Page 43 of Decked Out with Ivy

Chapter 14

Cody survived the gingerbread competition at her parents’ house, so Ivy felt like they could survive just about anything. Cody had been a real trooper. He even won over Rome and Trey, which was no easy feat. Cody had texted her to meet her at the movie theater but didn’t elaborate further.

At first, she thought maybe he was going to show her a rough cut of the movie he was currently filming, but there was no way they were even near having a rough cut, and this theater only used 35mm film. There was a reason all the movies they showed were from over twenty years ago.

Bex had said she thought about donating updated equipment, but she and everyone else agreed that it would take from the charm of the theater. Though there was a discussion about updating one of the two screens. Maybe then Ivy would be more up to date on movies. She would drive to Conway when Cody and Bex’s movie came out. She would always support the people she cared for.

Sadness settled in her stomach. She wondered when that would be and where Cody would be. Whatever it was they had, she couldn’t deny there was an end date. Once the movie was done filming, he would be getting on a plane and going home to California. He’d be on the other side of the country with no reason to return to Red Maple Falls.

The thought wasn’t just sad—it physically hurt. She didn’t want to think about it. For now, she would enjoy the time they had left. She pushed those unwanted thoughts to the back of her mind and opened the theater door.

There wasn’t a single person in sight, which wasn’t unheard of, but it felt different than usual.

“Good evening, Ms. Parker,” Felix said, his black hair flopping over his forehead. He was seventeen and in his senior year of high school. When she was his age, before she owned the store and had only worked there, she had fitted him for a tuxedo for his aunt’s wedding.

“Felix, you have never called me Ms. Parker before. Don’t start now.”

He leaned toward her to whisper, “It’s part of the surprise.”

“Surprise?” she asked.

“Hi, Ivy,” Cody said, and Ivy gasped when she saw him adorably decked out in a pair of Christmas pajamas. Red and black plaid bottoms and a white top with black sleeves and a Christmas llama in the middle.

They were perfect.

She had no idea what he was up to, but excitement bounced around inside her. “What are you wearing? What are we doing here?”

“You’ll see, but first you have to change.”

“Into…?” she asked, looking at her winter coat and jeans, wondering if she had missed the memo.

Felix reached behind the register and retrieved a Christmas bag, handing it to Cody.

“Thanks, Felix.” Cody held the bag out to her, and with a cocked eyebrow and curiosity running through her, she took it. A smile spread far across her face as she pulled out a matching pair of Christmas pajamas.

“Seriously?” she said, unable to control the laughter that mixed with her words.

“Seriously. Go change. I’ll be waiting.”

She hurried to the bathroom, excited about whatever else Cody had planned for the night. Whatever it was, it was going to be hard to top Christmas pajamas. Taking the pajamas out of thebag, she slipped them on and placed her jeans and top in the bag before returning to Cody.

He took the bag and her coat and handed it to Felix, who placed them behind the counter.

“What do you want? Candy? Popcorn? Soda?”

“Yes, please.”

He laughed. “All of the above it is. Felix, you heard the lady.”

She didn’t tell him that if he told Terry, she would have come with a Tupperware full of food and dessert, but it was very quiet tonight.

Felix went to work behind the concession counter, putting popcorn in a Christmas themed bucket, pouring a soda into a Christmas themed cup, and placing several candy options on the counter. Ivy happily grabbed the soda and candy while Cody handled the popcorn.

“What movie are we watching? Back to the Future? Ghostbusters?”

“You’ll see.” Cody placed a few bills on the counter that looked more like hundreds than tens by the look on Felix’s face. “Thanks for your help.”

Felix’s eyes shot wide, and he fumbled with the cash before making eye contact. “O-of course, Mr. Chance. It’s my pleasure. The movie will start shortly. It’s already to go.”

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