Him: I’m here, Herbalist. Miss you.
He’s so perfect, it’s painful that I’ve kept us apart.
Me: Soooo… I was looking up what to do in this lovely town. Have you ever been to Movies in the Pines?
…
Waiting for him to reply was agonizing.
Him: Yeah, a long time ago. It’s a nice little park. The Whispering Pines Parks Department hosts weekly outdoor movie nights. There’s this huge inflatable screen that they put up in the center of the park, just before sunset. You can get popcorn and snacks if I’m remembering correctly.
Me: Sounds like it’s nice.I wanted to tease him a little. I knew it was mean, but I couldn’t help myself.
Him: Um, yeah, it is.
Me: Okay, thanks.
Him: Wait… that’s it? Are you…going with someone?
I dropped in a blushing emoji and replied,Well… you, if you’ll go with me?
Him: Hell. Yes. I’d love nothing more than to go to the movies with you. I’ve never been asked on a date before. I usually do the askin’!
Me: Well, buddy… first time for everything. Pick me up at 7:00?
Him: I’ll be there at 6:45.
Of course he would be. I dropped one more smile emoji and ran upstairs to get ready.
***
Jesse picked me up and brought a bag of goodies with him. He opened my door for me and helped me out of the truck, like a true gentleman. “Thank you,” I said, trying to hide my blush. “What’s in the bag?”
“You’ll see.” He flashed his sexy grin at me. The date already felt different than being at the farm with him. Our relationship felt new and exciting. Jesse wore a pair of jeans, white sneakers, and a black, button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing those sexy forearms. His hair was slicked back in a different style. I’d suddenly forgotten why I wanted space.
The atmosphere at the park was so relaxed and intimate because Jesse stopped at a spot he’d picked out, slightly off to the side of everyone else, and opened his bag. He pulled out a blanket and laid it down, followed by two of his oversized sweatshirts. He offered, “Here. In case you get chilly. You never know,” and shrugged.
“Thank you!” We sat on the blanket as he pulled out a thermos and two Halloween glasses with straws. “What is this?”
“Well, I heard it’s Summerween or something like that. So, I brought Witch’s Brew Lemonade.” I watched him pour a purple drink into the two glasses and put the lids on. “It’s non-alcoholic. Bev, the owner of The Pines Diner, had the kitchen make it up for me.” He flashed me a smile and I wanted to climb in his lap again, but reluctantly, I refrained.
“This is incredible, Jesse.” I took a sip and said, “Aaah, refreshing.”
“It’s one of my favorites on a hot day. Oh, and it turns out the movie playing isFright Night. Have you seen it?”
Excitedly, I said, “Yes! Many years ago. I love this so much! Thank you for doing all of this.”
“Thank you for asking me to come.”
It was getting dark and the fireflies were starting to come out. “Look… did you ever catch fireflies as a kid?” I whispered to him so not to disturb the other moviegoers.
“When I was a kid, yeah.”
“Light pollution has been a threat to fireflies. Their glow is them signaling for a mate.” I turned toward him as I talked. “Without that glow, no fireflies.”
“Is this why you always turn your outside light off?”
Nodding, I confirm, “It is, and I close the blinds to the house because you want to minimize as much light pollution as possible, so they can see each other. I don’t have lights in the garden either. That’s why.”
