Chapter 29

"Mandy! When did you start working here? I thought you had a modeling gig in California!" Mallory chirped, once again ignoring Caden.
Mandy chewed her gum loudly. "Yeah, well, that kind of fell through. I just got back into town. I'm only working here until I can find something else."
"Good luck to you." She leaned in conspiratorially. "If I hear of anything, I'll let you know."
Yeah, that's likely, Caden thought to himself. "If you don't mind," Caden interrupted, "I'd like two popcorns and two large Cokes."
"Diet for me," Mallory corrected.
Caden let out a deep breath. "Correction: One large Coke and one large Diet Coke."
Mandy's eyes traveled over his chest and one corner of her lips curled into a smile. "Well, hello--"
"We used to date when we were in high school," Mallory cut her off, giving Mandy a warning look.
Mandy smirked. "Lucky you." Then she looked back over at Caden. "I'll be right back with your order."
A moment later, Mandy placed a large popcorn and the sodas on the counter and Caden paid her. Mallory kept on talking, so he picked up his soda and the popcorn, leaving Mallory and her soda.
"Well, got to go! Bye!" he heard her say behind him, and then her heels hitting the tile floor, trying to catch up, resonated throughout the hallway. "So, how long will you be in town?"
Caden shrugged, taking a seat in an empty row. "Not sure. I'll definitely be here for Christmas, though."
"Good!" Mallory shoved her manicured hand into the popcorn bag. "You'll be here to see me in the Christmas parade! I'm riding on the mayor's float-." She continued to talk animatedly through the advertisements. Caden was relieved when the previews came on, eliminating all conversation.
The movie started and it was a war picture. He hadn't recognized the name of it when he bought the tickets. Of course, Mallory picked the movie. Although the director and producers tried to depict the war, it was a far cry from the real thing. And then came the love story. Figures. He looked over and Mallory's eyes were tearing up. He rolled his eyes, thankful for the few hours that he wouldn't be required to hold a conversation with her. He made a mental note to himself to take her straight home after the movie.
By then, Jocelyn would probably be home from work. He sighed, unable to believe that his thoughts had betrayed him like that, especially since he was out with her sister. But throughout the movie, he couldn't help but wish that Jocelyn was there instead of Mallory. He watched the movie, not really seeing it, wondering what he was going to do. It was the first day that he had spent away from Jocelyn since he arrived into town and he missed her terribly.
Caden sighed as he leaned against the back of the seat. Mallory smiled and snuggled onto his shoulder, but he moved as far away as he could to the other side of his seat. How was he going to tell Mallory that he wasn't in love with her, and that he was in love with her sister? She would hate him forever, and so would Jocelyn.
But since he'd been back, he saw just how superficial Mallory was. Maybe she always had been, and he was just too in love--or infatuated--to see it. He looked up at the screen again, pretending to enjoy the movie, thankful for the time to think. He looked over at Mallory and she looked over at him and smiled. He turned his attention back to the screen, unable to believe that he had spent so much time thinking about her over the years. And Jocelyn was everything that he never knew he ever wanted. It was probably a good thing that he had stayed away for as long as he had. God knew what he was doing.
Caden knew the end of the movie was drawing near. Tears started coursing down Mallory's cheeks as the war hero and the heroine kissed when he came home from war. Caden rolled his eyes. Too bad life wasn't like it was in romance movies or books.
"That was the best movie I've seen in a long time," Mallory announced, dabbing at her eyes. "Wasn't it the best movie ever?"
"Yeah. Let's go." Caden rose to his feet but couldn't get out. Mallory was blocking the way.
She looked up at him, her eyes wide. "Didn't you like it?"
"Yes, it was great," Caden replied flatly, knowing he really shouldn't have been taking it out on her. After all, it wasn't Mallory's fault that he was falling in love with her sister. He cringed internally at the sound of it. "Could you let me out?"
Mallory scrambled to her feet, leaving the popcorn and drinks behind. "Yes, of course."
Caden sighed and picked them up.
"You should just leave them." Mallory waved her hand dismissively. "They pay someone to clean up."
"They pay someone to clean the theater, not pick up after us." Caden brushed past her and walked straight to the trash receptacle, tempted to keep on walking and leave her there. But as much as he wanted to, he couldn't do that to her or to Jocelyn.
"The movie had me wondering if the couple was going to get together or not," Mallory prattled on as they walked out to the car. "When he went off to war, I didn't know if he would come back."
"It's a romance. Of course they would get together." Caden rolled his eyes, suddenly in a hurry to take her home.
But Mallory didn't seem to notice. "Yes, but not all romances end well-." She continued analyzing the movie all the way to home.
At first, Caden grunted at the right times until, finally, he just gave up. He drove faster than he should have to her house, but he was tired and wanted to go home. Mallory's voice was grating on him and giving him a headache.
"Well, here we are," Caden announced, pulling the car to a stop, leaving the engine running.
She pooched out her lip into a pout that he had grown to despise. "Aren't you going to walk me to the door?"
Caden sighed. "I think you're perfectly capable of walking yourself to the door."
She batted her eyes. "Please?"
"Okay." Caden got out of the car and shut the door. "Let's get this over with." Then he walked around the car and opened her door. She held out her hand for him to help her out. He rolled his eyes but held out his hand for her. Mallory pretended not to notice. He walked her to the front door and she opened it.
"I had a wonderful time--"
"At the wrapping booth?" Caden cut her off, unable to resist.
She giggled. "No, silly. At the movie. I'll see you tomorrow." Then she reached up to give him a kiss, but he turned his head and she kissed his cheek. When he looked over, Jocelyn was standing down the hallway.
Upon seeing them, Jocelyn closed her eyes and walked away.
Caden turned and headed back to the car.
"I will see you tomorrow, won't I?" Mallory called after him.
But he ignored her and climbed into his car. As he drove away, he wondered how he had gotten into this mess and what he was going to do about it.