Where She Belongs (34 page)
“Then you'll come? My treat.”
“To the movie? It's probably sold out.”
“I know the manager.”
Of course he did.
“Come on, âReggie.'” He shoved his cell into his pocket and bumped her elbow with his. “Historical theater.
Notorious
on the big screen
.
”
Twisting the camera bag's strap, she tried to think of another objection.
Just say no. N. O. One
easy syllable.
But her voice didn't cooperate.
“A giant bucket of buttered popcorn.”
She grinned. Couldn't help it, he sounded so pitiful.
“We'll drive separately. Where's your car?”
“Around the corner.” She tilted her head to the side street next to the medical building. “Where's the theater?”
“Just a few blocks over. So how about it?”
Perhaps this wasn't such a bad idea. A movie meant little time for small talk, which meant she might find out something useful without giving anything away. Seeing one of her favorite movies on the big screen was a bonus.
“Okay,” she said.
His dimples deepened. “Okay.”
As they walked to her car, he gave her directions in case they got separated. She tried to pay attention, but her stomach tightened at what he must be thinking about her eleven-year-old Honda Civic. The rusted spots seemed to take on a noticeable and vibrant hue beneath the street lamps.
Shoving her not-good-enough feelings aside, she unlocked the driver's door. So what if she didn't drive something new and shiny. At least she worked for what she had.
That is until she'd quit her job to follow her dream to nowhere.
Brett grabbed the door as she slid into the seat. “Remember, follow me to the light and take a left.”
“I've got it.”
“Good.” He shut the door and waited.
The engine coughed then smoothed into a solid hum. She lowered her window. “Something wrong?”
“Just wanted to be sure you got it started.”
“It usually does.” Her voice held that defensive snap she hated.
“Usually?”
“We're going to be late.”
“You're right.” He tapped the window frame then jogged to his car.
A few minutes later, she pulled into the street behind his polished Lexus and gripped her steering wheel.
She was on this lonely street to spy on Brett Somers. How in the world did she end up on a date with him?
Johnnie Alexander
is the award-winning author of
Where Treasure Hides
. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the
Guideposts
anthology
A Cup of Christmas Cheer
. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.
