“Oh, sorry,” Nikki replies. “I was just wondering if we could turn off the captions. They’re like, really distracting.”
Max looks to me, then to Oliver.
Oliver shrugs. “It’s fine.”
“Thank you, guys,” Nikki says, grinning widely. “I really appreciate it.”
No one else speaks as Max resumes the film sans captions. I try to peer at Oliver to gauge his vibe, but his face is just out of sight.
Well, shit.
“That was super cute!” Celeste declares once the credits start rolling.
Max nods. “Yeah, I agree. A solid three out of five stars.”
“I think I’d give it three-and-a-half,” Theo adds.
“What did you think, Nikki?” Max asks, turning to us.
Nikki shrugs, still snuggled into me. “Yeah, three out of five sounds about right.”
Max shifts in his chair, positioning himself to face us. “So, what are some of your favorite movies? I find that’s one of the best ways to get to know people.”
“Oh, come on, Max, don’t put her on the spot like that,” I protest.
“No, it’s okay,” Nikki insists. “It’s movie night with your Film Studies friend, so I came prepared.But I’m a Cheerleaderis probably my number one favorite, thenPortrait of a Lady on Fire,Kill Bill, andThe Devil Wears Prada.”
Max’s eyes practically twinkle. “Ooh, those are all excellent.”
Nikki grins. “I know. Mostly, I just love women.”
“I’ve never seenKill Bill,” I say softly. “It’s gory, isn’t it?”
“Extremely,” Max replies. Celeste ardently nods in agreement.
Nikki’s jaw drops. “Oh, Jude, but you’d love it! It’s so cathartic. We should definitely watch it together.”
Max and Celeste exchange a look. “Mm, I’m pretty sure you’d hate it, Jude,” Celeste counters. “It’s extremely violent.”
“But the violence is justified,” Nikki argues. “Trust me, it’s worth it.”
I glance back at Max and Celeste, who both shake their heads. “I don’t know, Nikki. I really don’t enjoy blood and guts, regardless of the reason.”
“Well, I think you should give it a chance and decide for yourself,” Nikki snaps.
“Hey,” Oliver interjects, speaking for the first time since the movie ended. “If Jude doesn’t like blood and gore, they’re not going to enjoy anything by Quentin Tarantino. That’s kind of his thing.”
Nikki glares at the television, refusing to look at him. “I’m aware of who directed one of my favorite movies, but thanks anyway.”
The room goes silent, and I wish I could shrink into the couch cushions to escape. This is quickly heading into worst-case-scenario territory. I should probably say something to ease the tension, but I’m paralyzed. Why am I such a coward?
“Well, as you may have already noticed, my top five favorites are on the walls,” Max blurts with a forced smile.
Nikki glances up, taking in each of the movie posters—The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Birdcage, The Shape of Water, The Matrix,andI Saw The TV Glow. “Oh, I didn’t realize these were yours. But now that I’m looking at them, that makes sense.”
“We still need to watch that one together,” Theo says quietly, mirroring my nerves with all the tension in the air. He points toI Saw The TV Glow. “I’ve heard it’s really queer.”
“Oh, Theo, oh mygod,” Max exclaims. “Next movie night, we’re watching that. It’s a queer masterpiece. Absolutely magnificent.”
