Page 52 of Lovesick
Why? Ooh, should I call you “sir” instead?
CREW
That’s even worse.
MERIT
For you or your dick?
CREW
Merit.
MERIT
So, this is bringing up some unresolved feelings of the sexy variety, huh?
CREW
I’m beginning to think you’re an evil, evil woman.
MERIT
I’m glad my efforts are finally being recognized.
15
SCARE FACTOR
CREW
Ithink it’s become undeniably obvious that I have no idea what I’m doing. When Merit proposed a date at the drive-in movie theater, it didn’t seem terrifying in the moment. But now that I’m going to be forced to sit in close proximity with her for two hours, I’m beginning to realize that I’ve grossly underestimated the severity of the situation.
Popcorn bucket nestled in the rent of my arm and hand gripping a packet of Red Vines, we walk toward the parked Volkswagen (courtesy of Harlan), taking in the packed scenery of the numerous couples who had the same idea as us. Not saying that we’re acoupleor anything.
Needlepoint stars pierce the veil of darkness overhead, shimmering like freshwater pearls tucked underneath a continental quilt of reflective, rippling ocean. The last bits of lush greenery cushion the soles of my shoes, a light posse of fireflies twirling around in the fading dusk and hovering above patches of grass as if they’re bioluminescent fungi illuminating a pea-shingled path. And the projector screen stands tall before the dense tree line, a circlet of browning aspens surrounding the makeshift drive-in.
Since we’ve sped into October, Halloween decorations have been thrown up all around Maple Grove, bringing an air of autumn-colored whimsy to an old-fashioned town. Bales of hay are scattered throughout the clearing, adorned with stacks of homegrown pumpkins that display a variegated array of greens, whites, and oranges. Solar stake lights strung together with ghost cutouts line the main pathway, and there’s even a giant, inflatable black cat positioned off to the side. The snack bar emits a warm, golden glow, the service window plastered in blood splatter decals and a spookily expensive treat menu that doubles a regular person’s Red 40 intake. Lastly, to add to the organized chaos, groups of horror fanatics amble about, meandering through the maze of cars.
It’s as cold as expected, but my keyed-up anxiety has been steadily disemboguing heat into my veins.
Merit looks beautiful tonight. Sure, she’s just dressed in sweatpants and a faded Miami Beach baby tee, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy for me to keep my eyes off her when the movie starts.
Meadowview Movie Theater has decided to show the ever-classicSinister, and I think it’s a bit too late for me to confess that while I can appreciate a good horror movie, I first have to get over the initial jump scares. I get scared easily—especially if there are demonic children involved.
Any other guy might think that this is the perfect opportunity to get some cuddles in, though I haven’t decided if I’m willing to get my eyes clawed out by Merit if I so much astrysomething. She’s skittish. And feisty. And scary.
Sweat prickles along my hairline, and my tongue flirts with the idea of conversation before my nervous stomach rejects the mere thought.
I’m on a date. With my Coach’s daughter. What am I supposed to say to her? Should I just be myself? What if—what if I say the wrong thing? What if I make her uncomfortable?What if I decide to not be myself and she notices? I’m making a big deal out of nothing, right? RIGHT?
“It’s beautiful out here,” she whispers in awe, her eyes glimmering like she’s been fireside. Her side profile is a sculptor’s dream, her button nose and upholstered cheekbones primed pink from the weather’s cold reign.
Fingers pinching into plastic packaging, I successfully carry out my first screwup of the night by letting my spring-loaded words enter the atmosphere without a second thought.
“You’re beautiful,” I mumble dazedly.
“What?”
