Playing at Forever - By Michelle Brewer Page 0,35

you were quite the Brad Pitt fan.” She laughed, nodding her head. She had often told him that, if he ever met Brad Pitt whenever he became a movie star, he had better be sure to pass along her number. “So we’ll count that one out then.”

“Hey!”

“I’m not competing with Brad Pitt for the attentions of a pretty lady. No way.” Penny laughed again, looking back up at the choices. “How about the new Tom Hanks? Or maybe that slasher flick? I heard they were both pretty good.”

“The slasher movie is probably more date-worthy material.” She suggested, remembering what they were there for. Graham would probably approve of the choice.

“The slasher movie it is then.” Penny looked around, eyeing the movie posters, distracting herself. Tommy’s arms circled around her waist a moment later, startling her. “You know, Pen, you’re supposed to be trying to improve my image.” She felt his breath on her ear.

“Have I done something wrong?” She felt a panic rise within her. The last thing she wanted to do was make things worse for Tommy.

“Well, you’ve made me look like a total jerk.”

“How?” She was really beginning to worry.

“Well, just look at me. I’m standing here next to you, looking like that, and here I am, looking like this.” She felt him step closer, his body flush with hers. “There isn’t a person in this theater that isn’t looking at you.”

“Oh please, I’m sure it’s you they’re looking at, Mr. Hollywood. You’re on that poster right over there.” Even in his jeans and plain button-down shirt, he looked gorgeous. She was certain it was him they were focusing on.

“Nope,” she felt his cheek graze against hers as he shook his head. “It’s definitely you.” Penny rolled her eyes at him, turning to meet his. She hadn’t expected to find his face still so close to hers and she faltered, forgetting all about whatever it was she had been about to say as her heart pounded anxiously in her chest.

“Next,” the attendant called, startling her out of her trance. Penny looked away, feeling slightly chilled as Tommy dropped his arms and stepped forward. It took her a moment to join him.

“How many seats are left for that showing?” Tommy asked. The younger boy seemed confused for a moment, but checked something on the computer. “We’ve only sold a few tickets so far.”

“Then I’d like to buy the rest.” The boy’s eyes widened dramatically and Tommy grinned. “You see those people out there?” Tommy nodded toward the photographers, who were just beginning to show up. The boy nodded. “Under no circumstances are they to be allowed in to the theater.” The boy nodded again.

“You’re sure you want to buy all the tickets?” he asked, his voice shaky.

“Positive,” Tommy handed over a credit card and the boy nervously swiped it. Penny thought the printer might start emitting sparks, it began working so hard. It only took a few minutes for the tickets to finish printing and Tommy handed them over to the usher, who had the same reaction as the boy who had sold the tickets to them.

She couldn’t blame either one of them. She was in shock as well.

“Show off,” she muttered as they made their way to the concessions booth. “What’s next, are you going to buy all of the popcorn, just because you can?” Tommy nudged her with his shoulder, laughing.

“Hey, can I help it that I like my privacy during my movie-watching experience?” Penny rolled her eyes at him. “You’ll be thanking me when you get to watch your movie in peace, that’s all I’m saying.”

It made sense, of course. Penny just wished it didn’t have to be so dramatic. She thought buying just one full price ticket was expensive. She tried totaling up how much the entire theater must’ve cost and gave up, the number much too high for her to even want to know.

They ordered popcorn and a large lemonade—and two cocktails from the bar they passed on the way to the theater. “Well, I think the seating choices are pretty limited myself.” Penny said sarcastically as they entered the theater. There were only three other couples scattered about the room.

“Oh, just be quiet and pick a seat somewhere.” She smiled brightly after making a face at him.

In a way, it was just like old times.

After the movie was over, Penny attached herself to Tommy, once more braving the wave of paparazzi. She hurried into the car, Tommy right behind her. “So this is