Chase lets out a sigh. “Velyn, we talked about you feeding his ego. It’s big enough; he can do without the extra fluff.”
I give my brother a little nudge on the shoulder. “Hey, remember who bought the popcorn.”
Chase looks over his shoulder. “Are you talking about the tub your girlfriend’s currently hogging?”
“Hey!” Velyn cries through a mouthful. “I was going to share.”
I lean down, taking her buttery lips with mine. “You just did, and might I add it was the best popcorn butter I’ve ever had.”
She looks up to me with a smile as chase lets out a groan. “You two make me want to hurl. Get in there and grab us some seats while I grab more popcorn, which I won’t be sharing.”
“Come on, Chase. If it makes you feel any better, we can call up Pearl’s granddaughter.” I joke, and Chase rolls his eyes, walking off toward the concession while Velyn and I make our way into the theatre, taking our seats.
“You know he’s not going to want to come out with us if we keep misbehaving,” Velyn says.
I shrug. “Chase loves us! Until he finds someone other than Pearl, Henry, and their granddaughter to hang out with, I think we’ll remain his top choice.”
Velyn narrows her eyes. “He would never; he’s my best friend.”
“That’s right; you have a pact and everything.”
She gives her head a sharp nod. “That’s right, but better to be safe than sorry. We should invite Pearl, Henry, and the granddaughter to Canasta night with Stu and Joan. You know, to check them out.”
“You do remember that these are the same people that suggested a public flogging as punishment for making out in the theatre?” I mention.
“Exactly! Radicals. We need to be wary.”
I let out a chuckle. “I think Pearl and Henry are safe, babe. Besides, if he’s with them, that means Friday night is just you and me.”
Velyn’s brows perk up. “Whatever will we do?”
I roll out a low, sinister laugh. “Oh, Miss Adler, I have a few things in mind, and all of which consist of you naked in my bed.”
Ahem!
We both look to one another, eyes wide, then turn to the older couple seated in front of us. Without a second thought, Velyn lets out, “You wouldn’t happen to play Canasta, would you?”
That was it! Just like that, at that exact moment, it was undeniable— I was in love with Velyn Adler.
The next morning the first thing I do is reach for my phone. After dialing, it rings only once before there’s an answer.
“Well, good morning, handsome.”
I pull the phone away from my ear and look at the contact name on my screen, yep, it says Velyn, but it sure doesn’t sound like her. Then I remember she was staying a little longer at work every morning this week to save up money for her second term books. Just another reason why I get so angry about the way things are with her father. The man’s useless—she shouldn’t have to work so hard and be the only one to take everything on. Of course, when I offered to pay for the books, she wouldn’t have it. She blows me away. No matter what obstacles are put in front of her, she doesn’t just jump over it; she walks right on through crushing it with every step.
“Joan?”
“The one and only, sweetheart. I’m guessing since you’re calling Velyn’s phone, you’re looking for her?”
“I was, but your sexy voice is just as welcome,” I say.
Joan lets out a hearty chuckle. “Now, you know all that sweet-talking will most definitely get you everything plus some.”
I laugh. “What about an extra side with my hoagie?”
“Everything except that. You know Stu already thinks I feed you too much; the extra side may put him over the edge,” she replies.
I let out a sigh. “Very well, I guess I can manage to go without.”
Joan breathes off an easy laugh. “Velyn will be right with you, Dylan. She’s just ringing out her last customer.”
“Thanks, Joan.”
There’s only a moment in between Joan handing off the phone and Velyn’s sweet voice ringing in my ears. “Good morning! You’re up early. I thought you didn’t have class until eleven?”
Giving my body a quick stretch, I let out a strangled groan. “I don’t, but my bed was cold without you in it last night. Empty and cold.”
“Aww, my poor baby. You must’ve got next to no sleep,” she titters.
I let out a groan. “You mock, but my sacrifice is real.”
“Dylan, your libido will just have to adapt. I can’t stay at your place every night.”
“Why not?” I question.
“Because I have a home of my own and a father that needs to know his daughter’s still alive,” she offers in reply.
“Oh, that…easy fix. I have a king-size bed; we can make it a family room.”
A muffled gag comes over the phone. “Yeah, okay, no. That’s just all kinds of weird. But I’ll give you a thumbs up for knowing what a family room is.”
“Very well, can you do something for me then?” I ask.
“That depends, Dylan. Is this going to entail me worshipping at your feet as some sort of quid pro quo for you having to make sacrifices in my absence?” I let out a snicker at the thought of Velyn bowing down to me. “You just had a thought of me at your feet, didn’t you?”
“Vel, babe, it’s scary how well you know me. But all that aside, I was wondering after your shift tonight if we could head to the cabin for a little sleepover. What do you think?”
“Dylan, are you sure about that?” There’s a
