“I’ve been reading a historical romance. One of the books you downloaded on that library app.”
“You have?”
“What can I say? You got me hooked on romance. It’s very relatable, actually.”
“Oh?” She hugs the flowers to her chest.
“Yeah, because like the main character, I too used to be a rake, but that part of my life is done. I’m a changed man. I want to court you.”
“Jackson.” Her gaze is serious and her next words hold warning. “The woman you got to know last week doesn’t exist. You’re going to be very bored with the real me.”
“Let me be the judge of that.”
“I can’t promise you anything.”
I’m not asking her to.
“Milady.” I remove an imaginary hat and dip into an exaggerated bow. “Can I at least come to movie night?”
“That depends.” Her lips twist, as if she’d like to smile. “Can you keep your hands to yourself?”
“Well, I don’t want to,” I reach for the door and open it for her, stepping inside. “But I will. Promise.”
Edward is enthusiastic about movie night, and Rosalie prepares the popcorn and snacks into three bowls before disappearing to change into sweatpants. Edward shows me their movie collection, and kindly offers for me to pick the film because I’m a guest. Apparently, Saturday movie nights are a weekly event and they’ve never had a visitor. It’s usually just him and his mom. I tell him to select two choices and I’ll pick one. We settle onToy Story, a classic, and all chatter ends as soon as we sit on the sofa and press play.
I sit in the middle of the couch at Edward’s request to be next to him. Rosalie squeezes herself into the corner, as if touching me might cause an epidemic. I’m dying to touch her, even if it’s just our fingers brushing from where they rest on the cushion, but I keep my promise.
At the end of the film, Edward flips the lights on and Rosalie gathers our bowls, bringing them into the kitchen. I follow her and start the water at the sink, motioning for her to hand the bowls over.
“Mama, I’m still hungry.” Edward pops onto one of the barstools.
Rosalie glances at the clock. “It’s late, so how about cereal?”
“Yes, please.”
“Okay.” She pulls a clean bowl down from the cupboard. “Go pick out the one you want.”
He races to the pantry and retrieves a box. He pours the cereal into the bowl, then Rosalie adds the milk.
“Jackson,” Edward says between bites. “Did you like the movie?”
“Sure did.” I finish washing the last bowl, then pick up a clean towel to dry them.
“You don’t need to do that,” Rosalie says.
“I want to.” I glance at Edward. “It’s the least I can do after being invited to movie night.”
Her lips pinch and I can’t tell whether she wants to frown or smile.
“You can come next week too!” Edward says, his mouth full.
“Chew first. Then talk,” Rosalie reminds him. “And I’m sure Jackson has other plans.”
“I don’t.” I wink at Edward. “Most Saturday afternoons you’ll find me fishin’.”
“I’ve never been fishing.” Edward sighs.
“You’ve never—” My jaw falls open and my gaze darts to Rosalie. “How has this kid never been fishin’? You’ve lived here his entire life!”
