Page 6 of Jilted
She gave him an odd look. “It’s blowing in my face.” Standing, she gathered her purse and draped it over her shoulder. “Besides, since when do you care about my hairstyle?”
He shrugged in that cocky, sexy way he had about him and said, “I don’t. But you wear it up all the time when you’re teaching. It looks better down.” He reached over and pulled the tie from her hair. “There.” He smiled. “Much better.”
What was up with him tonight? she wondered. He’d never once cared or mentioned her hair before. “C’mon, we better hurry or we’re going to be late.”
It was a short drive to the Kalet theatre and as usual, parking was a non-issue. Several years ago, the Kalet was the only theatre in town, and it was the epitome of class. Now, it was rundown and forgotten, thanks in large part to all the new cinema complexes popping up.
But to Amy, the Kalet was better than any new, high-tech cinema. Sure, it was dirty, the floor was always sticky, and she never sat on the seats without first putting down several napkins, but it was her and Brett’s special place.
Thursday was horror movie night. For five dollars they could see three movies without interruption. Tonight, like most other nights, they had the entire theatre to themselves. Taking their usual seats in the back, they settled in and waited for the previews to start.
“Any idea what’s on the lineup tonight?” Brett asked.
“Nope. Didn’t bother to ask. Thought we could be surprised.” Amy tossed some popcorn into her mouth and chewed as the lights dimmed and the credits began. The first movie up: Scream. “I’m impressed.”
“Yeah, this isn’t a half bad movie.” Brett reached over and took a handful of popcorn, his fingers brushing hers as he did, sending an inexplicable shiver up her spine.
Normally, when they were alone in the theatre, they’d talk throughout the movie, but tonight they were quiet. She wasn’t sure if it was because they both actually liked the movie or because they were too preoccupied with their own thoughts.
It was going to be a long few months without Brett around. Who would she hang out with? There was her sister, Lucy, but all Lucy ever wanted to do was bitch about her boyfriend and how rotten he was. Amy had told her repeatedly to dump the jerk, but Lucy never listened.
There was Becca, the real estate agent that Amy had become close friends with. Amy could only handle that woman in small doses, though, because she was too damn happy all the time. She was one of those women who was always so chipper and tried to force everyone around her to be the same. Becca would be a good distraction on occasion, but not for a full six months, or however long Brett would be gone.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving me for some stupid TV show,” Amy muttered.
Brett laughed. “It was your idea, remember?”
She threw popcorn at him. “Well, when have you ever known my ideas to work out?”
“It’ll go by fast, don’t worry.” He gently nudged her with his shoulder. “Plus, I told my brother to keep an eye on you while I’m gone.”
“Craig? Really?” She frowned. Craig was a good guy, and Amy liked him, but he wasn’t the most reliable person in the world.
“Yes, Craig. If you need anything, you can call him.”
“I know. Thanks.” They fell silent again. Amy chewed on more popcorn. Maybe hanging out with Craig wouldn’t be so bad. He did know how to have fun, and he always made her laugh.
“I’ll miss this…hanging out with you,” Brett said after several moments.
Amy smiled. “Me too.”
“I might even miss you a little.”
She glanced at him and saw the smile he was fighting to hide. “I might miss you, too…for a few seconds.”
He laughed again. “About as much as I’ll miss your stupid sayings.” Brett winked.
“Yeah, well, not as much as I’ll miss your lame jokes.”
“Lame?” He playfully poked her in the ribs. She yelped and then laughed.
“As lame as your car.”
“Oh, now that was just a low blow.” He shook his head as if disgusted, but the smile that pulled at his lips told her he was faking.
Amy knew how much Brett loved his car, and her comment was said in jest, but she felt the need to apologize anyway. “Sorry. I just don’t understand the whole guy car relationship thing.”
“You don’t have to understand it; you just have to respect it.”
