We all met at the theater at 5pm. Megan, Ashley, and Lara were already inside grabbing snacks when Luca pulled up. He got out and walked around to open my door.
"Hey," he said, smiling. "Ready for 'Dogs'?"
"Ready," I said, stepping out. "You actually got here on time."
"I try to impress," he said, holding out a ticket. Our fingers brushed when I took it.
Inside, the theater was dim and smelled like butter. Luca had gotten seats in the middle row, right where you can see everything. He handed me a drink and set the popcorn between us.
"You can have the armrest," he said as the previews started.
"Generous," I said, settling in. "Thanks."
We settled down and the movie began. Halfway through the movie, my hand brushed his.
He didn't say anything. He just shifted, barely, so our hands were side by side. Warm. Then, carefully, he turned his hand so his palm was up. An invitation, not a grab.
I looked at him. He was watching the screen, but I saw the corner of his mouth lift. I set my hand in his. He closed his fingers around mine, gentle. No squeezing. Just there.
We stayed like that for the rest of the movie. When something funny happened, I'd feel his thumb brush my knuckle. When it got sad, my grip would tighten a little, and his would too.
Megan glanced over once, caught us, and just smiled. No teasing, more like "I'm happy you're happy, Mel."
After, we walked out with everyone into the cool night. The girls were ahead, debating the best part. Luca walked beside me, our hands still linked.
"So," he said, quiet. "What did you think?"
"About the movie?" I asked.
"About tonight."
I looked up at him. The marquee lights caught in his eyes. "I think... tonight was good. Really good."
"Yeah," he said, and his voice was soft. "Really good."
"Do you want me to take you home?" he asked.
"No, I called my brother the second the movie was over. Mom's rule."
He walked me to my brother's car, waited until I was in, and just said, "Text me when you're home?"
"I will."
No drama. No Emory. No Layla. Just Luca, being Luca. And me, holding his hand, and not wanting to let go yet.
Yeah, I know this was like a friends movie night, but everything and everyone faded when I was with him. It was a different feeling.
I don't know about later, but right now Luca is the one guy in my life that matters, even if we aren't like a thing yet. I just pray this doesn't go sour... I wouldn't know what to do.
We talked about an hour before we said our goodbyes and went to sleep. I am never going to forget today!