Chapter Twenty-Two
Joaquin
“We’re running late again,” Eryx said. “Are you almost ready?”
As I got closer to my time, my energy levels were really dropping, and it was getting harder for me to be on time to anything.
When my mate said “we” were running late, he was being kind.
It was me. I made us behind for all things.
Without our wonderful staff, we’d have been in big trouble, but they were always there to pick up the slack and help out.
Our theaters were thriving, after only a few blips on the radar that had threatened our success.
Various factors like the population of the town had made it hard to get some of the first-run movies we’d wanted, but after a few weeks, we were able to demonstrate that unlike most small towns, we had a consistent visitor population who were excited to come and watch movies with us.
First runs would be even more of a draw, if they would agree.
In the car, I fidgeted, hunting for a comfortable position. “How long have I been pregnant? Five years?”
“Not quite, but I bet it feels like it.” My mate was always empathetic and trying to find ways to make me feel better since he couldn’t take on the actual pregnancy for me.
“I heard back from that production company we were talking to. After showing them the numbers of our first weeks, they have agreed to let us have both of the movies we asked for. They are calling it a trial relationship.”
I scoffed. “I call it lucky for them we are interested.”
He patted my knee. “I agree. And when going over the figures, have you looked at the concession numbers?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. I was nervous that some of my decisions might come back to bite us.” In addition to my designer popcorn, I’d ordered some other items that cost a lot more than boxes of chocolate-covered raisins.
Belgian chocolates, for one. And premium nuts ready to be scooped into little paper bags from under a lamp that kept them warm.
I knew they were moving, but were they making a profit? Enough of one to stick with it?
“I have. If you want to look into more high-end snacks, I think it’s a good move. Those glass cases remind me of an old-fashioned candy store.”
“They do?” I perked up. “Did I ever tell you that I wanted to open one but couldn’t afford it.”
“No, but you are on the right track now.”
“I have plans for some higher-end sodas that are all the rage. You know, the ones with cream and fresh fruit juices and syrups and toppings? Dirty sodas, they call them but I think we can do better for a name.”
“When I told you I wouldn’t partner with you on concessions because it would kill the profit margin, I was so off the mark.” He squeezed my leg and put his hand back on the wheel. “What do you think of a liquor license? A lot of city theaters have bars.”
“I did look into that, but it just doesn’t feel…right to put it in the lobby? We have so many families in here, I don’t want it to feel like a bar. Even though we do show movies that are more for grown-ups, our lobby is family friendly.”
“You’re right.” He sounded a little disappointed, but I had another solution.
“So I thought maybe one of the theaters could have a bar open only at night and not like a full giant one but a limited set of offerings. Local wines and other things like that?”
“You’re a genius, omega.”
“No, I just met an alpha who gives me endless inspiration. If not for you, I’d still be standing out in front of the abandoned theater with my cart.”
“Did you hate it?”
“No. I loved it. But I love this more. Ever since I moved to Oliver Creek, my life has gotten better.”
“Mine too.” He turned off the engine and leaned in for a kiss. “Now, remember to pretend to be surprised.”
The shower wasn’t a surprise because there were too many people involved in setting it up and they were whispering about it all over town. It was adorable and endearing and guaranteed to get to my ears quickly.
But it was incredible. Our friends had commandeered one of the auditoriums and were going to play Baby Boom, one of my very favorite classic movies.
“Hey, bosses, can you come in to theater three? There’s a problem with the screen.” Our ticket taker’s voice quivered with excitement.
“Sure,” I said. “Come on, alpha. I hope it’s not a big problem.”
“Surprise!” The room was filled to the very fire department limits with our friends.
The area in front of the screen was set up with a buffet featuring all sorts of movie snacks as well as pot luck from our guests.
Since many of them were restauranteurs, they had offered to contribute and we’d agreed.
The tables groaned under the weight of barbecue and breads and pastries and salads.
Fancy food and peanut butter cookies. So many goodies.
And so much love. When I left home, brokenhearted and alone, I’d been determined to do the best I could with my life. I had a vague hope of a mate or partner, a job where I could make a decent living. And that would be enough.
But it didn’t have to be. Fate had other plans for me and for Eryx. Now, I had the best mate, a baby on the way, and a business that I loved too.
And gifts! A mountain of gifts piled on all the seats in the front row. I could barely make any of it out through tears of happiness and gratitude.
“Were you really surprised?” Plumber Jamie had been on the shower committee.
“Completely. How did you all keep it a secret?”
They told me all about it, speaking over one another, and the laughter rose to the high ceiling of the auditorium. After the baby came, this one was getting a mural…of today.