Page 158 of Stay With Me
“My Girl? Have you never seen this before?”
“No, I never heard of it until thirty minutes ago. But I saw that kid fromHome Alonewas in it, and the trailer looked good. It’s one of those oldies from the ’90s. It’s cute so far.”
He cautiously sits next to me, worry etched across his features. The movie features a little girl named Vada and her best friend, Thomas J, growing up in the ’70s. Her dad owns a funeral parlor and his new makeup artist, Shelly, is talking to Vada in a bathroom about makeup and boys.
Like I said, it’s cute.
I shove popcorn into my mouth and a few fall down to my chest and over the ski hill I call my baby bump. It’s growing faster than I can keep up with buying new clothes,so I’ve been stealing Tripp’s T-shirts. He hasn’t complained, so I assume he doesn’t mind.
“I-I’m not sure you should be watchin’ this, Sunny. It has a sad scene.”
“What’re you talkin’ about? The trailer made it look sweet and happy.”
Considering I cry at the drop of a hat, I understand his concern, but he must be confusing this one with a different movie. It’s about an eleven-year-old girl going through some new life changes, to which I can relate on a different adult level, and witnessing her father dating for the first time in twenty years.
“Trust me…you’re not gonna like it.”
“Just because I’m emotional and pregnant doesn’t mean I can’t handle a somewhat sad movie. Plus, that Bingo scene was kinda funny. I don’t think you know what you’re talkin’ about.”
He scratches his head, presumably giving up on trying to convince me to turn it off. I’ve had a busy week at work, I’m tired and feel fat, so I treated myself to a movie night.
“How was work today?” I look over at him watching me.
“Kinda busy actually. Had five new check-ins at cabin call and they all requested Wilder as their horseback riding tour guide, so I have a sneakin’ suspicion he’s been posting thirst traps on social media again.”
I burst out laughing at the idea of what a horsebackthirst trapcould entail, but now I must see this. “That’s hilarious. Well, now ya can’t say Wilder doesn’t help bring in money.”
“Yeah, well, I didn’t tell you they were all women in their forties and fifties.”
Now I’m laughing so hard my side hurts.
“I need to get to the retreat side more often and watch the twins at work.”
“Don’t even think about it,” he warns, which has me fighting back a smile.
I go back to the movie, and the family is hosting a Fourth of July party. Vada clearly doesn’t like how close Shelly is with herdad and is trying to sabotage them in every way possible. But then Shelly’s ex-husband and his brother show up, threatening to take the camper she’s currently living in, and Mr. Sultenfuss obviously doesn’t like them.
“Holy shit, did he just sucker punch her ex in the gut?” My mouth falls open, and I inch closer to the edge of the sofa to watch the drama unfold.
Then Mr. Sultenfuss delivers the best line I’ve ever heard.
“Then you’ll probably be visiting us here quite often.” And when the brother asks, “why,” Mr. Sultenfuss says, “Because if he ever tries to take Shelly’s camper again, I’m going to bury him in my front yard.”
“Oh my God! Now tell me that isn’t something a book boyfriend would say.” I exaggerate by fanning myself. “Holy shit, that’s pretty hot for an old guy.”
Tripp gives me a look like I’m insane.
“What? He stood up for his lady!” I hold out my hand toward the TV.
He crosses his arms. “Oh, but when I hit Travis, I’m dodgin’ assault charges.”
I snort, patting his leg. “This is the ’70s, babe. Different times.”
He rolls his eyes, and we sit back comfortably on the couch as we continue to watch Vada, who’s decided she’s running away to Hollywood.
And then she gets her dreaded period and wants to outlaw sex.
I hear ya, girlfriend. Periods and sexshouldbe banned.
