I virtually bounced with anticipation. The Fairhaven Cineplex was a standard theater, though they boasted an actual kitchen instead of the fast food junk, but I didn’t care about any of that. What I cared about was the Classic Screen. The announcement seemed like an eternity ago, but through a partnership, the cineplex had taken one of its theaters and revamped it into a classic Hollywood screening room. Plush leather seats, little lamps, tables, the works. They kept the modern conveniences with surround sound and whatever K resolution the screens were up to, now. Better than all that, the reason I bounced with excitement, was that the Classic Screen would only show classic, black and white movies. And first up was one of my all-time favorites.
“You have fallen into my trap.”
I didn’t need to turn to know who owned the silky voice that sent shivers through me. I ran two fingers around the brim of my fedora, pulling it a little lower as I turned.
“‘Of all the gin-joints in all the towns of the world, she—’” I began the quote, but my jaw locked as I took her in. Nikki wore a shimmering white silk gown, looking better than Ingrid Bergman could ever hope to.
“You are clean enough, I suppose, though a white jacket would have suited you better.”
All the quotes flew out of my head just as I tried to make my tongue work. All I managed was a pathetic, “Wow.”
“Excellent, now, shall we go to my theater?”
My brow furrowed, the pieces trying to sort themselves out. “You were behind this?”
“A modern theater choosing to forego the blockbuster hits in favor of artistic, classic films. Only a sizeable outside investment would see to it.”
“Money well spent.” I offered her my arm. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
“I think not! We are well past the beginning, and I expect we shall go dancing after this.”
“Okay, the continuation of a beautiful friendship.”