AllFreeNovel
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I pop the disc into the player and join Foster on the couch. Pressing play from the remote, the familiar intro music cues through the speakers, and the long prologue scrolls up the screen.
Foster sits back, settling into the cushions. “I always thought this movie was some psychological experiment about the profound way all of the universe’s problems really just come down to daddy issues.”
“What?” I guffaw. “How many times have you seen this?”
“Likely too many.”
“I would say so if you’re going all philosophical on Obi-Wan and the Rebel Alliance.”
“How many times have you watched this?”
“Enough.”
The movie begins, and we’re both immediately engrossed in the opening scene.
“I can’t believe you ownStar Wars,” Foster comments. “You don’t really seem the type.”
“Why? Because I don’t go around speaking Yoda all day?”
“No.” He looks me up and down. “You just don’t strike me as a Jedi fan.”
“Well, I’m not, truth be told. These actually belong to my roommate. She has a thing for costumes and bought the entire set for research. I’ve watched so many movies with her for just the clothes that it’s kind of ridiculous. I could probably tell you every outfit in every scene for this entire series. And that’s a lot.”
“So, you really are in it for the clothes.”
“I told you.”
“What about the hairstyles? Do you know all of those, too?”
“Yes, those are easy,” I state, mocking his simple question. “The men all have the same shag-o-rific hair, including Chewie, and all the girls look like some form of Kabuki. The end.”
Foster smiles, takes another sip of his beer, and then edges a little closer to me. Getting comfy, I draw my feet onto the cushions, tucking them at my side. Our bodies aren’t touching, but the natural heat builds in the minute space between us. As the movie continues, I take in his unique and familiar scent. It’s pleasant, comforting…Foster. Sitting next to him right now is like crawling into bed and smelling the sheets after a long trip away. You know you’re home.
“So, how was your Christmas?” Foster asks about thirty minutes into the movie.
“Pretty much the same as every year. Lots of sun and water.”
“Must have been nice to see your family though?”
“Sort of.” I crinkle my nose. “It’s always good to see my dad. My mom is my mom, but she wasn’t that bad. My sister ditched us this year, spending the holiday with her new husband’s family in Vermont.”
“What is it about your mom? I know you said you two have issues, but you never said what they were.”
“Typical mother-daughter crap, I guess.” I bite my lip and focus on the television screen. “She just doesn’t know me.”
“Have you tried talking to her?”
I laugh at how absurdly simple his question is. “There’s no talking to that woman when it comes to certain things. And yes, I’ve tried talking to her on several occasions. She’s like the Hoover Dam when it comes to outside thought—somewhat impenetrable.” Then, without any thought or pause, I say, “And something tells me when she finds out about Gerard, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Gerard?”
Realizing I’ve said too much, I reply, “Sorry. Never mind.”
He tilts his head. “Who’s Gerard?”
“A friend of the family.” I shrug. “We’ve known each other since we were kids.”
“So, did something happen between you two?”
