We coast into the movie theater’s parking lot, the four of us crammed into the cab like sardines. I start to make a clown car joke as Lukas kills the engine, but I’m shocked into silence when the truck protests with a backfire of deafening proportion. The near explosion startles a group of young girls passing by the front of the truck. A collective shriek sounds, then several pairs of eyes narrow in our direction. As soon as Lukas waves his apology, every single one of their faces breaks into a stupid, dopey grin.
I gag and roll my eyes.
Next to me, Genny does the same, and I silently thank her for her support.
Meanwhile, Lukas proclaims his innocence with a flash of his palms while choking back laughter.
Disappointed by his lack of participation in our theatrics, I turn to glare at Adam, but my anger falls short.
Adam is the most easygoing person I know. But this—a clenched jaw, narrowed eyes, pinched lips, and a hardened glare burning a hole through the window? What the hell?
My face falls in confusion, and I turn to follow his stare. My eyes skate over the parking lot, until they lock on a group of people loitering in front of the theater.
When I turn back with a curious expression, a muscle ticks along Adam’s jaw and his stare lingers on the group before he faces me. And though his expression is furious, his eyes are raw, broadcasting an undeniable emotion.
Heartbreak.
He doesn’t have to say one word for me to know who is in that crowd.
Seth Wright.
Anger boils within me. It heats my face and scorches my blood, the torment in Adam’s eyes serving as an accelerant. Instinctively my fists clench, and as though sensing my need for retribution, Adam gives his head a minute shake.
Genny makes a threatening gesture at the young ladies still ogling Lukas and watches in supreme satisfaction when they scatter. With a grin, she turns to me, but her smiles quickly fades. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m just nervous,” I lie.
Adam looks again to the crowd, and I lean forward, snatching my purse from the floorboard in frustration. “Let’s get this over with.”
Genny’s eyes widen in shock. She angles her head, and when I offer no response, she looks to Lukas for answers. He shrugs his reply, and if circumstances were different, I would totally laugh at the silent, yet incredibly awkward exchanges occurring between us. It seems our group, usually so in sync, has difficulty functioning outside the walls of Sacred Heart. A simple trip to the local movie theater has thrust us into a tailspin.
“Well then,” Lukas announces, his dimple sinking into his cheek.
He opens his door, prompting Adam to do the same. We all pile out of the truck, and once our feet hit the ground, I make my way to Adam.
“We don’t have to go in. I can reschedule. It’s fine. We can do it another night.”
Adam’s lips pinch tightly, and he shakes his head. “No. I was bound to run into him at some point. I hoped I wouldn’t, prayed for it actually, but obviously that prayer fell on deaf ears.”
Yeah. I get that. I mean, one good thing about being so far away from home is that I don’t have to worry about running into my last…“date.”
Adam forces a smile then wraps an arm around my shoulder. “I can’t complain, really. I mean, three others were answered when I met you guys.”
My heart squeezes and just like that, the need to murder Seth Wright floods me all over again.
As the four of us approach the ticket line, I breathe a sigh of relief when the loitering group (including Seth) enters the building. The rigidity of Adam’s muscles lessens, and he releases me, stepping ahead to request our tickets.
He distributes them and with tickets in hand, we turn… and run smack dab into Tommy Ledbetter.
His brown hair curls at the ends, falling across his forehead and brushing the rounded lenses of his glasses. He smiles shyly at me before his eyes drift to my scarred arms. And, as if they have a sixth sense, the Wildflowers tense around me.
To his credit, he says nothing. He simply lifts his stare, still smiling, and I grin back at him. After an awkward moment of silence, he introduces himself to the boys. And to their credit, no South Park references are made. After shaking their hands and giving Genny a friendly side-hug, he hangs back with me while we enter the concession area.
Tommy and I watch as Genny over-ambitiously purchases a tub of popcorn that could feed a small country and fall far behind the other three as we make our way to the indicated theater. Ridiculous. Three teenage chaperones. It’s laughable.
“You look really pretty tonight, Chloe,” he states, opening the door, chivalrous.
I smile, glancing at my attire. “Thanks.” Tucking a stand of hair behind my ear, I add, “You look great, too.” Shaking my head, I awkwardly amend, “I mean, not that you said I look great or anything.”
Oh my God. What is wrong with me?
He laughs, still holding the door as I pass him. “I’m officially rephrasing. Not only do you look pretty, you look great.”
His voice carries a slight tremble. He’s as nervous as I am. Not only do I find it endearing, it’s incredibly comforting. I aim my grin at the floor, my hair falling like a curtain to conceal it.
The theater isn’t as full as I imagined it would be, and finding seats proves easy enough. I take note of the familiar cackles and murmurs, pegging the rest of the crew to be a good distance behind us. Surprised, yet thankful they’re not directly behind us, I settle in.
The first half of the movie is pretty standard. Boy meets girl. Girl is pretty, but not enough to get the boy’s attention. Or so she thinks. Then in an incredibly lame attempt—totally my opinion here—she completely alters her appearance in order to get his attention.
And it’s at right about this point when I start to lose focus on the movie.
Tommy yawns next to me, lifting his arms into a wide stretch, deliberately resting one along my shoulders.
As soon as his fingers curl around my upper arm, several kernels of popcorn whiz by my head. Some lodge into my hair, while several others plummet to the ground by our feet. Tommy doesn’t seem to notice.
I roll my eyes, summoning every ounce of patience I possess before turning around. Three pairs of eyes avoid mine, studiously trained on the movie. I narrow my glare. When none of them dare to make eye contact, I whip back around and relax into Tommy’s hold.
Around the time the on-screen couple shares their first kiss, I rest my head on Tommy’s shoulder out of sheer boredom. Just as I begin a thorough examination of my nails, an entire bucket’s worth of buttery goodness is launched and lands into our laps. Tommy gasps, surprised, probably holding back an expletive. Catching onto our “chaperones’” little game, I stay calm, refusing to give them the satisfaction of the response they’re so clearly trying to instigate. After releasing a defeated breath, Tommy removes his arm to silently wipe the popcorn from his legs, prompting a subtle cacophony of snickers behind us.
Unable to do anything else, I lift my head, shrug apologetically, and smile to hide my frustration. “I’m so sorry. It seems my friends have only recently graduated kindergarten.”
I grab a handful of popcorn from my lap, tossing some into my mouth. Tommy laughs softly. “Nah. I get it.” He folds his hands and sets them on his thighs. I look down and pray the grease hasn’t ruined his khakis.
For the remainder of the movie, Tommy sits ramrod straight with his hands knitted securely together in his lap, and all I can focus on is how disappointed I am. He gave in so easily. I mean, it was just some kernels of popcorn.
By the time the credits roll, my mood is sour, and my stomach hurts because Genny put entirely too much butter on the popcorn. Tommy and I rise from our seats in unison, then slide out of the row. Once I’m free, I glare upward, waiting for Genny, Adam, and Lukas to make their way down the steps. When I’m met with their shit-eating grins, my scowl deepens.
I’m too frustrated to say anything.
I turn on my heel, giving my “friends” the cold shoulder, and smile angelically at Tommy. His returning gaze is one of apprehension. I have no idea if it’s residual anxiety from the popcorn assault, or if he’s figured out that I’m about two seconds from losing my shit.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter. The night is a lost cause at this point.
We head out of the theater where Tommy, unsurprisingly, wishes us a collective and uneventful goodnight before racing to the safety of the parking lot. I watch until he’s safely to his car then whirl around with my hands on my hips, glaring angrily.
At Genny.
Her eyes flare wide, and she brings her hands dramatically to her chest, as though appalled at my insinuation. “What? I had nothing to do with it.”
When I cock my head, she amends, “I swear to you, any alleged shenanigans, that may or may not have occurred upon the invasion of your personal space, were not my idea.”
I deliberate, eyeing her intensely. When she doesn’t falter, I lift my chin in approval and slide my eyes to Adam.
He chuckles while shaking his head. “Nope. Try again.”
His thumb flies to the side, openly incriminating Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody.
Lukas? What?
I dismiss him entirely and reroute my silent accusation back to Genny. She laughs then jerks her head in Lukas’s direction.
When given no other choice, I finally glance at him. With brows raised and hands shoved deep in his pockets, the subtle grin on his face is all I need. Although slight, it’s an open confirmation of his guilt, and his total lack of shame for his actions.
Why would he do that to Tommy? But as I begin to ask the question, the door of the theater flies opens and the sound of boisterous laughter distracts me. My eyes glide smoothly over Lukas’s shoulder and lock on the same group from earlier. Adam tenses, and even though it amounts to only a miniscule shift in his demeanor, its effects are immediate.
Suddenly, I’m in his bedroom, present in the exact moment his entire world is upended. Bonds severed, trust violated, and love forsaken, the impact of all three losses whirling so out of control, there’s nothing left for an innocent heart to hold on to.
I feel the pain carving into his heart, into mine. Fury. That’s what fills me until it’s no longer containable. I angrily shoulder past my group and stomp toward Seth’s. It’s time to know who you destroyed, asshole. Several people turn to watch, and they look amused…briefly.
My swift steps soon come to a grinding halt, and completely disregarding the six-foot-something men towering over me, I inquire, “Which one of you is Seth Wright?”
I’m seething—my fingers are curled so tightly against my waist they bite into my skin. The heads previously aimed at me swivel on their necks toward the person in question. With eyes the color of honey and just as warm, Seth studies me. He raises his hand. Apprehensively. As he should.
He is rather easy on the eyes. Dark brown hair styled into an off-center peak, equally dark lashes framing light brown eyes, and a grin that’s surprisingly captivating.
And strikingly sincere.
Jerk.
“That would be me.” He steps forward just as the sound of several scampering feet from behind alerts me to the Wildflowers’ presence.
“Chloe. Stop,” Adam says, breathing heavily.
As soon as Adam’s words leave his mouth, Seth’s entire body seizes in recognition, and his easy smile wanes. I watch from below as his eyes find Adam’s, fully expecting a spiteful glare and an explosion of intolerant slurs to be directed at my friend. And with my hands balled into fists, I’m more than ready for them. I’ll gladly take on all these assholes. Badass Chloe, it seems, has resurfaced.
But none of that happens.
Seth’s shocked stare softens into undeniable admiration, and his lips curve into a shy smile. He shakes his head in subtle disbelief, then seemingly transfixed by Adam’s presence, wordlessly bypasses me with a single step in his direction.
I turn, my fury dissipating. What’s happening?
Adam’s jaw is set as he stares at the ground, refusing to look at Seth. Undeterred, Seth continues walking until they’re standing Nikes-to-Docs, and when Adam further denies Seth his eyes, Seth lifts his arm.
Lukas tenses next to me, no doubt watching Seth’s reaction for any sign of violence, his entire body on high alert. But when Seth tenderly cups Adam’s cheek and strokes it gently, Lukas relaxes. Genny moves to my side and in unison, the three of us step to the left to better see their faces.
When Adam’s eyes finally rise, they’re full of unshed tears. His chin quivers and he swallows deeply, the pain of Seth’s betrayal so clearly evident in his tortured stare. Several seconds pass, neither saying a word as they stand in silent conversation.
A tear escapes, coursing its way down Adam’s cheek, and he looks away, ending their exchange. But not for long, because as soon as his head shifts downward, Seth captures his face with his other hand and forces Adam to meet his eyes. Seth’s gaze is intent as it peruses Adam’s features. It’s as though he’s in awe that Adam is standing in front of him.
Then he levels his eyes with Adam’s, his voice trembling when he speaks. “I couldn’t find you.”
I draw in a sharp breath. Oh my God.
Four simple words.
“I couldn’t find you.”
Adam’s parents lied to him. One look in Seth’s tear-filled eyes is enough—the truth is undeniable.
He’s been looking for Adam all this time.
Adam takes a slow breath. With his hands still framing Adam’s face, Seth leans forward and gently grazes Adam’s lips with his. Adam hesitates at first, but when the sincerity of the gesture can no longer be questioned, his entire body relaxes into the kiss. It’s tender and patient—Seth wordlessly conveys what he’s been denied the chance to say. It’s as if each brush of their mouths is offering an apology. When Seth ends the kiss and says, “I’ve missed you so fucking much,” I see resolve in his eyes. A promise.
A sniffle beside me draws my attention. I glance sideways to see Genny, tears cascading down her face, and let me just say, she’s not a pretty crier. I bite my lip to stifle a giggle and wipe my own eyes before taking her hand into mine.
Without thinking, I do the same on my other side, my delicate fingers curling around Lukas’s muscular hand. His entire body bristles, probably surprised at the uninvited contact. With tears still brimming, I look at him and smile, hoping he’ll accept my invitation. His eyes linger on mine, searching. When he seems to find whatever he’s looking for, he grips my hand securely and with surprising intimacy, threads our fingers together. A hint of a smile, and I grin reassuringly in return.
Cheers erupt from behind us. I look over my shoulder to where Seth’s group still stands, and my grin widens when I see every single one of Seth’s friends with the same dopey, love-struck grins plastered on their faces. One of them even winks and tosses me a thumbs up, and I laugh before turning back around.
Glancing back at the happy couple now woven together in a tight embrace, a thought occurs. I just wasted ten of my hard-earned dollars on a stereotypical movie with cheesy lines when the most beautiful love story is happening right now in front of my eyes, unscripted and absolutely free.
I’m still grinning when Lukas leans down, his eyes glued on the boys in front of us. The warmth from his cheek radiates against mine—I try not to hyperventilate, because this is Lukas—and he whispers, “That’s why.”
My brows draw together in confusion, but he answers before I even have time to ask. “I’ve never seen love, but I’m pretty sure the look in Seth’s eyes when he saw Adam was exactly that.”
Still uncertain, I turn my head slightly, just enough to meet his eyes. My breathing stalls. He seems to struggle to find the words, but after a frustrated shake of his head, he manages to continue so only I can hear. “You deserve to be with someone who looks at you the same way. With absolute reverence, each and every time he sees you, from the very first look right up until the last. Tommy didn’t, and he didn’t fight for you when challenged. He just let you go.” He shrugs. “So yeah, I pelted him with popcorn because he didn’t deserve the privilege of sitting next to you in that theater.”
His mouth quirks upward at the corners when he adds, “Plus, it was fun.”
I roll my eyes with my whispered reply. “Great. So what you’re saying is, if a guy doesn’t look at me in the way you find acceptable, more shenanigans are to be expected?”
My eyes narrow, but my stubborn grin proves difficult to hide. Lukas’s gaze drifts to my mouth, noting my attempt, then lifts to meet mine. There’s something reflected in it, but before I have the chance to explore it further, he disengages his stare and rises to his full height. And God, how I feel the loss of his presence so close to me.
Genny has long since released my hand, abandoning me to make small talk with Seth’s friends. But Lukas’s hold remains, his grip warm and reassuring.
I consider his words, then wonder…is this Lukas’s way of telling me he won’t let me go? Then I think about how utterly ridiculous the notion is and mentally slap myself back to my senses.
Just like he guarded Michelle, this is him telling me he’ll guard me, too. Us. Our group.
Lukas drops my hand, shocking me further when he wraps an arm around my shoulder. It’s reminiscent of Tommy’s attempt earlier, but it feels more protective.
I’ve never been held this way.
Silently, I snuggle into Lukas, place my head on his chest, and listen to his steady heartbeat while watching Seth and Adam make up for lost time.
And as I’m tucked in closer to his side, I grin, taking great pride in the fact that absolutely no popcorn was harmed in the making of this moment.