25
Ollie paced outside the theater, waiting for Emma.
Did I sound cheap since I suggested a movie at noon?
The question had bothered Ollie since he invited Emma.
But the noon choice had been logical to him.
Neither of them had to work at that time, and movies were stupidly expensive.
Besides, Emma didn’t seem like the type of person to judge him for that.
And it was the experience that counted. That would be the same no matter what time of day they went to the movie.
Her first theater experience.
He couldn’t wait to watch her face when the theater’s lights dimmed and the sound cranked up.
Even though they hadn’t spent a lot of time together, he’d learned her emotions were always very apparent in her expressions.
It was part of what had attracted him as he’d watched her interact with customers.
A smile for everyone, sincere interest in her eyes as she spoke with them, an adorable frown when she focused.
Even on their walk, he had seen joy on her face as they talked and watched her expression became somber as they both shared darker times of their lives.
I’ll probably watch her more than the movie.
Emma’s car turned into the theater lot. She spotted him and waved before she parked. His instant and uncontrollable grin felt as if it would split his face.
She’d insisted on meeting him at the theater, which Kaylie told him was to be expected. He’d asked Kaylie for advice and “Don’t be a dork” had been her primary suggestion.
When will Emma let me pick her up for a date?
He hoped she would for the next movie. He’d already checked the showtimes and asked Kaylie about Emma’s work schedule for the weekend. Assuming this date went well—which he knew it would—he’d invite her after today’s movie.
Emma joined him in front of the theater, her green eyes excited.
He tried not to stare as she walked toward him, her blonde hair in long, soft waves around her face.
She wore cute shorts, a white blousy top, and sandals.
A brightly colored charm bracelet glittered at her wrist. She also had a hoodie in her hand because he’d warned her the theater was always cold.
“Hey, Ollie!”
Her enthusiasm made his crank up—which he hadn’t known was possible. “Ready?”
“Absolutely. I already smell the popcorn.” She grabbed his hand and squeezed it as they walked toward the doors. Her hand felt tiny in his, and a protective feeling bloomed in his chest.
“I already got the tickets,” he told her. “But let’s get some popcorn and drinks.” They moved into the little theater’s single concessions line, and he noticed the top of her head barely reached his shoulder.
“Oh my,” she whispered as her hand flinched in his; she was staring at the menu board.
“I know,” said Ollie. “It’s a rip-off.” He often brought his own soda to movies, tucked under a coat. But he wanted to give her the full experience for her first time. “Do you mind sharing a big popcorn and drink?”
The man in front of them turned from the counter, holding a popcorn bucket with the proportions of a grocery bag, and her eyes widened at its size.
“That’s a good idea,” she said.
Later, when they were in their seats, he set the popcorn in her lap and the drink in the holder between them.
He’d picked seats in the center of the theater, but the row was a little more toward the front.
Usually he preferred to sit back farther, but he wanted the screen to feel even larger for her.
Conversation came easily as they waited for the movie to start.
He told her about the customer at the sporting goods store yesterday who’d tried on at least twenty pairs of shoes, constantly making Ollie run back and forth to the storeroom.
“Hiking boots, running shoes. Even sandals. And every pair he walked around in for several minutes, and then all he bought was socks.” He shook his head.
“I get it. I’m careful with money too, but I felt like I was his entertainment for the day.
I might ask to work in the warehouse again. ”
“You work at a car dealership too, right?”
“Off and on. I like detailing the cars. They want me to do sales, but I have no interest in that.”
“I couldn’t do sales either,” said Emma. “But I’m happy to grab the muffin and make the coffee someone wants. Although I’ve had several difficult customers too.”
“Yeah, Kaylie has told me some weird stories. Some dude tried to return a pastry that he’d nearly eaten all of?”
Emma laughed and the sound made his stomach warm.
“He said it didn’t taste good and his attitude was super cocky.
Kaylie promptly gave him his money back and a cookie.
” Emma lifted one shoulder. “I was about to argue with him—the pastry was practically all gone—but Kaylie was extra nice instead. He looked ashamed as she cheerily handed him the cookie. It was like he’d wanted an argument.
I don’t think he’ll try it again. At least not at Kaylie’s place. ”
“People are weird.”
“Tell me about it. And customers think they can talk to you about anything. I had one tell me all about his house that’d burned down, and another tell me she’d gone through ten rounds of IVF.
Other people are nosy and don’t realize when they cross a line.
Just this week someone wanted to know my last name, and I’ve had others ask if I have a boyfriend. ”
“Creepy.”
I plan to earn that boyfriend title.
The thought surprised him. He’d known he wanted to get to know her but wasn’t sure when that goal had become full-time boyfriend status.
The lights suddenly dimmed. “Here we go,” Ollie said, anticipation rolling through him.
Nearly two hours later they walked out of the theater.
That was so worth it.
He’d watched her face at least half of the time, delighted at her expressions.
The movie had been typical for a rom-com.
Snobby city lawyer had to return to her parents’ rural farm to stop the big bad—and handsome—developer from taking over.
An emotional roller coaster that had made Emma beam at some points and wipe her eyes at others.
The sex scene had slightly embarrassed Ollie and made him too uncomfortable to check her expression.
Emma had sniffled and wiped her nose through the death scene of the heroine’s mother, but the movie had ended on a very happy note. As expected.
They went next door for ice cream and then sat at a sunny outdoor table to enjoy it.
Mint chocolate chip for her and cookies and cream for him. He stuck to one scoop instead of the triple scoop he liked to get.
He didn’t want the date to end.
Ollie asked her what she’d thought of the film.
“It was fantastic to experience. The movie was so loud,” said Emma.
“And big. It’s definitely different than watching TV.
It’s like you’re actually in the scenes with the actors.
You have no choice but to be involved. With TV you can wander away or do something else while you watch.
” She’d been rather quiet since they’d left the theater, contemplation in her gaze as she ate her ice cream and fiddled with the charms on her bracelet.
She’s just thinking back over it all.
He hoped. He filled the silence by peppering her with information about the next movie they’d agreed to see.
“Just wait until you watch a movie set in space,” he blathered.
“That’s an entirely different adventure.
Full of colors and lights. It’s incredible.
The one I want to see this weekend always has high-quality special effects. ”
“Mm-hm.” She took another bite of ice cream, her gaze on her cup.
Something’s wrong.
“Are you interested in seeing it with me?” he asked quietly, holding his breath.
She looked up and blinked as if he’d surprised her. “Of course. We agreed on that.”
Not exactly the level of enthusiasm he’d hoped for.
Emma set down her spoon, her ice cream only half gone, and awkwardly met his gaze. “I had a wonderful time today. I’m so glad my first time in a theater was with you, but I think I ate too much popcorn. My stomach’s not feeling great. I’ll know better not to eat so much of it next time.”
Relief swept through him as she spoke of the next time. She simply wasn’t feeling well.
“I’ve had that problem too,” he said. “We’ll share a smaller size this weekend.”
She stood, and he jumped to his feet. “Thanks, Ollie. I really need to head home.” She took two steps away and gave him a weak smile. “Thank you for inviting me.”
“Of course. I hope you feel better.”
She waved a hand and darted toward her car before he could offer to walk her.
He sat back down, his shoulders sagging.
That didn’t end how I wanted it to.
Maybe she was about to puke.
He glumly finished his ice cream and then ate the rest of hers. No point in it going to waste.
I’ll see how this weekend goes.