Me
Will there be popcorn?
Noah
With butter. And Raisinets.
Me
Why would you ruin popcorn?
Noah
They’re optional. But you’re missing out if you don’t.
Me
I guess I can clear a couple of hours.
Noah
Make it four.
Me
O’clock?
Noah
Hours. I’d rather not rush.
Me
The movie?
Noah
That too
I’m flushed by the time I put my phone down. I have two hours before seven, so I go back to my dorm and spend more time getting ready than I ever have before, including prom. And draft day. Not that I was really on camera for that, but there were a lot of important people my brother introduced us to.
I settle on a black dress with little flowers on it, because it makes me feel beautiful and confident. I also go for the single pair of matching bra and panties I own, but I hate wearing tights, and leggings feel too casual for this dress, so I wear long socks and boots that go to my knees instead. I consider driving, but it’s not a long walk, and I’m not sure I’d turn down alcohol tonight.
I realize walking was a bad idea when I get there early and don’t have a car to wait in. And I’d rather not be awkwardly standing on the porch when Noah arrives, so I’m about to loop around the block to kill time when someone stops me.
“Savannah?”
“Miss Mabel!” I smile when I see her, and a tiny part of my nerves disappear.
“Which one are you here for?” she asks, getting straight to the point, which I always loved about her.
“Just going to watch a movie with Noah.” I swallow, suddenly nervous. She saw way more of what my brother and his teammates got up to than they probably realized. I’m curious to hear what she thinks. “Did you have a recommendation?”
“They’re quieter than your brother and his friends. Less parties, for sure. No girlfriends that I can tell, but there have been floosies. Not with Noah, of course. The only girls he’s brought here were you and his sister.”
I knew she’d seen us.
“Still spying on the neighbors, I see?”
