Page 54 of His & Hers

I sighed, closing the door behind her.

“My family have a terrible habit of attracting drama. Let’s just say Alice is okay now, and that’s all that matters. Shall we?”

Layla frowned but followed me into the movie room at the back of the house. I heard her inhale sharply as she gazed around the room. I still marveled at it ever since Mom and Dad made it all those years ago.

“You weren’t kidding about liking films,” she breathed, pushing her hair behind her ear as she stared at the large screen that dominated the main wall. I sank into the sofa, pushing my wet hair back.

“I really do. Come, sit. I’ve got it all set.”

Layla tossed the bag of popcorn onto the sofa as she sat down, finally noticing the popcorn machine in the corner of the room.

“Zane!” she gasped, turning to me laughing.

“It doesn’t work. Purely for display,” I said dismissively, trying not to laugh. It worked alright, but I thought it was cute she had brought her own with her. I tried not to stare at her as she walked over to the machine, her long legs pushed into winter fur boots, teamed with pajama shorts and a hoodie. How could one girl look so damn good in loungewear?

Fuck’s sake.

“You’re lying. This works,” Layla yelped as she flicked a switch. Suddenly the machine roared to life, and I quickly jumped up, grabbing a bowl from the side.

“Popcorn! Omg! This is like a dream!” She giggled as I gathered the popcorn into the bowl.

“Ha, or a day at the cinema?”

“Do you ever stop being so smart?” She drawled, scooping some popcorn into her mouth.

I tore my eyes away from her lips, reminding myself she was here as a guest.

“Sorry.” I shrugged as she touched my arm softly.

“Zane, don’t apologize for being you.”

Layla stepped closer to me, and I frowned, worried I was misreading the situation. I walked back towards the sofa, dropping onto the sofa as she followed me quietly.

The film began, and we both watched in silence.

“Marlon Brando didn’t memorize most of his lines and read from cue cards during most of the film. You’d never know, would you?”

I turned to look at her to find her nodding.

“You know the bit where he slaps Johnny Fontaine-”

I smiled as she told me what I already knew.

“You like movie trivia?” I groaned.

Being just her friend was going to prove difficult indeed.

“Yes. Why do you sound disappointed?” She nudged me with her elbow as I reached over her for the popcorn.

“I’m not, honestly.” I somehow missed my mouth, popcorn dropping all over my chest.

“So. Who was your date tonight?”

“I thought you wanted to watch the film?” I teased, throwing popcorn at her as she caught it in her mouth.

“Yum, throw another.”

“No, you can get your own.”