Page 43 of Five Years
“Oh my God, can we?” Leah perked up.
Ariana nodded, her grip loosening on the wheel. “Sure. I know how much you love it.”
Leah hadn’t stepped foot in a Garrett’s Popcorn store since their last trip to Chicago. She’d tied it—and everything about it—to Ariana. After the breakup, she did everything possible to avoid those memories, which meant avoiding the places where they’d been happiest. And that was tough, because right upuntil the end, they’d been so unbelievably happy—at least, Leah thought they were.
“Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt your weird hot dog obsession,” Leah joked.
“I think we’ll have time,” Ariana said, a hint of a smile in her voice.
The vibrant yellow-and-blue signage of Garrett’s Popcorn Shop popped against the backdrop of Chicago. As they approached, the sweet, buttery aroma drifted through the air, wrapping Leah in a wave of nostalgia.
They exchanged a look—brief, charged, a silent acknowledgment of the times they’d been here before. Leah’s gaze dropped to Ariana’s hand. She was nervously pressing her thumb against her forefinger—a tell-tale sign Leah remembered well.
Inside, large glass jars brimmed with every flavour imaginable. Leah’s eyes lit up when she spotted the classic Chicago Mix—an irresistible blend of caramel and cheese popcorn.
“I can smell it,” she beamed.
“Do you remember how we used to argue about which flavour was better?” Ariana asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
“Of course! You always insisted on the Cheese Corn.”
“And you swore by the Caramel Crisp.”
“It was in this store we tried every single sample until we narrowed it down—then realised they had the Chicago Mix, which was both.” Ariana grinned.
“What did we call it?” Leah knew, of course—but she wanted Ariana to remember too.
Ariana chuckled. “The ‘Areah Blend.’”
“Do you remember telling the assistant?”
“Of course! I spent twenty minutes giving my opinion on each flavour—then went back for a second round of tasting. You know what? I think I still follow her on social media.”
They moved toward the counter, where a smiling young employee offered them samples. Ariana reached for a piece of Cheese Corn, closed her eyes, and let out a low hum. “Mmm. Better than I remember.”
Leah popped three pieces of Caramel Crisp into her mouth. “Wow. Still the best popcorn I’ve ever tasted.” She grinned at Ariana.
They laughed, the tension from the car ride melting like caramel. They ordered a bucket of Chicago Mix to take back to the house. Ariana was still under the impression that tonight was movie night.
Leah cradled the bucket against her chest. As they reached the exit, a voice called out from the left.
“It’s you two!”
The store assistant—beige apron, blue cap—came bouncing over. Leah recognised that spring in her step, making her already tall frame seem taller.
“Did you get the Areah Blend?” she grinned.
“You remember?” Ariana’s eyes widened.
“Well, of course! I’ve been here ten years, and nobody’s ever been as nice to me as you two. I tell all my colleagues about you—even the new recruits. You’re basically the example of perfect customers.”
Leah’s throat tightened. “That’s so sweet. We did wonder if you still worked here.”
“Of course! I got promoted—I’m the store manager now,” Ruth said proudly.
“Congratulations!” Ariana said.
“I was worried for a minute. Haven’t seen you in years—I figured you’d broken up or something.” She laughed, head tiltedback. “Should’ve known better. Popcorn-loving couple goals right here.”
