Guess we’re not the only ones who had this idea for such a clear, starry night.
Lennox and I get lucky and find an open middle space in the front row. We back in so we can park with the rear of the Nav facing the big screen. This way we can pop open the hatch and chill in the back.
We came prepared too. We packed blankets and pillows, and we’re dressed in comfy clothes—basketball shorts and a tee for him and leggings and a pullover for me. We both also opted for slip-on sneakers.
However, we didn’t bring any provisions besides some bottled water, so once we’re settled, Lennox asks, “Do you want to go to the snack bar and grab something to eat?”
The cute thing about this particular drive-in is that it’s totally retro, complete with the obligatory little one-story concrete block snack bar. It’s the kind with movie posters on the walls on the inside, and, as a customer, you start at one end of the building, walk through the line, pick out what foods you want, and pay at the other end.
“Yeah, I am kind of hungry,” I reply.
We skipped dinner so we could get here in time for the shows. Even though the weather is mild, it is still late fall, so it gets dark pretty early.
The movies—two scary horror flicks that are sure to be cheesy but fun—will be starting soon.
As we make our way back to the snack bar, Lennox remarks, “This place is so cool. You were right. I feel like I’m stepping back in time.”
Excitedly, I reply, “I know. I feel that way too.”
Once we’re at the snack bar, we walk through the line, opting for one hot dog each, a big bucket of popcorn with lots of butter to share, and two soft drinks.
The young girl working the cash register places everything in a cardboard tray so it’s easy to carry back to the Nav.
When we return to the vehicle, Lennox and I get situated in the back. I’m sitting cross-legged, and he’s leaned back on the side with his legs stretched out.
We decide to save the popcorn for when the first movie starts, but because we’re so hungry, we pretty much devour the hot dogs.
The sky darkens to a pitch-black, and the giant screen flickers to life.
Lennox and I clear away our foil wrappers and cups, then stretch out the blanket and position the pillows so we can lie side by side on our stomachs to watch the movies.
As it turns out, the first flick is cheesy as hell. But that’s what makes it a great drive-in movie.
While we’re watching the action unfold, we munch on our popcorn and try to predict who the clown-faced killer’s next victim may be.
“I think the nerdy kid is up next,” I say.
“Nah, it’s definitely the chick with the big tits. She has it coming.”
“Heyyy.” I elbow Lennox in the arm. “You’re not supposed to be noticing shit like that anymore.”
Chuckling, he reminds me, “Babe, I’m still a man.”
“I guess you’re right,” I reluctantly concede. And then I admit, “I’m not really upset. I just have to give you a hard time about stuff like that since we’re now an official couple.”
Bumping his shoulder to mine playfully, he replies, “I know. It’s all good.”
I love that we can tease each other like this.
In any case, it turns out we’re both wrong. The next victim is an old lady who owns the farmhouse that the clown is lying low in.
Lennox and I keep inching closer and closer. Not because we’re scared. We just have to close the gap, since we like to be near each other.
But that closeness has consequences—good ones.
By the time the first movie ends, we’re making out like horny teenagers with no other place to hook up.
But we’re not horny teenagers, are we?
