Chapter 64:

Larten shifted uneasily in his seat. The movie theater wasn't crowded but he felt cramped and was quickly regretting his decision to humor Brigid. Her movie turned out to be a suspenseful thriller and she was almost bouncing in her seat. Apparently, the child had a crush on the main star of the film and this added to her excitement.

"Popcorn?" Brigid offered.

"No thank you." Larten grumbled.

Erin glanced at him and leaned in. "If you want to leave we can. I don't want you to be uncomfortable."

Brigid overheard her sister. "But you guys said you'd watch it with me. But if you aren't up to it, Larten, I'll understand. You and Erin could go grab a coffee or something."

Damn them for being so concerned about him! It was infuriating how accommodating they were. Larten, in his frustration, settled himself and stared at the screen.

"So….you're going to actually stay?" Brigid asked surprised.

"I said it before. I will take whatever the evening brings. I've endured worse."

"I promise you'll like this movie."

Larten grunted.

As the lights dimmed, Erin snuck her hand under his cloak and intertwined her fingers with his. He sighed and consented to his fate.

"Wasn't that great! I wasn't expecting that ending! Did you like it?" Brigid gushed.

"It was endurable."

Brigid rolled her eyes. She knew that's all she would get out of him.

"Okay, so then what do you want to do?" Brigid asked.

"Whatever you wish."

"Ugh, you are impossible. How does my sister put up with you?"

"Are you hungry?" Erin prompted trying to give Larten an out.

"I could eat." Brigid spoke up.

"Even after all of that popcorn and candy?" Larten asked incredulously.

Brigid shrugged. "I'm always up for food."

"Do you have any preferences, Larten?" Erin asked.

He sighed. "Whatever you want."

"Maybe grumpy-pants here will be in a better mood after he eats."

Erin shot Brigid a look. "Italian then. It's close and they're still open."

"Sounds good to me."

"Let's go." Erin slipped her arm into the crook of Larten's. He looked down at her and knew she was trying to be a buffer between him and Brigid. Maybe a meal would lighten his mood.

Larten did enjoy his food but was embarrassed when Brigid suggested they have a breadstick fight. The child was incorrigible.

The three ate their meals and were soon back out onto the street with Brigid already knowing what they should do next.

"I got a text and Ian is playing guitar at our favorite bookstore and café. That sounds really cozy and chill."

"What is 'chill'?" Larten asked in hesitation.

Brigid laughed. "It's a good thing. It's, like, relaxed. You'll like it."

"That is what you said about the movie." Larten deadpanned.

"Okay, but this I'm really sure you'll like it. You and Erin can sit in a tiny dark corner and it'll be romantic and you'll thank me later." Brigid said confidently hooking her arm into his like Erin.

Larten looked between the two and once again sighed.

He was no match.