“I suspect you have to go to headquarters.”
“I do.” He takes a deep breath. “But I won’t be too long.”
An idea has been working its way through my head for a couple of days.
“Actually, take all the time you need. I’m going up to the main house for the day.”
“I’ll wait and escort you.”
I hop out of bed, change my clothes, and rather than waste time showering and primping here, I gather the things I’ll need.
I can do all that once I’m in the main house.
“I’m ready.”
“Thanks for coming on such short notice.” I smile at Natasha and Monica, who are currently sitting in the living room, enjoying the view of the lake. “I’m sorry Aspen couldn’t join us.”
“She practically lives at the coffee shop,” Natasha says. “It’s her passion.”
“I admit, it feels odd to talk about this with you both now that I’m sober.”
“Oh, this is going to be good.” Natasha leans in, ignoring Monica’s rolling eyes. “What’s up?”
“I want to go to the cinema with Liam.”
Both of them just continue staring at me as if waiting for a punch line.
“We have a movie theater in town,” Monica says at last.
“I can’t go out to the movies,” I reply. “I’m trying to stay relatively discreet.”
“Well then, that rules out movies in the park,” Natasha says.
“What is that? It sounds lovely.”
“On Friday evenings during the summer, we have movies in the park,” Monica replies. “They’re usually films that have been out for a while, but it’s a chance for people to go and hang out in the nice weather, doing something fun. Our summers are so short, we tend to try and enjoy every moment.”
“As much as I would love that, I’m afraid it’s out. And I’d like to do this today. There’s a movie theater here in this house. I just want your ideas for things I should do for it. I’ve never been to a traditional theater to see a movie.”
“You haven’t?” they ask in unison, both taken aback.
“We have a theater in the palace,” I say quietly. “And, sometimes, we’re invited to premieres. I’ve been to a few of those, but I don’t think they count as a normal cinema experience.”
“Definitely not,” Natasha says just as Monica’s phone rings.
“Sorry, guys, it’s my brother.” She quickly answers. “I’m busy, what do you want? Uh-huh. Okay. Yeah, I can.”
Natasha and I share an amused glance. Monica’s face is so expressive.
“Right. Got it. I got it. I won’t forget. Gotta go. Bye.” She sighs and tucks her phone into her pocket. “Sorry.”
“What’s Sam up to?” Natasha asks, trying to sound nonchalant, but it’s not working.
“I don’t know,” Monica says. “He wants me to take something somewhere. Oh! He needs me to take his boots to the fire station.”
“He forgot his boots?” Natasha asks.
“Different boots. I don’t ask a lot of questions,” Monica says with a shrug.
“Is your brother a firefighter?” I ask.
“Yeah, he used to be an EMT, but he recently moved into a firefighter position. He’s pretty badass. We’re all proud of him.”
“You should see him in his gear,” Natasha adds, waggling her eyebrows. “Hello, hotness.”
“Nat’s had a crush on my brother since middle school,” Monica says, waving her best friend off. “And, no, I don’t look at him like that when he’s in his gear because he’s my brother. That’s disgusting.”
“Not from where I’m sitting,” Natasha says with a smile. “But let’s get back to the task at hand. Movies.”
“Right.” I nod and wring my hands. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”
“Me either,” Monica says. “It doesn’t take anything fancy. Just a dark room and a movie.”
“Wrong,” Natasha says. “She needs popcorn. Soda. Maybe some licorice.”
“Let’s go see what we’re working with,” Monica suggests.
“Good idea.” I gesture for them to follow me and lead them downstairs to where the theater is located.
“It’s like a lobby out here,” Monica says in surprise. “You have plenty of candy, a soda machine, and a popcorn popper.”
“We just have to make the popcorn,” Natasha says with a nod. “We’ve totally got this. In fact, why don’t you text Liam and ask him to come down here in thirty minutes? We’ll serve your goodies, and then leave when you’re settled to do…whatever you want to do in there.”
“Really?” I’m stunned that they’re so excited to help me. But I shouldn’t be. Isn’t this why I asked them to come over?
I know I’ve only recently met them, but I feel like I can trust them. I’ll miss Montana and these wonderful women that I’ve come to know in such a short time when I leave.
I don’t want to think about that now. I have a surprise to set up.
“We’ve totally got this,” Natasha says. “It’s so fun. Go primp or something and let us do this. Don’t forget to text Liam.”
“You’re so wonderful. I’ll be back in twenty,” I promise and hurry up to the guest room where I stashed my things. Before long, I’ve styled my hair, done my makeup, and thrown on a simple sundress. When I make my way back downstairs, the incredible smell of fresh popcorn greets me.
“Good afternoon, and welcome to Royal Cinemas,” Natasha says with a smile. Before I can reply, Liam walks in behind me.
“What’s all this?”
“The movies,” Monica replies and winks. “We’re showing Sherlock Holmes today. What can we get you to snack on?”
“Popcorn is a must,” Natasha says, filling a big bucket with the kernels. “What else?”
“I’ll take a Coke,” I reply. “And some Junior Mints.”
“Good choice,” Monica says. “And you, sir?”
“Uh, I’ll have a root beer. The popcorn is enough for me.”
“There’s plenty out here, and we offer free refills,” Natasha adds. “But you’ll have to get those yourself because we’re about to leave.”
“Have fun,” Monica says as Liam and I walk into the theater.
I don’t know how they managed it, but just as we sit down, the movie starts, and the lights dim.
“This is a surprise,” Liam says as we sit smack dab in the middle of the room. He shoves a handful of popcorn into his mouth. “But a fun one.”
I sip my Coke and suddenly feel nervous again. I wanted to do this, but now that I have Liam here, what am I going to do with him?
He’s supposed to be teaching me.
I reach for some popcorn and smile when my hand brushes his. Before long, we’re engrossed in the film, enjoying our snacks and each other.
About an hour in, Liam sets the empty bucket on the floor and takes my hand in his. He kisses my knuckles, my wrist, and then my shoulder.