“Those are overrated. I told you I’d be getting closer to you, so…” She glared at me, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Kidding. Jeez. You really think I would do that?”
She didn’t answer as I opened the door and ushered her through, but as she passed by I saw a dusting of pink along her cheeks. And that wasn’t makeup, either. Even in the waning daylight, I could tell it was embarrassment.
I ushered her through another set of doors and past the empty front desk.
“Where’s everyone?” Sarah asked, glancing around.
“It’s more than a workout and swimming facility.” I held up my bag as we passed through the gates. “They open up the back area on Sunday nights…”
“For…” she said, taking in the surroundings.
“Outdoor movies!” I pushed through the door to the patio and Sarah let out a little gasp.
Her eyes were wide, and her mouth open as she took in the sights. Hanging lights from the trees cast a soft illumination over the small courtyard. About twenty other people lolled around, fixing their chairs to face the side of the building that acted like the movie screen.
“They’re usually older movies, but tonight’s was pretty suiting, so I figured…”
“Resident Evil?” she asked. “Wait, what?”
“Okay, so I have a confession to make. I asked Angelina what your favorite movies were so I could surprise you.”
“You did?”
“Don’t be mad. When I found out these were playing tonight, I wanted to be sure you didn’t get grossed out by it or anything. That’d be an epic fail for a first date, you know?” I guided her to the back row of chairs. I’d called ahead and reserved the swing. Good thing I knew the manager of this place and got to call in a favor.
“Wow. That’s impressive, Drey. Really impressive.”
“Then this night’s off to a good start. Come on.” I guided her to the back corner and to the swing. There was a reserved sign on there and that cutie assistant of Mark’s put a little heart next to the names. I’d have to remember to thank her. “Have a seat.”
“You did some work on this one, huh?”
“Yeah, well, you’re worth it. First dates, you know…”
“Make an impression.” Sarah sat in the swing chair and let out a sigh. I opened my bag and pulled out a blanket and some goodies.
“Here.” I handed her the junk food and shuffled around the bag for our sodas. I finally found them and sat next to her with the bundle.
“Red Vines, huh? Another thing you remembered?”
“I’ve been dying to taste one of those on your tongue, so yeah, since tonight we’ll have our first kiss…”
“Confident bugger, aren’t you?”
“I’ll get you so high on sugar and caffeine, you won’t be able to deny me,” he teased.
“No booze, huh?”
“I want you sober when you ask me to kiss you. So there’s no mistake.”
“Oh, so I’m going toaskyou to kiss me. That’s how it’s going to go?”
“You sound like Bill. But yes, that’s how it’s going to go. That’s the only way I would ever kiss you. I’m not some bully.”
“I’m starting to see that.” She twisted the cap off her soda and took a swig. “You going to hold those Red Vines hostage or what?”
“Oh, I’ve got plenty of sugar.” I handed her the first bag. “Had to kick it old school on the Sugar Babies, though. Those are my favorite.”
“Nice!” She held out her hand. “I’m all about those, too.”