Leaves billowed past and leaden gray clouds had begun to darken the sky. It would rain within the hour, she predicted.
“You’re going, aren’t you?”
“How will he know which movie?” Olivia hadn’t even decided what she wanted to see.
“Jack’s a smart man, he’ll figure it out.”
“If he was so smart, he’d—”
“Olivia, are you going to argue with me, or are you going to accept some heartfelt advice and do what I suggest?”
Before she answered, Olivia had a question or two of her own. “What’s happening with you and Cliff?”
Grace sighed again. “Not a whole lot. After Dan was found, I told him I needed time to grieve for my husband. He understood.”
Olivia nodded; that much she knew. “You haven’t seen him in a while.”
“We talk every week. Cliff’s been doing a lot of traveling lately and he’s building a new barn.”
“Why? Is he expanding?”
“Yes. He’s serious about raising quarter horses and he’s increasing his herd. When we spoke last Saturday, he said he’s thinking of hiring a full-time hand.” She began to say something else and stopped, obviously aware of her friend’s ploy. She turned to stare Olivia in the eye. “Are you going to the movies this afternoon or not?”
Olivia shrugged one shoulder.
Grace laughed softly. “You’re going, and judging by the smile on your face, you can hardly wait.”
That was the truth. Olivia wasn’t sure how Jack was supposed to know what showing she planned to attend or which movie, but as Grace had informed her, he’d figure it out.
And Grace, it turned out, knew what she was talking about. No more than five minutes after Olivia had chosen her seat, munching popcorn and waiting for the movie to start, Jack Griffin entered the theater. He looked exactly the same as the last time she’d seen him. He wore his long dark raincoat over beige slacks and a black turtleneck sweater. He walked past her down the aisle as if he hadn’t seen her and took a seat three rows up, directly in front of her.
If he expected her to talk to him first, he had a lengthy wait ahead of him. Then, as though he’d forgotten something, he stood and marched toward the door. He was two steps up the aisle when he did a double-take, as if he’d just noticed her.
“As I live and breathe, it’s Judge Lockhart.”
“Jack Griffin, this is a pleasant surprise.” She played along, flushing with pleasure. It was so damned good to see her friend again, and the instant she did, she realized how much she’d missed him. Even more than she’d thought…
“What brings you to a movie all alone in the middle of a Saturday afternoon?” he asked—as if he didn’t already know.
It was time for the truth. No more games, just the truth. “You haven’t figured it out?” She grinned sheepishly up at him. “I came because of you.”
“Me?” He gave an award-winning look of surprise.
“Grace told me you were going to be here,” Olivia confessed.
Jack snorted. “She told me you’d be here, too.”
The theater darkened and Jack moved toward her row. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“I was hoping you would.”
He didn’t need to be invited twice, nearly leaping over her in his eagerness to get into the adjacent seat. As soon as he was settled, he tried to help himself to a handful of her popcorn.
Olivia playfully slapped his wrist. “Kindly wait until I offer.”
Jack sent her a hurt look, and when she slanted the bucket in his direction, he dug right in. “You couldn’t possibly eat all this by yourself, anyway.”
“I might.”
He snickered softly. “Are you always this bossy?”
“Yes, and if you haven’t figured that out by now, you haven’t been paying attention.”
“Are there makeup classes?” he asked, as he scooted down in his seat.
Olivia smiled. “That can be arranged.”
Jack reached for another handful of popcorn. “I’ve missed you.”
Her throat tightened. “I’ve missed you, too.”
The woman sitting in front of them and off to one side twisted around. Her lips were pursed in annoyance. “I hate to interrupt your reunion, but I’d like to hear the movie.”
“Sorry,” Olivia whispered, mortified that someone had to shush her in the theater. She hoped the lights were too dim for anyone to recognize her.
Jack straightened and leaned across the back of the seat closest to the woman who’d complained. “It’s actually all Olivia’s fault,” he said conversationally. “You see, it’s been four months since we’ve seen each other and—”
“Jack!” Olivia tugged at the sleeve of his raincoat. “I don’t think it’s necessary that she hear the details of our misunderstanding.”
He continued chatting as if this woman was his long-lost friend. Olivia sank down as far in the seat as she could.
After several minutes, just as the previews finished, Jack turned around again. “Marion, this is Olivia. Olivia, Marion.”
“Hi.” Olivia lifted one hand in greeting and offered the woman a half smile.
Marion cheerfully waved back. “I’m just so glad you two are together again and that your dear, dear friend lived.”
“What?” Surely Olivia had misunderstood something.
“Enjoy the movie,” Jack said as he shifted back in his seat.
“What was that all about?” Olivia asked, although she already knew. Jack had told another of his outrageous stories; he should’ve been writing fiction, not newspaper columns. She poked him in the ribs with her elbow when he chose to ignore her.
“Shh,” Jack said, staring at the screen. He glanced away long enough to scoop up more popcorn.
Olivia relaxed, and after a few moments released a pent-up sigh. It felt so good to have him back in her life. They hadn’t settled anything, hadn’t discussed any of the once-important issues. And Olivia wasn’t even sure that was necessary.
She was so caught up in her thoughts, she didn’t notice that Jack had taken the entire bucket of popcorn—until she tried to get some.
“Hey,” she protested.
“You shouldn’t eat any more,” he asserted.
“Why not?”
“Because you won’t be hungry when I take you out to dinner after the movie.”
“Oh.” That answered that, but didn’t explain why he continued to eat, munching down as if he hadn’t had a decent meal in weeks. “What about you?”
He shrugged. “I’m always hungry.”
Olivia rested her head on his shoulder, and Jack put the bucket down and slid his arm around her. Like high-school sweethearts, they leaned their heads against each other, holding hands. Olivia hadn’t felt this contented in months.
She had no idea what the movie was about.
Sunday morning, Rosie was awakened by the sound of rain beating incessantly against the apartment window.