Page 43 of Heartbreak Hill

Minealso popped into her mind. She quickly cleared the thought away.

“Are you ready, Sully?”

“I am.” She grabbed her cardigan and small clutch and then met him in the hallway. He took her hand, set it on his arm, and then put his hand back into his pocket. Cocky and self-assured. She was in for a whole new side of Grayson.

They walked a few blocks to a new eatery in town that specialized in salads. Reid knew this wasn’t what Grayson had in mind for dinner, but the fact that he was sticking to his diet on their first date meant a lot. His health was important to her. Witnessing what she had—she never wanted to go through that again.

During their dinner, Grayson picked at his salad, moving the copious amount of vegetables and lean meat around.

“Are you okay?”

“I am.” He looked up at her and smiled.

“Then what’s wrong?”

“Just thinking about how I should’ve done this earlier.” Grayson sat back in his seat. “This isn’t a great first date place.” He looked around. “I mean, I guess it is like the very first date, but we’ve known each other for years. Do you remember when we went to the Inn at Little Washington for your birthday last year?”

Reid nodded.

“Those are the types of places our first official date should be at. Not this place.”

Reid reached for his hand and held it. “If we didn’t know each other, would you bring me here?”

He looked around and shook his head. “Honestly, no. It’s because of this.” He pointed to his chest. “That’s why we’re here.”

“Grayson.” She said his name softly. “We can go to all those places and still eat healthy. It’s all in what you order. No one’s saying you can’t have a nice meal; you just have to watch things more carefully. Would you like to go someplace else?”

He pushed his salad forward and nodded. “Yes, but first, we have tickets to the movies. The Heritage Palace is showingThe Notebook. It’s been twenty years now.”

A wave of excitement coursed through Reid. She smiled brightly. “And you bought us tickets?”

Grayson blushed and nodded. “I knew it was your favorite.”

She tapped her feet on the floor and let out a squeal. “After the movie, we’ll go get dessert.”

“Aren’t you hungry?” he asked her.

“Yes, but let’s get popcorn.”

Finally, the smile Reid loved so much was back. Grayson cleaned away the disposable cartons and then held the door for her. Once they were outside, she put her hand back where he had placed it, and she realized then that they were almost like a scene out of her favorite movie. Only she and Grayson wouldn’t let seven years pass between them. He wanted to change things now.

The Heritage was one of the oldest theaters in DC, and luckily for Reid and Grayson, it was within walking distance of their complex. They often showed foreign and indie films. They didn’t have new releases or any of the box office hits. Reid and Melanie often went when she was in town, but this would be Reid’s first time with Grayson.

The circular ticket booth with a brass-framed window sat under a large marquee displaying the names and times of the two movies that were playing. Red carpet, and at one time probably velvet, greeted patrons before they went through two double doors to the lobby. The concession stand smelled of freshly popped popcorn.

Reid guided Grayson to the counter, where they ordered a large popcorn with butter, a box of hard-shelled candies, and two sodas. Reid carried the popcorn and handed the usher their tickets.

“Theater one,” he said as he ripped the tickets in half and gave the stubs to Reid. Because Grayson carried their drinks, Reid opened the door for them. He stuck his foot out, jamming it against the door.

“Ladies first.”

Reid beamed, and it was silly to do so. Grayson wasn’t the type of guy not to hold the door for her or carry things for her, but tonight was different. He wanted tonight to feel different. Reid chose the toprow, in the middle. This was normal for them, anytime they went to the movies. Grayson was tall, and Reid always felt bad for anyone who got stuck behind him.

The seats were worn and uncomfortable. They weren’t there for comfort but nostalgia. Grayson set their drinks down on the floor and put his arm around Reid, tickling her shoulder. The problem with older theaters was that while they had upgraded their screens, they hadn’t upgraded the seats, and the pesky armrest was there. Last year, they’d gone out with Pearce and his then girlfriend to a newly remodeled theater where you could sit in a love seat or in an oversize recliner. Reid had fallen asleep after getting too comfortable.

After she’d handed Grayson the popcorn to hold, she opened the candies and dumped them in. “Give it a shake,” she told him.

“I forgot you like to do this,” he said as he carefully tossed the popcorn, creating a sweet-and-salty mixture.

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