Page 87 of Inbetweeners
Emmett gave a gasp of mock-astonishment. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
“Would that determine whether you say yes or no? You either fancy seeing a film or you don’t. Or we could go bowling.”
“Whatever you like.”
They went back to the bike and rode over to the cinema parking. Once the helmets were stored, Nix stepped in front of him. “What’s wrong?”
“Just stuff I’ve remembered. I… I don’t like the person I was. And it’s too late to do anything about it.”
“You’re here now, aren’t you? Be the guy you wish you’d been.”
“It’s not that easy.”
“Then losing yourself in a film seems a good thing to do. After that, I’ll annihilate you in the bowling alley.”
Emmett chuckled. “Think the kids will be okay if we’re late back?”
Nix laughed. “Now Harry can press buttons, I’m not sure.”
He thought they might argue about what to watch, but when he suggested an action adventure starring Dwayne Johnson, Emmett nodded.
“You get the tickets, I’ll buy the treats,” Nix said.
“So, it’s not a date.”
“You want it to be a date?”
“I would have put on my tie.”
“Was that a joke?”
Emmett sighed. “Sadly, not. I should dump the ties.”
“I like seeing you wearing one.”
The two of them looked at each other and Nix swallowed hard.
“Was that another compliment?” Emmett whispered.
Nix didn’t blink. “If you like.”
Nix left Emmett buying the tickets while he went mad at the concession stand. Emmett raised his eyebrows when he saw the huge boxes of popcorn, super-sized drinks and king-sized bags of sweets.
The film was due to start in ten minutes, so they were able to go straight into the screening room. Emmett walked ahead and sat in the middle of the seating. Nix sighed and walked past him to the back. A few moments later, Emmett joined him. Nix had wondered if he would.
“Where you sit says a lot about you,” Nix commented.
“Those who sit in the middle get the best view. It shows confidence and decisiveness.”
“Those who sit at the back have more fun.”
“When you’re watching the same film?”
Nix stared at him and Emmett chuckled. “Ah right.”
“When did you last go to the cinema?” Nix asked.
“Not long before I died.”
