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‘She’s absolutely lovely,’ I say jokingly. ‘I’m so glad to be the third wheel on this weird sister date.’
‘And I’m so glad you’re here.’
That was cute. ‘So, what’s your candy vice for a trip into the past via movie screen?’
‘Peanut M&Ms or gummy anything.’
‘You’re a sweet and salty girl. Nice, I’m a fan too. But I gotta go popcorn with so much butter and salt that I’ll risk a stroke as I leave the theater later, partnered with a giant sugary, caffeinated soda, to wash it down with.’
‘But what kind of soda?’ she asks. ‘If I had to guess, I’d say Mountain Dew.’
‘Gross. Guess again.’
‘Um, Pepsi?’
‘Barq’s root beer,’ I announce with importance. ‘The kind with caffeine. I’m a man with a childlike food and drink pallet. I’m not even ashamed. This morning I had a cupcake for breakfast. Because I’m apparently a grown man who buys cupcakes.’
Jade’s laughing like she was the other night now. She has the best laugh. Jolly and girly. It’s so cute, it’s contagious. ‘Your favorite soda is root beer?’
I nod. ‘Is that weird?’
‘Only because it’s also mine…’ she says.
Interesting. ‘We seem to share some favorites. I wonder if it means anything?’ I joke. ‘What’s that called when two people have everything in common? The perfect match? Soulmates?’
‘A match made in heaven?’ she says with a shy grin. ‘I’m sure that’s not what this is.’
‘You’re probably right,’ I agree, but not really. Truthfully, I’ve never vibed with a woman this easily. ‘There’s no way we’re soulmates. That would be cray-cray.’
Jade nods, but there’s something going on her head that I can’t quite read yet. Hesitation? But is it about what I’ve just said, or something (maybe someone) else? When we’re seated, Jade is between Laney and me as she didn’t feel I’d be safe from her sister attempting to feel me up, which is a little disturbing. Laney’s a fine-looking girl, but I think I have a crush on her sister. Her engaged sister. Fuck.
Midway through the movie, Jade leans into me. ‘What’s your favorite eighties movie?’ she whispers. The lean wasn’t necessary; I can hear her just fine as we’re practically the only people in the theater.
‘Besides this one?’
‘This is on your list?’ she asks excitedly.
‘Yep. Next up would be Ferris Bueller. How can you not enjoy watching a teenager outsmart adults? As a teen, I wanted to be him.’
She grins. ‘You are a total Ferris. I can’t believe I’m just seeing it. You’re smooth but funny, charming, and I bet you could spin a story anyone would believe.’
‘Sssshhhhhut. Up,’ Laney orders in a loud whisper.
I laugh, holding a finger to my lips. ‘Quiet, the movie police have spoken.’
Jade giggles, turning back towards the screen.
Ferris, huh? Mercy calls me Spicoli, which I was alright with, but Ferris is way cooler. I guess it just took the right girl to see it.
As the movie ends, Jade sighs heavily. A satisfied sigh that says she just swooned at Lloyd’s gesture for Diane precisely like the rest of the theater did. Me included.
‘This is what I thought love was like when I was younger. Over the top, romantic, and so corny you’d remember every detail for the rest of your life.’
‘Dude, I’d let John Cusack serenade me, so I get it.’ I wink at her, enjoying my ability to make her smile easily. ‘Back then, people had to make more of an effort than they do now. The interwebs and social media have ruined us. Now we text break-ups and post every detail of our lives. Nothing is innocent, and hardly anyone goes out of their way to bring someone joy. If you find someone who does, never let them go.’
‘That’s an excellent suggestion,’ she says. ‘Aren’t you just full of wisdom?’
‘Hang on.’ I grab my phone from my pocket. ‘Let me just call all my friends and family so you can say that again.’
