“Thank you.”
Like a proper date, I opened her door and helped her get in. Thanks to the car sitting low, her skirt rose. A fleeting thought about changing to my SUV popped into my head, but then I thought better of it. Once we were both tucked inside, the engine purred to life, and we were on our way.
“It’s so soft.” Charlie rubbed her hands over the soft leather seat on each side of her legs.
I hit the gas, and we zoomed down the road. Charlie’s giggles had me loving my car more and more. Taking a few back roads to enjoy the twist and turns the small town had been known for, I stopped at a light before turning into a parking lot.
“Be-Mused?”
“Yeah. Thought it would be different.”
“What is it?”
“You’ll see.”
Within minutes, we were walking inside. Easels were set up, and the instructor and staff had agreed to sign an NDA in exchange for us sharing our artwork on social media and tagging their shop.
“We’re painting?”
“Yes. What do you think?”
“I think it’s great! I’ve always wanted to go to one of these places.”
Knowing we were in a safe space, I linked my fingers with hers and walked farther into the room. A woman wearing a vinyl apron came in from the back, carrying a plate of cookies and cupcakes.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t hear the door. I’m Tabitha. Welcome to Be-Mused.”
“Hi, Tabitha. I’m Collin and this is Charlie. Thank you for accommodating us this evening.”
“Oh, it’s my pleasure.”
“Is it just us?” Charlie asked, looking around.
Voices came from the door. It actually sounded like Sophie was scolding someone. “No, you’re wrong. Sandra Bullock was not in that movie. Julia Roberts was.”
“I think I know the difference between Julia Roberts and Sandra Bullock,” Mack shot back.
“It’s clear that you don’t,” Sophie countered.
We turned and looked at our friends. Lucas and Harley both rolled their eyes as they walked up to us. Lucas shook his head. “This has been going on the entire ride over here. I almost kicked them out of my car a couple of blocks ago.”
“Who’s right?” I asked.
“Sophie,” Harley said with a sigh. “Except Mack still thinks he is.”
“Why don’t you just look online to settle the dispute?”
“Because that would probably be wrong too,” Lucas answered with snark before Harley could. “Cami sends her apologies. She had to work on a project.” I nodded and noticed that poor Tabitha had moved to the front of the room.
“Charlie,” Mack said, barreling forward. “Which actress starred in the movieWhile You Were Sleeping?”
She furrowed her brow before answering: “Sandra Bullock.”
Sophie punched him in the shoulder. “Told you.” She glanced at Charlie. “Thank you.”
“I’m telling you, it’s not her,” Mack insisted again, while I wondered why we were still discussing this.
“Who else is in that movie?” Charlie asked Mack.