"This is it?"

I looked up at the old movie theatre I'd been going to since I was little. I had so many good memories here. This was one of the places Pops and Nana (my grandfather and grandmother) took me and my sister to cheer us up after our dad died.

Sure, it was old – and maybe they should repaint the front building because its old red color was now bordering on brown. But that was only part of its charm.

"What's wrong with it?" I asked, turning to Anders with a hurt look on my face.

He cocked his head to the side, and I fought the urge to smack his runway-worthy face with my hair again. I was getting really tired of his bored expression.

"It looks dull," he said.

"What, were you expecting a red carpet?"

He gave me a look.

I gave him one back.

It was weird how I didn't mind talking back to him now. It was like something in me snapped when I caught him smoking pot the other day. I mean, what on earth was he thinking bringing that kinda substance at the youth center?

Obviously, he wasn't thinking. Rather, he just didn't give a rat's ass.

I was planning on going back to having minimal contact with him for the rest of the summer. But then I heard him talk about my town, and that was the last straw.

Taking him around wasn't my way of trying to 'save' him or whatever. This was a selfish decision on my part, kinda like a killing-two-birds-with-one-stone scenario. One of my goals was to make him fall in love with Mount Valley.

As for the other one...

"What are we watching?" he asked.

I scanned the list of titles showing. It was a nice selection this week.

"They're all old films," he commented.

"So?"

"So don't they have anything new to show?" He paused and gestured to the last poster. "Geez, one of them's in black and white."

I gasped. "Hey, Casablanca is a classic!"

"Classic enough to belong in the ancient times."

I stared at him in awe. "Wow, so this is what obnoxious looks like."

"Don't hold back with those insults," he replied, without bothering to look at me. "You're doing really good."

Ooohh, this boy was challenging me.

"We're watching Casablanca," I decided.

He stared at me, looking totally perplexed. "I thought you were going to show me how you have fun, not show me ways to fall asleep."

I shrugged. "Take it or leave it."

He looked like he wanted to say something but he only sighed, before heading to the ticket booth. "Two tickets for Casablanca please."

"Here," I said, handing him my share.

He waved me off. "I was taught to never let a lady pay."

"I don't want you to use up your allowance."

"Ah, you heard."

I only nodded.

"I'd rather not worry about money," he stated, getting our tickets before heading inside to the main hall.

"That's because you're born with it," I argued, following after him and glancing around the dim lit hallway.

I almost smiled. I always loved the smell of popcorn and candy.

"Not quite." He pursed his lips, tapping the tickets on his palm. "We moved to the city when I was five. Up until then, we lived an average life."

I looked down and cleared my throat. "I know, I watched the documentary made about your sister's life." I raised my head and added, "It was touching."

After his parents got divorced when he was little, his mother took him and his sister to the city to live with their grandfather. That was the beginning of their life with the one percenters.

Anders met my eyes. "Then, you know it's all my grandfather's money."

"But you don't seem to care about spending it."

"If I don't, who will?" He was totally nonchalant about the whole thing that it was a little nerve-wracking. "Money can buy anything, you know. Even fun."

"I beg to differ."

"Sure you do."

I went ahead to the candy counter, buying popcorn and soft drinks for us. Anders offered to pay but I beat him this time. He just shook his head, before putting his wallet back in his pocket and grabbing his drink.

"I bet I can show you ways to have fun without spending too much," I told him.

He looked doubtful. "I'm starting to think we have different definitions of fun."

"When are you going to try to look at things from a different perspective?"

"Never. I like my point of view, thanks."

I sighed and walked inside the cinema.

There were barely people around. I guessed they were out on the beach at Cali's Point or the nearby lake. Or maybe like Anders, they didn't like what was showing.

Too bad. They were missing out on an awesome film.

I picked the row that was at eye-level with the screen, then chose the seats right in the middle. It was perfect.

"If I fall asleep, this will only prove how sleepy this town is," Anders whispered, sitting beside me.

"You're welcome to go back to staring at your walls," I whispered back.

"Touché."

I brought my attention to the screen as the film started.

Thankfully, he shut up.

* * * * *

He didn't fall asleep.

Neither did he say anything as we walked out of the cinema together. When he cleared his throat, I kept quiet. I looked down the street, pretending to be distracted by the shops to avoid breaking the silence.

It was a nice summer's night. It wasn't too humid like earlier, with the breeze a little colder since it was the evening already. A few people were out, enjoying the season, while the shops were open later than usual.

I watched as people greeted each other on the streets, some old ladies hung out at a random bench exchanging gossip for sure. Everyone knew everyone here.

"Alright," Anders finally said. "It wasn't too bad."

I looked at him and waited.

"Fine," he admitted. "It was pretty good."

My lips stretched into a triumphant smile.

"I love the ending," I gushed, just as he said, "The ending sucked, though."

We stared at each other for a moment.

"It was bittersweet," I defended.

"It was stupid," he countered. "They're basically saying that being selfless will make you unhappy."

I scoffed. "He did it for the greater good."

"No, he thinks he did it for the greater good."

"Ilsa is needed for the cause."

"Rick literally said it was Victor who needed Ilsa. You're telling me the dude who led a rebellion needs a specific person to motivate him to do the cause? Isn't the cause enough reason to be motivated?"

"He loves her." I pouted, putting my intertwined hands on my chest. "She's like his muse, his inspiration. It's romantic."

"Problematic is what it is." He snorted. "He needs to get his priorities straight."

I pursed my lips, remaining quiet. Of course, a skeptical like him would think that way. I really shouldn't be surprised.

Spotting the diner from a distance, I quickened my pace. I was stoked to eat. Just thinking about the waffles, burger, fries, and milkshake got me all pumped up.

Anders' bad mood would not get me down. I just watched one of my favorite films and now we were about to munch on my comfort food.

He could be grumpy all night long.

"We're eating here?" he asked, looking up at the diner.

I grinned. "Yup."

"Why?" He genuinely sounded confused.

"It's the diner," I explained. "Everyone eats here. It has the best food in town."

"I doubt it."

I cocked my head as I glanced at him. "You doubt a lot of things. Aren't you tired of being skeptical all the time?"

"I'm just not gullible."

"Yeah, you're only snobby."

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm what?"

"You're snobby," I repeated. I frowned in wonder, before adding, "Oh, I thought you knew." Shrugging, I stepped into the diner without waiting for him.

"Elaborate," he demanded, following after me.

"It's not obvious at first. You always smile and agree but once people turn their back on you, your face drops into this expression."

I kept my eyelids half-closed and raised my chin up, trying to imitate the look I'd always seen on him.

"What is that face?" he asked, watching me.

"It's yours," I answered. "It's like you think you're better than everybody else and this is all just beneath you."

He looked at me in curiosity.

When it seemed like he wasn't going to say anything, I turned around and headed to the booth in the corner of the diner, the one my sister and I always got.

"It's because of that time you caught me smoking, isn't it?" he guessed, sliding into the seat across from me.

"Nope."

I raised a hand and waved to my favorite waitress. When she saw me, she smiled and signalled that she'd be with us in a second.

"Ah," he said, looking smug. "That time in the laundry room, then – when you heard me talking to my friend."

I sighed. "No, it's whenever Grace or someone else at the center asks you to do something against your will."

"How observant of you."

I only smiled, while he leaned back on his seat and continued to study me like I was his new experiment. I stared right back at him, trying to show him that there was no way that I was intimidated by his spoiled rich ass.

I could've been, before I met his obnoxious side.

Then, his hazel brown eyes smoldered... and The Smile appeared.

I blinked.

He smirked.

Oh, frack.

"Well, what do we have here?"

I looked up, relieved at the distraction. "Hi, Wendy!"

Wendy had been working here since before I was born. I used to think she lived at the diner because she was always here whenever we came.

Everybody – and I meant every single body in town – loved her. There was never a time she wasn't sweet as a chocolate cake to anyone and everyone who came through the door.

"Beautiful Meadow," she cooed, smiling at me. "What will it be tonight?"

I bit my lip, thinking about it. "Since it's a classic kinda night... I'm gonna go with good ol' burger and fries."

"Strawberry milkshake to go with that?"

I grinned. "You know me so well."

"Honey, I've known you since you were a baby."

I chuckled, beaming at her.

She turned to Anders. "And for the young man?"

"Good evening, ma'am."

"G'evening to you, too," she replied, glancing at me.

I kept my face as blank as possible. I didn't want her to think I was on a date or something. God forbid she'd mention it to Pops.

"This is my first time here," he said, flashing her his most charming smile. "I have no idea what to get."

She looked thoughtful as she studied him. "You look fancy. We have french toast and german sausage, if you want that?"

"Trust me, I'm not fancy."

I tried to hide my snort.

"Hot wings?" Wendy suggested.

Anders looked like he was considering it but I could tell he didn't want to get his hands messy. I remembered him refusing to eat ribs during BBQ Day at the center. He looked like he couldn't be bothered with it.

"How about a bacon mushroom burger?" I said.

Anders locked eyes with mine. "Yeah, I'll try that."

"Drinks?" Wendy asked.

"What do you recommend?" he asked me this time.

I sized him up. "Chocolate milkshake."

He nodded. "Chocolate milkshake, it is."

"Comin' right up," Wendy declared.

"Thank you," I told her.

She winked at me, before going on her way.

I leaned back on my seat and finally relaxed as we waited for our food. I watched Anders look around the diner, watching the people before studying the decorations. He didn't look bored now, but he didn't look too impressed either.

"Is it true you sank a ship?" I asked him.

That rumor had been going around since the day he arrived. Sunshine was the one who told me about it. She said she heard it from Kristine, the volunteer art teacher.

The corner of his lips turned up. "Straight for the kill."

"Sorry," I murmured sheepishly. I was never really good at small talk. "You don't have to answer that."

He stared at me for a few seconds. "It wasn't a ship. It was actually a yacht."

My eyes widened. "How did that happen?"

"A friend of mine crashed a jet ski into it."

"Wow, is that what you do for fun?"

He grinned, letting out a small laugh. "Yeah, I'm a master at destroying million dollar boats – sometimes buildings." I couldn't tell if he was joking. "And you?"

I looked at him questioningly.

"What are you good at?"

I thought about it, and decided, "Hiding."

"Who are you hiding from?" he asked, leaning forward as he stared at me.

I didn't answer.

"Is that why you volunteered at the center?"

My forehead creased, as I waited for him to continue.

"No one would spend their summer doing all that work for charity."

"It's part-time," I replied, rolling my eyes. "The workload isn't even that heavy."

He looked skeptical. "It's pretty heavy."

"You're just not used to it, growing up in a castle and all," I muttered.

"It's a high rise on Park Avenue, actually."

"Of course, it is. Does it come with a butler?"

He smirked. "Driver."

"Wow," I breathed out. "I'm honored to be in your presence, your highness."

He nodded. "You're welcome."

Just in time, Wendy arrived with our drinks. She placed the chocolate milkshake in front of Anders, while the strawberry one was in front of me.

I almost giggled at the sight of the cherry on top.

"Enjoy."

"Thank you," Anders said.

"Thanks, Wendy!" I told her, grinning.

She winked at me and left.

"Sunnie told me a funny story the other day," Anders mentioned, picking up the straw in his milkshake and swirling the whip cream on top with it.

I drank mine as I listened.

"It's about this little girl who got caught twerking by her sister's boyfriend."

I snorted so hard that the milkshake literally came out of my nose like a gooey cold snot. Oh, no. Oh, no! I shouldn't have done that!

"Oh, my God!" I cried, tears pooling in my eyes.

"I know." He laughed. "The funniest part is, she told me it was you."

I raised my nose in the air and blindly grabbed the tissues. I didn't care anymore if I looked like a crazy person.

"It's so cold!" I wailed.

"Oh, shit," he said, all amusement gone in his face. "You're serious?"

"Yes! My nose is freezing!" Wasn't I obvious enough in my panicked state?!

He sat up, looking frantic. "What do I do?"

"Can my nose freeze to death?" I sniffed, letting the tears run down my cheeks.

"What do you need?" he demanded, standing up.

Suddenly, it reached my brain and it was the blinding kind of pain. I squeezed my eyes shut and put my hands on each side of my head.

Was this what brain freeze felt like?!

"Owww! Make it stop!"

Without warning, Anders leaned over and blew air straight on my nose. I flinched away from him, shoving his face in reflex.

"Why are you blowing air on my face?!"

"I don't know!" he exclaimed, looking around the table for something useful. But then, he stopped when he spotted his phone. "Fuck it, I'm calling 911!"

"What's going on?"

My eyes widened when I looked up and saw the couple who arrived. No freaking way! This could not be happening right now.

"Oh, God. Meadow?"

I wanted to hide in humiliation.

Tears filled my eyes, and I greeted her quietly, "Hi, Dakota."

Aaron and Dakota were pretty well known in town.

Aside from being the poster child for couples, Dakota's cousin wrote a book about them that got turned into a movie a few years ago.

We knew each other because Pops used to be Aaron's basketball coach when he was in high school. Pops really loved him. He wouldn't stop talking about him. He was practically part of the family now.

"What happened?" Dakota asked, sitting beside me and gently touching my face. She pushed up her glasses, so she could take a better look on me.

"It's my fault," Anders admitted, with a sigh. "I accidentally made her laugh while she was drinking her milkshake, and it came out through her nose."

I wasn't laughing!

Aaron's worried expression turned amused. His bluish green eyes twinkled, and I was reminded of my school girl crush on him. Yeah, I had a crush on Aaron Ford.

In this town, who wouldn't have?

"Now her nose is freezing to death," Anders added. To be fair, his voice was filled with concern. "I'm dialing 911."

"Uh, yeah." Aaron stopped him, waving a hand. "There's no need for that."

"Should I just drive her to the ER?" Anders asked.

"She'll be fine," Aaron assured him. "Don't worry."

"But—"

"Just let her drink hot milk."

Anders blinked, letting Aaron's words sink in. Then, I watched as the crease on his forehead smoothened while his shoulders relaxed. He appeared to be calming down now. Finally, he let out a deep breath as he nodded.

"Right."

"Your boyfriend's cute," Dakota whispered to me.

I frowned. "He's not my boyfriend."

"Oh." She looked surprised for a second, then she gave me a knowing smile. "Do you want him to be?"

"No," I hissed, horrified. I couldn't even imagine liking the person.

"D, we should go," Aaron told Dakota, holding up his phone. "Allie texted."

"Is something wrong?" she asked.

"No, everything's fine." He smiled warmly. "Our baby girl's looking for us."

Dakota's brown eyes met my grey ones. "Drink hot milk."

"Okay."

It was like the shock of them witnessing me drowning in milkshake zapped the brain freeze out of me. So much for not making a fool out of myself.

"Take care," she told me softly, kissing me on the side of my head before she let me go and went over to her husband.

Aaron nodded to me. "Regards to Coach, Meadow."

I gave him a thumbs up.

"Here you go, honey," Wendy said, suddenly showing up and placing a mug of hot milk on the table in front of me. "Take care of that pretty little nose now."

"Thanks, Wendy," I mumbled.

She smiled at me and wiped the table clean. Then, she gave Anders a pat on the shoulder on her way back to the counter, while he sat down and watched me.

I sipped my hot milk, taking caution as I sniffed. It was still cold. But at least, it didn't hurt anymore. I didn't think I'd order my favorite milkshake anytime soon.

"You..."

I looked up at Anders. He shook his head and let out a small laugh, looking as if he was in disbelief. I didn't speak, waiting for him to say something.

He kept his eyes on me as he leaned back on his seat.

"Where to next?"

_____________

Bet you didn't expect that cameo! ;)