Read Online Beyond The Ghosts (Legacy Falls Project) by Jody Pardo - Free Book Online

be?”
    “A peace offering.”
    “Rolos? Ever hear of 1-800-Flowers?”
    “I would have sent flowers but you wanted to play this cat and mouse game. So, I brought these with me.”
    “Whatever. It’s chocolate, I guess.”
    “Well, it’s not February so there aren’t exactly chocolate hearts laying around. And strawberries are out of season.”
    “Wow, I’m impressed; you actually gave this some thought.”
    We pulled up to the movie theatre, and my frustration grew.
    “You said you would show me where she works. Then I can plan ahead and have something delivered. We have plenty of time before the movie starts.”
    “Don’t Hulk out on me, brother dear. I promised, and I will uphold my end of the deal. Let’s go.”
    I shoved the Rolos back in my pocket and followed my sister’s lead to the theatre.
    We stood in line behind a young couple purchasing their tickets, and when they proceeded to the door, Christina was on the other side of the glass. Beth was a sneaky rat fink. She stepped up and ordered our tickets and chatted with Christina. While she printed out stubs, I tried to find my voice.
    “Aren’t you going to say hi, Peter? Don’t be so rude.” A tinge of pink pinched Christina’s cheeks, and I pulled out her ribbon-wrapped candy bundle and slid it under the glass.
    “I’m sorry, Christina. Nice to see you again.” She picked up the bundle of long, sleek, caramel sticks and held them to her chest.
    “This is so sweet. No one has ever given me Rolos.”
    “Probably because my brother is a dork,” Beth teased. Christina’s head whipped around causing her long hair to fan across her chest like a cape covering her precious gift she cradled against her.
    “No, he actually paid attention. Anyone can buy flowers. Most stores don’t even sell Rolos.”
    “I bought all the sleeves they had or it would have been bigger,” I added apologetically.
    “This is super sweet. Thank you, Peter, but you didn’t have to.”
    “What time do you get off?”
    “Well, this is the last showing tonight. After the actual movie runs for about fifteen minutes we will close the box office. Then I just have some paperwork to do.”
    “Did you see Deadpool ? Why don't you join us when you are all done?”
    “I have seen all these movies a zillion times,” she said flippantly then stopped, “but I will join you guys. Sit on the end so I can find you.” 
    “See you in a little bit then. Do you want anything from concessions?” I offered.
    She smiled widely and once again brought her candies to her chest. “Nope, I’m good. I have Rolos.”
    Another couple was waiting behind us and the heavyset man cleared his throat loudly. My sister shot daggers at him over her shoulder and looped her arm in mine but stood her ground.
    “So, we will see you in a little bit, Christina?” she asked.
    “Yup, just after the opening credits.”
    “Let’s go get some popcorn.” Beth guided me through the doors to the concession stands and I waved to Christina in her glass booth.

    “That was sneaky.”
    “Whatever do you mean?” Debutante Beth was back in full Technicolor.
    “You knew she was going to be here.”
    “Well, where else would she be? She works here.” Stating the obvious.
    “You tricked me.”
    “Oh, don’t be a spoiled sport. I got what I wanted, you got what you wanted, Chrissy seemed happy with your dork gift. It's a win-win-win all the way around.”
    “One of these days your games are going to bite you in the ass.”
    “But not today. Get your bucket of popcorn, and let’s go.”
    I ordered the combination with two large Cokes and a tub of popcorn. I picked up a bottle of water just in case Christina wanted a drink I could give her the option. We found three seats centrally located with optimal view of the big screen and waited while we were entertained with the dancing hot dog and previews of upcoming movies.
    Christina said to sit on the aisle but there were not many people in the theatre so