Chapter Thirty
Seraphine
Gia grabs the bucket of popcorn while I take the empty soda cup and bring it to the fountain. She puts an obscene amount of butter on the popcorn while I fill the cup with Diet Coke. I’m not worried about my weight or the sugar content, I truly just think it tastes better.
We’re at a movie theater that plays older movies, because Gia said nothing new looked good. And this one was playing the most recent Magic Mike movie—I can’t remember the number of it. I have no interest in seeing this movie, but it’s time with my best friend, so I’ll take it.
We caught a late afternoon showing, because she wants to get dinner and drinks after.
Sitting in the movie would kill her buzz, she’d said.
I suggested skipping the movie, and she gave me a look asking if I was crazy.
She’s weirdly obsessed with Channing Tatum.
I don’t really understand why, but I can get on board the Joe Manganiello train.
Channing is a little too clean, a little too put together.
I laugh at that, thinking about Elliot. Is there anyone more put-together than him?
Well, on the outside he’s like that, but behind closed doors?
He’s not like that at all and I think that’s what I like most about him.
That on the outside, you’d think he was calm all the time. But he’s messy and raw.
“I should have gotten chocolate,” Gia mutters as she meets me at the fountain. I put the cap on the cup.
“You can go back.”
“We’ll miss the movie,” she scolds.
“Then I’ll come back and get it for you. I don’t care if I miss out on the movie.”
Gia gasps, putting her hand over her heart as if I’ve offended her.
We walk together toward theater eleven, which is in the back and around the corner.
This place isn’t the greatest, not newly done and it has a funky smell with stains on the carpets, but I do like that it plays older movies.
Sometimes the new stuff doesn’t stay long enough for me to go see it.
Though, it’s not like going to the movies is a normal thing for me.
It used to be when I was in high school, but then my whole life changed when I started dating Harrison.
I thought it was for the better, but each day I’m realizing that isn’t true at all.
When we get into our seats, I pull out my phone and send Elliot a text.
Me: Can we go to the movies?
Elliot: Anything you want, sweetness.
“Who are you texting?” Gia leans over to look at my phone, but I pull it away to hide it.
She looks upset by that, so I say, “It isn’t Harrison.”
The lights are still on here, so I don’t feel bad talking. Gia was nuts when she said we’d miss the movie. We’re at least twenty minutes early.
“I didn’t hate him, you know. Just… didn’t like who you were when you were with him,” she admits, grabbing some popcorn.
“I understand that, and I’m seeing it more for myself every day.”
“So, who are you texting then?” Her smirk is back in place, and I know she just wants the juicy details.
I’m not sure if I should tell her. Elliot didn’t say I couldn’t tell anyone, but I don’t need this getting back to Harrison.
He’d lose his mind. Though, if things continue on the way they are, we will have to tell him eventually.
You know, if this turns out to be an actual relationship or something.
Elliot and I were out in public together, so I don’t think he’s trying to hide it.
If there is anyone in this world that I can trust with something like this, it’s Gia.
“You swear you won’t tell anyone?”
“Promise.” She turns in her set to face me more, face alight with excitement.
“You can’t judge me either.”
She narrows her eyes. “Well, now you have me worried. It’s not Devin from high school is it?”
“Ew, no!”
She’s referring to the kid in school who smelled like cheese and ate his boogers. Yes, even in high school.
“Okay, no judgment then. Tell me, please!” she begs, gripping onto my arm and shaking it dramatically.
“It’s… Elliot.”
She stares at me wide eyed for far too long. So long that I start to panic. My chest gets all tight and my mouth goes dry. I shouldn’t have told her. Shit, I shouldn’t have said anything! But then she grins and lets out a squeal so loud I’m sure they heard it in the parking lot.
“Shush!” I hiss at her, covering her mouth.
“You’re banging Harrison’s father!” she mumbles behind my hand.
“It’s more than that,” I say quietly, pulling my hand away.
“You’re dating him?”
“I don’t know. I guess. It’s exclusive, that’s all I know.”
“Oh my god, Sera. This is the best news I’ve ever heard in my life.” She stomps her feet excitedly. “Please tell me which one has a bigger dick.”
I gasp, slapping her arm. “You’re so crass.”
“Just tell me. Please, I need to know. It’s Elliot, isn’t it? Harrison gives off small dick energy.”
“He does not,” I defend, though I don’t know why. It’s not that Harrison has a small dick, but he is kind of a jerk.
“Oh, honey, he totally does.” She pats my shoulder condescendingly.
“It’s Elliot.”
“I knew it! The man looks like he has a big dick.”
“How do you even know what he looks like?”
“Obviously I looked him up when you told me that’s who you were working for. He’s hot as fuck, Sera. Totally hotter than Harrison. He’s got the brooding rich man thing going for him. Not like Harrison who always looked like a spoiled brat with a stick up his ass.”
I can’t help but laugh at that.
My phone dings and I look at it. When Gia looks at my phone this time, I don’t pull it away.
Elliot: Are you having fun?
Me: Yes.
Elliot: Will I be lucky enough to see you tonight?
“Oh my God, he’s sweet too,” she says in disbelief. “Have you found anything wrong with him yet?”
“Wrong?” I ask. “I wouldn’t say wrong.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, there’s things that are… weird?”
“Like?”
“The fact he’s been married twice and has a kid older than me.”
“Oh, right. Yeah, I can see that. But he doesn’t have, like, a weird collection of bugs or likes to wear diapers, right?”
Oh my God, this girl!
“First of all, don’t kink shame.” I point at her. “Second of all, insect pinning is a well-respected hobby.”
“Gross.” She points her finger down her throat. I give her a little shrug just as the lights lower and the previews come on the screen.
“Tell me, tell me, tell me!” Gia shakes me so hard I almost fall off the stool.
We’re three drinks in—maybe four? I can’t be sure about that, but I do know I feel great and I’m happy to be here with my friend.
Dinner ended up being us sharing an appetizer. The drinks were much more important. Besides, we filled up on popcorn—and chocolate—at the movies. Being with Gia makes me feel like a kid again, and I absolutely love it.
“Okay, okay, okay,” I laugh, putting my hands on the bar so I don’t slip off the stool.
I made the mistake of telling Gia Elliot’s favorite thing isn’t fucking me. I can’t quite remember how the words went, but she got what I meant and has been begging me to tell her what it is he’s obsessed with, even though I’m sure she already knows.
“Let’s go, Sera. Out with it,” she pleads.
“Fine! Okay.” I clear my throat and look into her eyes, grabbing my drink. “He loves eating me out.”
She squeals again, but this time it isn’t as noticeable since we’re in a pub that’s playing loud music, and the customers are all chatting loudly.
“He sounds too perfect,” she says. “He can’t be real.”
“I think the same thing,” I say around my straw before taking a sip.
“So, is this like a forever thing or just a having fun thing?” she asks, taking the last of her drink and pushing the cup to the edge of the bar. The bartender, a cute guy named Simon with red curly hair and lots of freckles, picks up the glass and asks if she wants another.
“Of course I do. My friend here is telling me all about her new sexy boyfriend. Bring on the alcohol, my friend.”
I laugh, shaking my head. Thankfully Simon laughs too.
“You want another?” he asks me.
“Damn right she does!” Gia answers for me.
I nod, letting him know that I do want another drink and I’m not being pressured into it.
By the time I get it, the one in my hand is empty.
“Okay, come on, Sera. Answer the question now.” She rolls her wrist, gesturing for me to get on with it.
“I don’t know.”
“How do you not know?”
“It’s new and we haven’t talked about it.
But I don’t think it’s a forever thing, Gia.
I mean, he’s Harrison’s father. Harrison is going to lose his shit when he finds out, and Elliot won’t pick me over his son.
And I wouldn’t expect him too, either. Besides that, he’s more than twice my age.
We’re on two very different walks of life. ”
“That sounds like insecurities talking,” she sing-songs, picking up her full drink.
I don’t even remember what it is we’re drinking. All I know is mine is pink and hers is yellow.
“It’s not,” I assure her. “Since being with him, I’ve been nothing but confident.”
“I’ve noticed,” she says with a smile.
“Seriously, Gia. I feel so good. He makes me feel so good. I even stood up to Harrison.”
“I know, babe. I can see it in you. I’m proud of you.”
I lean against her, throwing my arms around her and giving her a hug. She hugs me back, and we stay like that for a while. Until emotion clogs my throat, and I pull away.
“We should get more food.”
She wipes under her eyes. “Good idea.”
We order the greasiest food on the menu and share everything we get, which ends up being a cheeseburger, chicken tenders, and a ton of fries. Simon brings us some waters without us asking for them.
“You should get his number,” I tell Gia.
“He is so not my type, Sera.”
“Why not?”
“I don’t know… because.”
I roll my eyes. “Maybe he’d change your mind. Never thought I’d be into someone old enough to be my father.”
Gia laughs, nearly choking on her food. “Good point.”
When Simon walks by, Gia holds out a hand. “Hey, Simon,” she calls. He stops and turns to face us.
“Can I get you something?” he asks.
“Yeah, how about your number?”
He raises a brow. “Seriously?”
“Uh, yeah. Why would I joke?” she says.
He looks at me, still seeming unsure. He’s a cute guy. Good bone structure. Looks like he plays sports. Probably in college or something.
“She’s serious,” I say with a nod.
He blinks a few times, then turns back to Gia. “Give me your phone,” he relents.
She unlocks it before handing it over, and he puts his number in, then gives it back.
“If you regret this in the morning, I won’t be mad,” he says.
“Now why would you say something like that?” Gia asks.
Simon looks at her like she’s crazy.
“No reason. I look forward to your call.” He taps the table before walking away, going back the way he was before she stopped him.
“He thinks you’re too good for him,” I comment.
“Judgy much,” she mutters, reaching for a fry.
“Can’t blame the guy. I mean, look at you.”
She hops off the stool, steadying herself. “I’m going pee. B-R-B.”
As she walks away, I pull out my phone to check my texts. There’s none. I open up the thread with Elliot only to realize I never texted him back from the theater.
Me: I am so sorry!
Me: I forgot to answer back.
Me: Are you still awake?
I send the text before looking at the time.
“Holy shit. Is it really only eight o’clock?”
Elliot: Still awake? I may be old, but I’m not THAT old.
Me: I didn’t realize the time when I sent that.
Elliot: Feeling that good, huh?
Me: I think you could make me feel better.
Elliot: Come here and find out.
Gia makes her way back to me after a few moments.
“How much longer are we going to be here?” I ask.
She looks at me, then to my phone, then back at me. “Booty call?”
“Something like that.”
“Let’s finish our food and our drinks, then we can go.”
I type out my next text excitedly.
Me: I’ll be there soon.
Elliot: Where are you? I’ll send a car.
Me: Not necessary.
Elliot: It’s Saturday night. I’d prefer you to be with someone trusted.
Me: I don’t need you paying for me.
Elliot: Then I’ll pick you up myself.
Elliot: Where are you?
“What’s wrong?” Gia asks before taking a large bite of her half of the burger.
“Elliot wants to pick me up.”
Her eyes go wide, and she nods, forcing a swallow. “Yes. So much yes. I want to meet him!”
“Oh no.” I shake my head. “Bad idea.”
“What? Why?” she pouts.
“Cause you’re… drunk.” I gesture toward her.
“So are you!”
I think about that for a quick second then say, “Yeah, good point.”
“Come on, Sera. I just wanna meet the guy. Please!” Her bottom lip pops out and I can’t help but give in to her.
“Fine, but don’t do anything weird or embarrassing.”
“Weird or embarrassing? Me? Ha!”
Me: You can come get me but be prepared for the hurricane that is Gia.
Elliot: Can’t wait. Address?
I send him the address of where I am and when I put my phone on the table in front of me, I wonder if I’ve just made a huge mistake.