Date night ends

You waited for a couple of minutes before following Stacy out of the restroom and returning to the cinema. Though another hour and a half went by of superhero action you mostly tuned it out and allowed your mind to wander.

How were you going to play things during your first “official” date with Stacy? If her dad was the head of the cult or a high ranking member he might be extra alert to your snooping. Never mind the traditional thing of dad’s being skeptical of their daughter’s boyfriends. It would have to be a slow process of ingratiating yourself into the family dynamic and uncovering their secrets.

….But how many more girls would die while you were doing that?

The movie ended and you walked from the theatre half in a daze. You were still lost in thought walking by the concession stand when Maria bumped into you, Stacy at her side. Stacy kept her face measured, but Maria gave you a shove.

“Watch where you’re going, loser!”

Your eyes flicked from Maria and then to Stacy, who shrugged indifferently. You mumbled an apology and went on outside where your Mom was waiting for you in her car.

She was practically vibrating with excitement as you got in. “How‘d it go? Did you have fun? Give me all the deets.”

You couldn’t stifle a laugh. “It was good Mom,” you buckled yourself in, “we had a good time and the movie was fine….She invited me over for dinner.”

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. “Oh, so you guys are taking this pretty seriously then?” A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “I’m glad I raised such a sensible young gentleman.”

That had you rolling your eyes, but you were smiling at how cheesy your mom could be.

Putting your hands in the front of your jacket to dig out your phone, you felt a scrap of paper rub against you. Had you left it in there from earlier? You couldn’t recall doing that.

Frowning you took it out and unfolded the scrap. A phone number was written down.

You blinked, not immediately understanding what it meant. But then you remembered Maria bumping into you.

Despite yourself, you couldn’t suppress the grin that was forming.

Well well…