“Let’s do it,” Dorian said, packing up the remnants of our dinner. “All joking aside, it feels good to talk about Nate with you. Thank you for that.”
I kissed his cheek. “I like that you’re real with me. It allows me to be that way with you.”
“All right, then, let’s get that popcorn.”
We climbed out of the car. Dorian took my hand as we walked toward the concession stand.
“We can’t share popcorn, right?” I asked him, referring to his dating profile.
“I did say separate bowls, but I wouldn’t mind sharing with you.”
“You’re a liar.”
He laughed. “No, I’m not. Which is weird. But I stand by theno talking during the movierule.”
“Right? We’renotbarbarians.”
We’d reached the concession stand by then. The same kid who let us in was now working behind the counter, stocking candy and other snacks for the big opening tomorrow.
“Hi, Mrs. Delacroix. You want some popcorn. I just made some.”
“Two bags,” I said, glancing up at Dorian. “Please.”
He served us up, and I left Dorian there and went to use the ladies’ room. By the time we returned to the car, the movie was about to start.
“I forgot to ask you what we’re watching,” Dorian said, adjusting the pillows so we could recline.
“Notting Hill.”
“No way. I love that movie,” Dorian said.
“When I heard what they were playing first, I took it as a sign. As you know, the hero’s a bookstore owner.”
“Gorgeous brunette as the heroine. Like you.”
“I’m no Julia Roberts.”
“No, you’re Delphine Delacroix. Which is even better.”
“Than Julia? I’m not sure about that.”
“I am.” He reached into his bag and pulled out a piece of popcorn, then fed it to me. I might as well have just hung it all up right then. The gesture was so romantic, so intimate, and, instead of it scaring me, I felt safe and cherished. Dorian Flynn was wearing me down, and I didn’t even care.
We watched the opening—the familiar streets of London moving across the screen. Then, Anna Scott stepped into William Thacker’s bookshop for the first time.
And we were lost in the story, watching without commentary, as promised. However, we held hands like teenagers, my leg pressed against his as we ate our popcorn.
15
DORIAN
The morning after our date at the drive-in, the world was a more beautiful place. Blooms on flower bushes were brighter and the sky had never looked as blue. It almost hurt my eyes. And how had I never noticed how the breeze carried the scents of pine and sea as if they were an expensive perfume?
I got to the store early and zipped around the space straightening displays, dusting shelves, all the while singing to the radio. I never sang. Maybe an occasional hum, but no singing.
Even Poe was cuter than usual, sprawled out on the staff picks table with his face in his paws. He didn’t even turn away when I petted him. “I know, she’s great, right?”
Poe blinked as if he knew exactly who I was talking about.
