Page 136 of Fake Game

“Drink?”

I hesitate, looking at the fountain machine. It’s not like someone could put something in that without drugging the entire theater. That’s what my rational brain tells me. I, however, am unable to listen to it.

“Nope.”

“Not even a bottled water?” He points to the mini fridge on the ground next to his feet that houses a few bottled beverages.

“Fine.”

I won’t drink much anyway—I hate getting up to use the bathroom at the movies—but this will appease him enough.

Jackson also orders himself popcorn plus a pretzel and then pays while the employee scoops up the buttery popped kernels and drops them into a plastic bucket.

“Here.” The girl’s smile is sweet, and she has blonde hair, not brown, but it still sets me a little on edge.

“Thanks.” I take my bucket and gummy worms, trying to smile back because I don’t want to seem like a bitch when it’s just my anxiety talking.

Jackson flashes his phone at the employee at the ticket office, and they instruct us to head to theater seven.

I scan the movie posters lining the walls as we walk to the theater, but once we get to the set of double doors with a bright, glowing seven above it, I halt. We haven’t seen anyone else so far, and it just makes me worried that everyone is already in the theater, crowding it with their bodies in the dark room.

Jackson opens the door, and I step in, bracing myself as I walk up the ramp. The theater is still dimly lit because the movie itself hasn’t started yet, so I’m able to run my eyes over all the seats.

It’s…also empty.

“What time does the movie start?” I’m not sure why I’m whispering when there’s no one else here.

“In a few minutes.”

I frown, following him to our seats smack dab in the center, sinking down when he motions to the correct ones. This must be one of those fancier movie theaters since the chairs are all plush with black leather and extra cushioning around the headrests.

“I thought this movie just came out?”

“It did.”

“Then where are all the people?”

Jackson shrugs, ripping off a piece of his pretzel and eating it.

That’s when I hear the doors open.

I knew it.

I whip my head around, ready to see a herd of people rushing in at the last minute.

My shoulders droop.

It’s just another bodyguard…

I turn back, slumping into the chair. Confusion rattles me as I rip open the packet of gummy worms and dump them into my popcorn bucket before giving it a careful shake to distribute them all.

“What are you doing?”

“What?”

“You just put the gummies in your popcorn.”

“I did.” I reach in to pick one out, popping it into my mouth. The chewy gummy is coated with some of the salty butter, making it delicious. “Want one?” I hold another one out for him.

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