Page 54 of Cups of You

The ride to the drive-in was short but the sun was beyond the tree line by the time they pulled in painting the world in shades of deep purple and dark blue. This was one thing Amber would never get enough of. Being able to see the stars so clearly was impossible from her old place in the city. Since coming back, she had spent many nights sitting out on the front porch and gazing up at them as she let her thoughts fade away.

“I can’t even remember the last time I went to a drive-in theater.”

“I think I went to maybe one or two when we lived in Atlanta,” Benjamin said as he backed the SUV into their designated spot. “They weren’t like this though.”

Amber nodded. “I can imagine.”

He stopped the car and turned off the engine before turning to her. “I brought food for us, but we can always go grab something from the cart if you want.”

Amber was surprised but appreciative of his thoughtfulness.. She still hadn’t decided what to do for work and so was watching her budget even more closely until she decided her next move.

“How about I check out what you have and then decide?”

“Seems fair.”

He stepped out and Amber followed his lead. Benjamin opened the trunk and Amber was floored to see a picnic basket, a blanket, and piles of large fluffy pillows.

“If I didn’t know any better, I would say you planned this.”

“Planned what?” He asked as he gestured for her to get in. He offered his arm and Amber leaned on it gratefully as she climbed into the back trunk. She tried to keep calm even as her heart rate kicked up. It was like high school again, or some people’s high school experience anyway. Everyone knew what went down at the drive-ins though many pretended to turn a blind eye to the teen shenanigans they were known for.

In the waning light, Amber couldn’t tell if Benjamin was feigning innocence or if he really was just being nice. She didn’t want to make a fool of herself, so she went with innocence.

They were friends and she only had a few of them these days. She didn’t want to say anything that would make him uncomfortable or worse, pull away. Instead, she focused her attention on the contents of the picnic basket as Benjamin settled in beside her.

Friends could spend time together at movies. It didn’t have to mean anything more even if Amber was starting to realize it was actually the more, she was hoping for.

Benjamin was in heaven…and hell.

When Randy had told him about not being able to make it, Benjamin had planned on cancelling and rescheduling their movie plans. Until Sam had jumped on the phone and told him not to be an idiot.

“We’re trying to help you two along a little, dumbass.”

It had taken him a moment to realize what their plan was and then another moment to stop freaking out because being alone with Amber was the sweetest type of torture. It wasn’t that he disliked being alone with Amber. He relished in it.

With others around, she was guarded and seemed to dim herself in ways she didn’t do when they were alone. When they were alone, she was on fire and keeping up with her challenged him in ways he had never felt.

Turned you on too.

That was accurate though he tried not to dwell on it. It was no secret that Benjamin thought Amber was the best thing since coffee cake, but she seemed to either be unaware or uninterested. Still, he appreciated Randy and Sam for giving him one final push to see if things could be different. He’d had to dig deep for ideas and finally just decided to keep it simple and stick with the drive-in movie but adult style.

“Oh wow. Fuck the food cart,” Amber breathed out as she pulled out a bottle of wine and eyed it. “This is one of my favorites.”

“Is it?” The question was said flippantly though Benjamin felt anything but. He had bribed Willie with coffee and muffins to get the information on Amber’s favorites and loaded the basket with them.

Amber looked up at him her brown eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Yes. How did you know?”

He waved his hand feeling warmth spread through his chest at her clear enjoyment as she pulled out the other items. “Small town chatter.”

She snorted. “Well, remind me to thank Willie then for being a gossip.” She pulled out two glasses and handed them to him. “Would you?”

“Of course.”

Benjamin opened the bottle while Amber placed the containers of fruits, cheeses, meats, and crackers between them. He heard her giggle and glanced over to see her eying the muffins he had added as an afterthought.

“I think your muffins are my favorite honestly,” she said before moving the basket out of the way. “They have spoiled me for anyone else’s.”

“Good.” Amber looked up at him and he quickly finished pouring their glasses. “I mean, I wouldn’t want you to have to go back to store-bought muffins.”

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