Page 11 of Madness Blooms

As soon as he turns to walk through the doors, his demeanor subtly shifts. Like a flash of something I can’t quite place. I frown, struggling to decipher it as we enter the theater.

“Sorry, Grace. I have to use the restroom,” he says suddenly, untangling himself from me. “Grab some snacks. I’ll cover the cost.”

“You don’t have to. I have my check. I can?—”

“You worry too much,” he says with a wave, taking a step back towards the bathrooms. “I told you this would be my treat. Relax.” And with that, he disappears behind the door.

Blowing out a stream of air, I will myself to chill out. I’m not accustomed to people, especially men, treating me so kindly. I try not to think that Luke has bad intentions—after all, with a serial killer in the vicinity, it’s in my best interest to stick with someone who’s built enough to scare them off.It’s fine, Grace. You’re fine. Nothing to worry about.

I wander over to the concession stand. With its neon lights, it looks like something straight out of the 1950s. But it also sticks out like a sore thumb, its color palette clashing with the Art Deco theme. I watch, fascinated as the kettle cooks kernels and spits out popcorn. As the machine fills, a voice startles me.

“Hey, Grace! Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Heart leaping into my throat, I clutch my chest for a moment before turning around. Kyla stands before me, with Briar’s hand practically down her pants. I resist the urge to fake barfing. “It wasn’t … exactly in my plans today. I met someone, and?—”

“A boyfriend, huh?” Briar remarks, nuzzling Kyla’s neck. “Finally getting some action, Lawrence?”

I scowl, my face flushing in both embarrassment and anger. “That’s none of your business.”

“Briar, shut the fuck up.” Kyla shrugs him off her. “I’m sorry. Somebody here doesn’t know the meaning of tact.”

Briar ignores her jab and rolls his eyes.

“I-it’s fine.” I look away and focus on the concession stand menu. “I’m sure you two have places to be, so …”

“Yeah, we do,” Briar says as he steals a sloppy smooch, prompting Kyla to bat him away. “See ya, short stuff.”

I shake my head and bite my tongue.I’m notthatshort, I think.Give me a break, asshole.I keep my gaze trained on the menu as they duck into an auditorium.

“Were those people bothering you?” Luke asks, appearing beside me.

I didn’t hear him approach, but at least I didn’t jump this time. “No, no. They’re … friends. At least one of them is.”

“I see,” he says as he skims the menu before turning to me. “Anything catching your eye?”

“I think I lost my appetite,” I answer honestly.

He peers down at me. “What about a drink, at least? A slushy, soda …”

I consider his suggestions. “A small strawberry slushy sounds good,” I reply, feeling like a kid.

He beams at me. “Sounds good,” he says, motioning for the employee. “We’d like a small strawberry slushy and a medium Diet Coke.”

The employee nods and gets to work.

The following minutes pass in a flurry as we get our drinks and wind our way through the crowds and into the designated auditorium. Since many of the screens are playing the marathon, ours is mostly empty. We have our pick of seats, so Luke takes my hand and guides me through the dark to the middle section somewhat near the front.

“Seems like we made it early enough for the beginning ofPart III,” Luke comments, taking a free seat.

I sit beside him and place my bag on the other seat next to me. “Yeah, apparently,” I say, not questioning what he says, as I do not know the difference between these films. All I know is that they all feature a masked man with a sharp blade who murders people.Much like real life, I think, my hands trembling as I put my cup into the drink holder.

“Did you know they originally released this movie in 3D?” He sips some of his soda. “Nothing but headache-inducing. To be honest, I don’t think it’ll ever truly catch on.”

As the bodies pile up on the screen, I can’t help but squirm. I shut my eyes, blood spatter painting the inside of my lids as Jason stabs Debbie through her chest from below. Wasn’t she pregnant?That’s so fucked up. Who actually enjoys watching this shit?I glimpse Luke. A smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth as he gazes at the screen. He almost looks … transfixed.

When Chili is impaled by a fire poker, I recoil and squeeze my eyes shut again. I hear a chair creak—and then feel fingers press into my thighs. I open my eyes.

Luke is between my legs, sporting a devilish grin.

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