When the Wind Chimes - Mary Ting Page 0,33

giant screen that took up the back wall. Most of the seats were filled toward the front but there were plenty of seats left. No need to hurry.

Two tables at the back, by the entrance. sold refreshments, cupcakes, and popcorn. The rich aroma of butter popcorn dominated the air.

Lights hung around the room gave it a festive feel, and Christmas songs played softly in the background.

“Let’s get some popcorn first before we sit down.” I placed my hands on Tyler’s shoulders to lead him to the short line. I recalled Abby’s words and didn’t hold his hand.

“Tyler!” Jace rushed over from one of the rows. “Do you want to sit with me? I’m in the middle. I’m saving a seat for Bridget, too.”

If Bridget was coming, then Leonardo and likely his wife would be here. Two adults could be friends, right? I let out a snort, thinking about how I’d fallen on my butt after we bumped heads. Two clumsy friends, that’s for sure.

“We can sit with Jace and Bridget, right?” Tyler asked.

“Sure. We can sit wherever you want. This is your night. We’ll be right over as soon as we get some popcorn, Jace. On second thought, Ty, you can go with Jace, I’ll find you.”

Tyler left in a hurry. I should have asked what flavor he wanted. The list was long, like the menu for shaved snow.

“May I help you?” said a smooth baritone voice.

Too busy deciding which flavor Tyler would like, I hadn’t realized I was next. But that voice. I knew that voice. My heart leaped when my gaze met his chestnut-colored eyes.

Leonardo sat in the center with a small cash box in front of him. Plastic buckets of popcorn piled on top of the table according to the flavors: chocolate, white chocolate, butter, plain, caramel, and kettle corn.

“I—hi. Um—” My tongue twisted suddenly and I lost the ability to speak.

Leonardo’s eyes grew wider. He looked just as surprised to see me and rose from his chair. “It’s nice to meet you—I mean to see you ... What flavor are you? I mean ...” He blinked. “What flavor would you like?” He rubbed the back of his neck and gave me a crooked grin.

I let out an awkward laugh as I recalled how I had said similar words to him at the gallery, and he chuckled as well.

Leonardo wore jeans and a button-up shirt, casual and less intimidating, but nonetheless attractive. He could wear grubby sweats and he would still look good.

“Which one do you recommend?” My hand hovered first over the caramel corn, and then over the butter flavor.

“Do you like chocolate?”

“I do very much,” I said.

“I recommend that one.” His lips curled upward.

He had such a charming smile, the kind that created a false sense of bliss. The kind that made you believe in fairytales and treasure waiting for you at the end of the rainbow.

His grin deepened. “Sorry to rush you, but you should hurry. The movie is going to start soon.”

“Then two buckets. One kettle corn and the other chocolate. Please.” I pulled a wallet from my purse.

“That’ll be fifty dollars.”

“Fifty dollars?” I winced and looked around to see if anyone heard me raise my voice.

He leaned in closer, and I got a whiff of the cologne that was already familiar. I could drown in his smell.

“I said the same thing,” he said. “But it’s also a fundraiser. Twenty-five dollars each. Can you believe that?” He placed the two buckets in front of me.

Abby hadn’t told me it was a fundraiser or I wouldn’t have said anything. I felt like an idiot.

“Well, it’s for a good cause.” I handed him cash.

Our stare lingered for a few heart beats longer until he lowered his head. “Enjoy the show.”

After I got the popcorn, I searched for Tyler as I popped a piece in my mouth. The melting chocolate over the puffy, lightly salted kernels tasted heavenly.

Tyler waved at me frantically. “Here. Here, Auntie Kate.”

The whole world could have heard him. To make matters worse, practically all eyes flashed to me as I inched sideways to him in the middle of the fifth row. After I placed my purse strap over my chair, I sat, handed him the kettle corn, and introduced myself to Jace’s parents.

An older lady with dark hair walked to the front and spoke into a mic in her hand.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Hilary Scott, the president of Poipu Preschool. I want to thank you for spending your Saturday night with us