Author's note: Just a little interlude before some interesting changes.
Trixie Belden Trixie Belden Trixie Belden
The theater lobby was packed when the four arrived. The newest teen paranormal romance was opening and every pre-tweener in White Plains was waiting to be seated.
Maneuvering towards an unoccupied corner, Regan looked warily at the young girls that were squealing in delight over the impending movie. "I don't know why girls get like that. You never see guys acting that way."
"I'm sure you don't, at least not when the object of their desires are sparkly vampires." Trixie joked. "But I have seen my brothers become very enthusiastic in their desire to watch a certain television show in which models prance around dressed in underwear and rhinestones."
"That my dear Trixie is just reconnaissance. How else would a guy know what to buy a girl?" Jim smiled and wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
"You better not be buying me underwear or Moms will lock me in my room until I'm 40." Trixie playfully slapped Jim's arm.
"Can we stop talking about underwear?" Honey added. "Besides, sparkly vampires are outdated. Now it's dystopian societies and girls who kick ass."
"I've already got a girl that kicks ass." Jim kissed Trixie's hand.
"Complements will get you everywhere."
The velvet rope that had been holding the excited youth back was removed and the crowd headed into the theater; the lobby now much quieter.
"Looks like fewer people came to see the new spy flick." Honey commented. "Maybe the crowd scared them off?"
"It's been out for a couple of weeks. Plus I suppose that people are out doing their Christmas shopping." Trixie took a look at her watch. "I still have a couple of gifts to get yet. "
"Me too," Jim chimed in. "Regan, it looked like you had some luck shopping today."
"I didn't have a whole lot to do, but it always comes down to what do I get Danny?"
"Speaking as a college student, I would recommend a case of ramen noodles and several cans of coffee." Jim nodded towards the usher who had returned to the lobby. "Looks like we can go find our seats now."
The group moved into the theater and easily found seats. Regan took the inside so that he could put his leg off to the side and not worry about someone tripping on it while walking up the aisle.
"Sorry Honey, I can't use my crutches and carry popcorn." He handed Honey a twenty dollar bill and instructed her to get what she wanted. "Bring me a soda also please."
"Will do."
Honey and Jim made their way out to the concession stand, leaving Trixie and Regan in the theater auditorium.
"Regan's looking a lot better than I expected." Jim commented to his sister. "From Father's description of the accident I expected him to be laid up yet."
"He's been working really hard at his therapy. I think he doesn't want to be a burden on us and the sooner he can get back to his apartment, the happier he will be."
"I was really surprised that Regan convinced him to look into purchasing breeding stock. After Gadfly I didn't think either one would want anything to do with horseracing."
"No, just not interested in working with Carl Stinson. Regan found out that his old boss wasn't exactly on the up and up himself."
The brother and sister then stood quietly while deciding on what to purchase.
Back inside the theater, Regan could feel the weight of Trixie's stare. "Alright Beatrix, what do you want?"
"I just want to let you know that I approve and you better not do anything to hurt her."
"I don't know what you mean?" Reagan hoped that his attempt at confusion would keep the young woman from confirming his fear.
"Yes you do and I know it. I'm not going to say a word, but you need to know that I'm in your corner. I told her in October that she should go for it."
"Go for it?"
Trixie sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, she was putting out all kind of signals and you seemed to be sending some of your own."
Bill turned and looked at the door, hoping that the others weren't coming back already.
"So these signals," he asked, "did anyone else pick up on them? Or do only female detectives hone in on them?"
"Your secret is safe with me. Besides there is a real advantage to me knowing about you two."
"Really? Cause I'm not seeing it from here."
"Sure, if you two get acting too "couple like", I can say something to snap you out of it." Trixie smiled, "I've worked on a few lines, such as, "hey get a room you two"."
"Trixie, this is really serious." Bill glanced at the back and was relieved that it was still empty. "I want this to work and we are going to hold off on any relationship until after she graduates."
"Yeah, good luck with holding off. When she talks about you, her eyes sparkle." It was Trixie's turn to look for her friend. "She really likes you a lot. So be careful. My brother wasn't as gentle as he could have been."
The door to the lobby opened; Jim and Honey entered carrying refreshments.
Trixie smiled at the two and waved, "I'll help divert Jim's attention tonight."
Honey entered the row and moved past Trixie to hand Regan a large soda and popcorn. "Since this is supper, I figured I better get enough for both of us. I couldn't choose between Raisinettes or Junior Mints, so I got both. I'll let you have your pick because I love both of them."
Regan sat the pop into the holder and positioned the popcorn bucket on his good leg. "I'm good with either as well. I'm just thankful you didn't get Jujyfruits, they stick in my teeth and I feel like I have to pry them apart."
"I'm more of a Dots person when it comes to chewy fruit candy."
"Don't let her fool you Regan," Jim laughed. "She's more of a chocolate hound."
"The antioxidants are beneficial to good health."
"Yes, chocolate is a vegetable." Trixie intoned seriously.
The lights dimmed and the coming attractions started.
Leaning over Honey whispered to Regan, "Hold your hand when it gets dark."
"As much as I want to, no."
"Spoil sport."
"Man of my word."
They both quieted and soon the lights darkened even more as the feature presentation began. Honey reached into the bucket of popcorn to snag a bite when she felt Regan's fingers brush against hers. They intertwined with her fingers briefly and then withdrew slowly.
Honey smiled as she took a bite of the popcorn. Knowing that Bill also longed for the intimacy of her touch was enough for her at the moment. She put her hand back into the popcorn and wasn't disappointed when his hand found hers again.
She might need to get a refill on popcorn.