“Marley, how are you doing?” Levi smirks at her.
“Oh, I’m good. Just good, Levi, how are you?”
“I’m outstanding.” He turns back around. I see the Puck Bunny look Marley and me up and down in disgust. The room begins to grow dark, and I’m so thankful for it.
“Sorry, I didn’t want to be rude,” Marley whispers into my ear. I nod because Marley isn’t rude to anyone, she’s a sweet person.
The previews start and I should be watching the screen, instead my attention is on the girl whose head is on Levi’s shoulder. I just want to snatch her out of her seat by her bottle blonde hair. I shake my head and focus back on the screen. Though I can’t because my eyes keep wandering down to Levi. I see the Bunny lift her head up, and Levi leans down to kiss her. It is then that I jump out of my seat and rush down the row. I’m pretty sure I step on everyone’s shoes trying to get away from the image now burnt in my memory. I race up the aisle and out to the lobby. It’s almost empty except a few workers. I take a deep, cleansing breath and try to collect myself. I’m not going to let Levi Carr get to me. I’m not going to let it happen. I count to ten while still trying to calm my nerves.
“My, my Miss Smarty Pants, fancy meeting you here.” I whip around to see Levi towering over me. His blue eyes staring back almost make me weak in the knees.
“Don’t you have a date to get back to, Levi,” I hiss at him.
“Actually, I do. A very nice lady, who isn’t rude to me like others I have been in contact with lately.”
I sigh in defeat. “Levi, that night at the party, I was upset with-”
“Don’t,” he cuts me off. “I don’t need some Hallmark card apology from you.”
I cross my arms in defiance from his comment. “Then why did you come out here to talk to me?”
“I didn’t. I need to go to the bathroom.” He points over my shoulder, and I realize I’m standing in front of the men’s room.
“Oh.” I step to my right so he can pass me.
“See ya later, Smarty.” He enters the bathroom and now I’m the only person in the whole lobby. I push my hand through my hair in frustration. I should just go home and enjoy a carton of ice cream and a book, but I won’t do that to Marley. I guess I can handle being uncomfortable for a couple of hours for her because I know that she would do it for me.
I’m getting ready to walk back into the theater when Levi grabs my wrist.
“You know, if you weren’t such a Miss Smarty you could be in there with me.” His voice is low and sounds like pure seduction to me.
“Who said I want to be in there with you?” My mouth is going dry with him so close to me.
“Oh, I think we both know the answer to that, but if you want to play games, I think I can handle that.” He’s so close to my lips that I can almost taste them. I did want to, but I can’t.
“Isn’t your Puck Bunny going to come looking for you soon?” I quip at him.
“If you’re done playing your little ‘hard-to-get’ game, I will see you at Lou’s Diner, midnight, tonight.” He steps back, beaming at me, and walks back to the movie theater.
I didn’t realize I’m holding my breath, until Levi walks back into the theater. I know I couldn’t stand here in the lobby, so I go back in. I’m more graceful this time and sit back down. Marley looks at me, and I know that she’s worried for me. I just pat her hand, and she nods knowing that I’m fine.
I sit staring at the back of Levi’s head. The Bunny next to him whispers something in his ear, but he waves her away. I see her look behind at me, but I’m pretending to look at the screen. I’m still not sure what Levi’s game is, but I will play along, just for a little bit.
The movie is finally over, and everyone begins to file out. Levi and the girl are in front of us as we walk into the lobby. I notice that she’s trying to gain his attention, but he is acting very nonchalant to her.
“Ok, spill it. I know something happened.” As Marley and I head back to my place, I tell her everything that happened between Levi and me in the lobby.
“Are you going to go?” Marley’s eyes widen waiting for my answer.
“If Trevor found-”
“For once, do something for you and don’t worry about Trevor.” I understand what she is saying, but it’s hard not to think about my twin brother. “If nothing else, think about that sex you’re not having and the sex you could be having with Levi.”
“What? Are you kidding me with all this sex talk?”
“Hey.” Marley throws her hands up in surrender. “I am just trying to point out the obvious. You need some stress relief and that hot hockey player can be an amazing relief.” I can’t help, but bark out a laugh at her. I love my best friend because she knows what to say to make me feel better.