We pulled into the parking space in front of the multiplex theater. I looked over at Lynn as I turned the car off. She sat there quietly with a mirthful grin on her face, looking straight ahead, hands folded on her blue and white floral print skirt. She was a pretty lady, in that cute librarian sort of way. Small wire-framed glasses with cheeks big enough to hold them up, but a twinkle in her grey-green eyes that hinted at mischief. I got out and came around to let her out, twirling my hand comically before offering it to help her up. "Madam, we have arrived."
She chuckled lightly and stepped out into the temperate night air. We continued arm in arm, a gentle breeze spreading her sweet perfume over me. It was late and the middle of the week, so we were pretty much alone when we got to the ticket counter. She pulled out her phone and swiped a few times to pull up our pre-purchased tickets. A girl covered in piercings who looked like she was doing this instead of her first year of college scanned the ticket and in we went. We had just come from dinner so neither of us had any need for the overpriced concessions. "So what is this movie supposed to be about," I asked.
"It's a romantic comedy," she said, leading me into the barely lit theater where previews were playing to an empty room. This seemed to excite her enough to where she completely ignored my comment about having our pick of the seats. I followed her up to the top of the steps, and we settled in right below the projector room. This theater had some of the nicer seats, vinyl recliners with thick armrests, which she immediately lifted so that she could hold my hand.
The previews ended, giving way to the reminders to drink more, eat more, and turn off your phone. "So who's in this?" I asked.
"You ask too many questions," she replied with a smile as the lights went out. She was right. I tended to overthink the situation a lot, never really living in the moment. My time with her had changed that some. With Lynn, spontaneity was the order of the day, whether it was meals, outings, or lovemaking. It kept things fresh. No one could ever accuse her of being boring.
It seemed like a cute enough movie, our average sexy couple in wacky situations until they figured out how much they cared. But I couldn't get over the thought that Lynn was barely interested. She laughed where appropriate, but her attention was elsewhere. "Are you okay?" I asked.
She seemed surprised by the question. "Me? Oh! I'm fine." I didn't believe her, but she didn't seem sad so I figured she's a grown woman with her grown thoughts. I'll be included if she wants me to be. The usher came in and started across the lane with the speed you would expect from a teenager making some summer cash. She gripped my hand a little tighter and I noticed she was watching the boy intently. He hit one side and then walked back with just as much energy, and we were alone again. She sighed, "Finally." And she released my hand.
"What's up?" I asked, thoroughly confused.
