I laughed and squeezed her waist. “For real, we can watch whatever you want, baby. I’ll probably be staring in your face the whole damn time anyway.”
On the ride over, we’d held hands the whole way. She’d sat close, leaning in, and we’d talked about nothing important. She told me what kind of popcorn she liked. Whether it was tacky to go to the Dollar Tree and get snacks before the movie, I laughed at her saying people gotta meet people where they are. She said she’d never do that to Mr. Harvey, who I learned was Sametra’s godfather. I’d agreed because, honestly, I would’ve agreed to anything if it meant keeping her this close and hearing her beautiful, honey-filled voice.
The office had been intense. Her showing up with lunch, the conversation about us, how she'd put Cassie in her place, what we'd done on my desk afterward. All of it left me feeling like I was standing on different ground. Steadier ground. Like something had shifted between us and clicked into place, I didn't care what it was. I was just happy it had happened.
“I’m a lucky ass nigga, Lo,” I admitted.
With her, I felt like a normal person. She didn’t treat me any differently. I was glad there were no cameras, no crowd. It was just us and a handful of other folks who appreciated good films at the movies. With streaming and movies so easily accessible, I felt it was becoming a lost art. I realized how much I’d been missing this. How much I’d been missing having somebody to do normal shit with, like to eat lunch with and do midday movies.
We bought tickets, loaded up on popcorn and candy, and headed into the theater. It was damn near empty—maybe five other people scattered around—and we took seats in the back. I’d worn a hat and kept my head down coming in, but so far nobody had said anything.
Halo settled into her seat, and I immediately put my arm around her, pulling her close. She made me her personal pillow.
“You comfortable?” I asked.
“Very.”
“Good.”
The movie started, but I wasn't paying attention. Twenty minutes in, and I could barely tell you what was happening. I was too busy watching how she laughed, how she leaned forward to sip her drink while never removing her hands from the popcorn. I loved a woman who was familiar and comfortable with peace.
“You’re not watching the screen,” she said without looking at me.
“I already told you I’d be watching you. I told no lies.”
“Game,” she scoffed playfully.
“Don’t care.”
She turned to face me, and even in the dark theater, I could see her smiling. “You’re in a good mood.”
“Yeah. I am.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m with you. My ma, may be on to something, but that’s for us to discuss another day.”
“No, you can’t say that and dodge the conversation. What did your mom, who doesn’t know me, say?”
“She said I might be infatuated with you. She might be right,” I said with a shrug. Her lids fluttered as she looked at me before turning back to the movie. I hoped she didn’t think I would lie to her. She wanted the real; she would always get it from me.
“I love this place,” she whispered during a quiet moment. “Thanks for coming with me.”
I held her tight and kissed the top of her head.
“I can’t wait for the next movie date.”
“I come twice a month on my off days. Sometimes you just need to get cute, eat some lunch, and watch a movie solo dolo. But I’m going to make an exception for you.”
“‘Preciate that,” I replied, sipping the drink we decided to share. I leaned it over towards her, and she took a long gulp, eyes never leaving mine. “Stop playing, Lo.”
She giggled and kissed me, before turning back to the screen.
When the credits rolled, we took our time leaving. I wasn’t in any rush. We walked slowly, her hand in mine, while talking about the movie.
“I forgot how good that movie was,” she said as we headed toward the exit. “Did you enjoy yourself?”
“I did, I ain’t tryna end the date. We can watch another one. Go to dinner.”
