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“It’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” I asked innocently.
“Because of what you told me in the car after dinner at Marion and Tom’s. Honestly, I was surprised you took the job given your vehemence about never talking to Adam again. Ever.” Was my mother making fun of me?
“It’s not a problem. Seriously. I’ve barely seen him. He keeps busy, that’s for sure.” I didn’t want to talk about Adam anymore. Not when I was trying so hard not to think about him.
“That he does. You know he graduated top of his class at law school. And he has one of the best trial rates in the entire state. He’s quite a capable man, our Adam.” Mom had always doted on Adam like he was the son she never had.
“He’s not our Adam,” I muttered, feeling petulant. “And yes, you’ve told me all this before. I’m very well versed in how amazing Adam is.”
Mom raised her eyebrow again. “He filed for divorce from Chelsea, you know.”
“Yes, I know.” It didn’t matter. Why would it matter?
It mattered.
Mom watched me for a bit longer before getting to her feet. “Okay, well, I’m off to get a shower. Just to let you know, my monthly scrapbooking club is this afternoon. It’s at Julia’s this time, so I won’t be home until after dinner. We usually order something.”
“Oh, that sounds fun. Maybe I could come with you,” I suggested, following her into the kitchen. I was not a scrapbooker, but the thought of pottering around the house by myself didn’t sound very appealing. Not when I was trying to keep my mind busy.
Mom rinsed out her cup and put it on the dish rack to dry. “I don’t think it would interest you. Plus, this is a girl’s evening. Having a youngster there might mess up the vibe.”
I snorted. “I might ruin the vibe? Gee, thanks, Mom.”
Mom patted my cheek. “Find something to do that’s fun for you. Maybe go see a movie. You know Grandy’s Cinema had a huge refurbishment last fall. It’s supposed to be really nice now.”
“No more stale popcorn and toilet paper that feels like sandpaper? Wow!” I smirked but then thought about what she said. “Maybe you’re right. I heard there’s a Lord of the Rings marathon going on. Maybe I’ll go check it out.”
“There you go. That sounds like fun. Even if I never understood why you loved those movies so much.” Mom started to leave the kitchen. “Oh, and call your sister. She called last night, and we had a nice chat. She mentioned she hadn’t spoken to you in a while.”
I groaned. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to my sister’s tales of her glorious life. Talking to her usually left me feeling pretty crappy about myself.
“Didn’t you tell her I was busy?” I called out.
“Call your sister, Meghan,” Mom yelled back.
I pulled out my phone and went to Grandy’s Cinema’s website to look for showtimes. The Fellowship of the Ring started at 10:00. They were showing all three movies in succession. And they were the extended versions as well.
I was more than a little geeked out at the prospect of spending the day immersed in movies I used to love.
Mom was right. I needed to do something for myself. And sitting around the house wasn’t it.
So I’d get dressed and head to the movies and forget about Adam Ducate for the day.
Chapter 12
Meghan
The movie had already started by the time I arrived at Grandy’s Cinema. While obviously a lot of money had gone into updating the 1950’s theater, they couldn’t erase the years of stale popcorn and the underlying scent of mildew from the air.
I bought my tub of popcorn—extra butter, Milk Duds, and Diet Coke and made my way to screen number three, which was tucked into the back corner of the building.
I walked in at the start of Bilbo’s birthday party. The theater was practically empty. A couple was making out in the back row, an older lady with what seemed to be her grandson at the very front, and a man sat dead middle, claiming the seat I would have taken for myself.
I made my way down the aisle, glancing at the jerk who took my spot—and then growled in frustration.
Of course.
Adam’s eyes were glued to the screen. He didn’t even notice me as I slinked past him and slid into a seat off to the side. The view sucked, and I would get a horrible crick in my neck, but I was not moving any closer.
Maybe I should leave.
Then I became annoyed with myself. I had to stop letting Adam dictate my feelings and decisions. I had to start acting like a damn adult, considering that’s what I was meant to be.
But that didn’t mean I wanted him to notice I was there. So I settled down in my seat, sliding lower, angling my body in a way that would hopefully make me unnoticeable. I cast one more quick look at Adam, and he was still watching our favorite childhood movie. He had no idea I was there.
