Page 39 of Perfectly Us
I also like the shine on his lips after he wets them.What the fuck?Why am I staring at his mouth? And why does doing so make my blood heat a little?
The door closest to us swings open, and people leave the auditorium, disposing of their trash in the large bin outside the door and talking about the movie. Alex smiles and says for them to have a good rest of their day. He’s so personable. Outgoing. Meanwhile, I press my back against the wall and look at the carpeted floor, avoiding all eye contact.
“Wanna go inside with me while I clean?” Alex asks once everyone’s out of the theater. “I won’t get in trouble.”
I smile at how he answered my question before I even asked it. “Yeah. Sure.”
Alex straightens his spine and takes on a goofy expression, twirling that fake mustache again. “Follow me, monsieur. Adventure awaits beyond zis door.”
Laughing, I follow him into the auditorium and watch as he uses the end of his broom to reach the light switch behind the maroon curtain on the wall. The theater looks a lot different in bright light, losing that almost magical quality it has when you’re in a cool, dark auditorium, cuddled in a plushy chair, and watching a movie on the big screen.
“Oh my god. You look like a little kid who just learned Santa isn’t real. Takes away the glamor, right?” Alex starts sweeping up popcorn in the aisle. “Everything looks better in the dark. In the light, you can’t hide the stains, scuffs, and questionable substances that youhopeisn’t jizz but you don’t know for sure.”
“What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever found while cleaning?” I ask, propping against the railing leading up the stairs.
“The craziest? Hmm.” Alex moves to the next row and sweeps more into his dustpan. “Probably a jockstrap. Not even joking. I’ve also found condoms, both used and still in the package, dirty diapers, key chains, jewelry, and money.”
“Dirty diapers?” I cringe.
“Tell me about it.” He makes a gagging sound. “Like who changes their baby in the theater? Inconsiderate pricks. At least take the nasty-ass thing with you when you leave. The diaper, not the baby. I’ve never found one of those while cleaning before.”
“Do you want me to help?” I ask with a laugh in my voice. Alex brings it out in me. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much. “Gather trash or something? I feel bad watching you.”
“I don’t mind you watching me,” he says, winking at me over his shoulder. “Just keep me company. I can handle the rest. Plus, you don’t work here. I’d never make you pick up trash.”
“I’d pick up trash for you.”
Alex swoons and tips his head back, hand going over his heart. “How romantic. Seduce me with your words, Shi.”
“You’re so dramatic.” But, again, I laugh. “I’m sorry, by the way. I didn’t bring you flowersorchocolate tonight.”
Alex sniffles and wipes at an invisible tear. “I knew you hated me.”
“Far from it, actually.” My cheeks warm at the confession. It wasn’t even much of a confession either. We’ve already said we’re friends. Of course I don’t hate him. But I feel a deeper truth inside my chest.
Can he hear that truth in my voice? See it in my eyes when I look at him?
“I don’t hate you either,” he says, smiling as our gazes meet.
Once he’s done cleaning, he turns off the light, and we head to the next theater. The movies let out within minutes of each other, so he stays busy for a while. I’m enjoying being with him though. He always has something to say, so the awkward silences I dread when hanging out with other people are nonexistent. I don’t have to stress about keeping the conversation going or worry that he’s bored of me.
The lobby fills with people as they arrive for the seven-o’clock movies. They purchase tickets at the box office, then get in line for concession. The lines are super long too, and little kids run around everywhere. It’s chaotic. The coffeehouse gets busy sometimes but nothing like this.
“I would never be able to work here,” I tell Alex. He’s standing at the podium, hip cocked as he leans against it. “My anxiety’s spiking just thinking about it.”
“Ah, it’s not too bad if you have my job,” he responds. “Concession has the worst of it during a rush. Tearing tickets and telling people where to go is kinda fun. But I work behind the counter if they need me. I’m an awesome salesperson. Someone wants a soda? I con them into buying a combo with popcorn and candy.”
“And here I thought you were a good person.” I tsk and shake my head.
Alex snickers. That’s when I notice the light patch of freckles on his nose. They spread to his cheeks, faint, but they’re there. His eyes flicker to mine, and I can’t look away.
“Do I have something on my face?” he asks, wiping at his cheek.
I shake my head.
“Do I have a booger in my nose, then?”
“No.” I grin. “You’re just…”
