Page 91 of That's Too Pucking Bad

I change quickly, throwing my damp hair into a messy bun. Maya doesn’t even bat an eye at my cluttered desk or the stack of ramen cups by my trash can. She’s always been like that— easygoing, never making me feel weird about our differences.

“Alright, let’s go,” I say, grabbing my jacket.

The theater is packed, but we manage to snag seats in the middle. Maya hands me a tub of popcorn and a massive soda, grinning like a kid.

“What’s this movie about?” I ask.

“An older rom-com. They like to switch things up week to week,” she says, popping a kernel into her mouth. “I figured you could use something light and nostalgic.”

I nod, settling into my seat. The lights dim, and for the first time all day, I let myself relax.

Maya leans over halfway through the previews, whispering, “By the way, Zane’s kind of scary. In a hot way.”

I snort, nearly choking on my drink. “You’re insane.”

“Yeah but he’s different with you. I’ve never seen him like this with anyone.”

Her words linger, even as the movie starts. I try to focus on the screen, but my mind keeps drifting. To Zane. To the way he looks at me, like I’m the only thing that matters.

The movie playing this week isBridesmaids. Classic. Maya swears it’s the funniest movie ever made, and I have to admit, it’s hard not to laugh. We’re both cackling during the scene with the food poisoning. By the time Melissa McCarthy climbs onto that sink, Maya’s snorting so loud people are glaring at us.

“Remy,” she gasps between laughs, clutching my arm, “if I ever go down like that, just leave me. I don’t want to live.”

“You? Survive bad sushi?” I whisper back, still giggling. “You’d be Melissa McCarthy. You’downthe sink.”

We’re still laughing as the credits roll, and by the time we step out of the theater, my stomach hurts in the best way. Maya’s rambling about how she’s going to be a badass bridesmaid one day when someone whistles behind us.

I freeze mid-step and glance back.

It’s Caleb. And Zane.

“What the hell?” Maya squeals, bolting toward Caleb. He catches her mid-run, spinning her around like some cheesy rom-com hero, planting a kiss on her lips.

“Of course,” I mutter under my breath.

Zane doesn’t run. He doesn’t spin anyone around. No, he strolls toward me like he’s got all the time in the world, his dark gaze steady on mine. My stomach flips when he leans in, pressing a kiss to the side of my head.

“Hey,” he murmurs, his voice low.

“Hi.” My voice comes out weird, high-pitched and awkward.

Maya, still clinging to Caleb, finally turns her attention back to us. “What’re you guys doing here?”

Caleb grins. “Little Remy’s out on a school night? Thought we’d make the most of it. Dinner and dancing, yeah?”

I frown. “I’ve got a 9 a.m. tomorrow.”

Zane raises a brow. “You’ll make it.”

His tone leaves no room for argument. I glare at him, but Maya’s already bouncing in excitement.

“There’s a place around the corner. Korean BBQ. You’ll love it,” Maya says to me. “Piggyback ride!” Maya demands, already jumping onto Caleb’s back.

“You’re such a brat,” he mutters, but he’s laughing as he lifts her effortlessly.

I shake my head, trying not to smile, when Zane looks at me. “Your turn.”

“No way,” I say quickly, holding up my hands. “I’m not doing that.”

---