Page 12 of Stick Side
“The past is both interesting and meaningful,” Ben continued diplomatically, “but, since I’m more of a here and now kind of guy, I’m going to have to go with episodes seven through nine.”
“Ehhh, stalemate,” Cassidy groaned. “At least you didn’t pick the worst of the three like this guy.” He cocked his thumb in Volkov’s direction.
“The original trilogy is the worst by far,” Volkov argued. “They did something incredible by introducing the world to a new genre of cinema, but it was a fledgling production with poor computer graphics. The prequel was the best because it fleshed out the history of the Star Wars universe. It gave context. It also had the animation to do the world building justice.”
“Not even,” Cassidy disputed. “The prequel was grade-A garbage. The storyline was crap. Clearly, you wouldn’t know good cinema if it bit you in the a—”
Melody chose that moment to walk into the room carrying a tray of snacks. Ben moved forward to help her.
“I’ve got it,” Melody reassured him as he moved to take the tray from her hands. “If someone could just . . .” Her eyes widened when they flicked over to the covered surface of the coffee table.
Ben followed her gaze to a vibrant red see-through bra and panty set laying atop a Polaroid of a provocative woman modeling said lingerie. Cassidy must have started opening his fan mail.
Volkov leapt into action, swiping the offending garments off the table and shoving them back inside the box. The shell of his ears glowed as he replaced the lid, pressing it closed with unnecessary vigor.
Melody’s eyebrows lifted toward her hairline as she turned toward Cassidy. “Do I even want to know?”
Cassidy’s offered a lopsided smile. “Probably not.”
A look passed between them, but Ben couldn’t interpret it, so he chose to let it go. It was probably nothing.
Melody appeared to shake off the awkward moment and moved to deposit her tray on the now empty coffee table.
“Mmm . . .” Cassidy moaned as he advanced toward her offering. “This looks amazing, Mel. Nachos?”
She smiled and nodded. “You put in a request for Mexican. I just gave it a little twist.”
“You didn’t tell me you were making two types of nachos,” Ben said when he noticed a second plate of what looked to be blue corn tortillas liberally adorned with cheese, chicken, and salsa.
“If you’ll recall, you seemed to get excited enough about the promise of the sweet potato nachos,” she said, silently reminding him of his not-so-serious proposal of marriage.
Ben loved the secret smile she wore as she teased him. Even more, he loved that they were already at the point in their relationship where they shared private jokes.
“There are also bowls of plain tortilla chips, guacamole, and salsa in the kitchen,” Melody added.
“I will get it,” Volkov volunteered before Ben could think to do the same.
“Thanks, Alexei.” She smiled at his retreating back before turning to face Ben and Cassidy. “So, what movie did you guys decide on?”
“Volkov and I were thinking one of theX-Menmovies,” Cassidy answered.
Melody nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Logan?” Cassidy asked him.
“Sure,” he agreed. “I likeX-Men.”
“Any preferences?” Cassidy inquired. “I have all of them.”
“I’m easy,” Ben offered. “Lady’s pick.”
Melody smiled her thanks. And God, what a smile. Even her polite, everyday smiles took his breath away. They warmed in that way only real smiles do.
“In that case, how aboutThe Last Stand?” she suggested. “I haven’t seen that one in a while.”
“Perf,” Cassidy said, as Volkov came back into the room carrying the promised bowls of chips, salsa, and guacamole. “I’m going to grab a beer. Logan? Volkov? You want?”
“Yes, please,” they chorused.
