you say could offend me. But we should have been smarter and chosen a movie ahead of time to avoid this.” I tap my chin as I scan the movie options. “Maybe we could compromise on something?”
Noah’s quiet for a few seconds before saying. “Let’s watch Secrets of Kyto.”
My shocked eyes spring to his. “What?”
He nods. “I want to watch it.”
“But you just said like five minutes ago that—”
“I know. But you’re right. I don’t care about my feelings. All I want is to make my wife happy, especially because she’s taking care of our daughter practically all on her own.”
Okay, that was…sweet. So sweet it makes this odd feeling squeeze my stomach.
“I’m not really raising her on my own,” I say, my voice a little shaky. “I have my parents. And your parents. Plus our siblings…”
He steps closer and reaches for my hand. “I know. But I want to do whatever I can to make you happy. If that means sacrificing the movies I want to watch so you can watch the movies you want to watch, I’m all for it.”
I just stare at him for who knows how long. Then I laugh lightly and tuck some hair behind my ear. “Whoo, Noah. That was actually really good. I should tell Mrs. Duncan what a great husband you are. Maybe we’ll get extra credit.”
“We’re not graded in the class.”
“Right.”
We’re both quiet.
Then I offer him a smile. “You know something? Let’s watch Speed Race Fourteen.”
His eyes bug out. “What? But you want to watch Secrets of Kyto.”
“I know, but I didn’t realize that I have such an awesome husband. You work so hard and are so far away from your family. It must be super hard.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“So let’s watch the movie you want to watch.”
He shakes his head and is about to say something, but the man at the ticket booth calls, “Next!” Looks like it’s our turn.
Noah glances at me and I glance at him. We didn’t conclude what movie to watch.
Before I can protest, he marches up to the booth and buys two tickets for Secrets of Kyto.
***
“I refuse to leave this theater until you take it back,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest and falling back in my seat.
Noah shrugs. “I said it was cool.”
“Cool? Cool? Secrets of Kyto wasn’t just cool. It was a masterpiece.”
“If you say so.”
I throw my hands up. “How the heck are we married when we don’t agree on anything?”
“Because I’m so sweet, remember?” he says.
I roll my eyes. “That can only get you so far. Okay, what’s next? I hope you have food on the itinerary, because your wife is starving.”
“Itinerary?” he asks. “I thought we were just catching a movie and grabbing some pizza.”
My jaw falls open. “That’s it? No romantic stroll in the park? No fancy dinner? What kind of date night did you plan?”
“Evie, you know this is fake, right? You really want me to spend my money on a fancy dinner?”
“I can buy my own dinner, but you’re right. Guess I went a little overboard with my roleplaying. Pizza sounds great.”
“Good.” He stands. “And before you say anything, we’re going to Barnie’s Pizzeria.”
“Barnie’s? But Leo’s Delicious Pizza is fire.”
“No one beats Barnie’s fries.”
“True,” I admit. “But better fries do not outweigh better pizza.”
“It does when you’re craving spicy fries.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “I want Leo’s.”
“I want Barnie’s.”
“I want Leo’s.”
“Do you expect me to give in again, Evie? Marriage is about giving and receiving.”
I’m about to say something, but ugh, he’s right. “Darn it, Noah. I’m so in the mood for Leo’s special deep-dish pizza.”
“Guess you’ll have to wait until the next time.”
“I’m not sure if there will be a next time if going out on a date with you is such a hassle,” I mutter. “I take it back. You’re not as sweet as I thought you were.”
Noah stops mid-walk, like my words offended him. But then he shrugs and continues on.
Since many of the theaters are emptying out as well, there’s a mass exodus to the exit.
Noah is a few feet ahead of me and it’s not long before I lose him in the crowd.
It’s no biggie because I know the way to the doors, but then some people behind me start pushing their way through the crowd toward the bathrooms.
“Evie!” Noah calls as I’m pushed toward the bathrooms. It’s in the opposite direction of the exit.
I hear him call me again, but his voice is lost in the throng of people. I try heading toward the door, but the crowd is too thick. For a second, I worry I might get squished to death.
Then a warm, strong hand slides into mine. I’m about to yelp and yank my hand away, when Noah says, “It’s me, Evie. I’ve got you.”
He leads me through an open path toward an area with less people. Where I gulp in some much-needed fresh air.
“You okay?” Noah asks.
“Yeah. Thanks for getting me out of there. I thought I was going to be made into an Evie pancake.” I look over my shoulder at the crowd gathered by the bathrooms. “Sheesh, you’d think they were offering free diamonds in there.”
“Yeah. You ready to head to Barnie’s?”
“Okay. And you’d better treat me to their best fries.”