#CHAPTER 38 Lovebirds

I had never watched a movie from beginning to end except for 'filler movies' in classes back in high school when we had substitute teachers. Being in a real movie theater, with popcorn and drinks and sitting side by side with the man I was in love with? It had to be a dream. I could hardly pay attention to the movie at all when Evan's hand was on my thigh, fingers stroking me gently over my knee.

For dinner, Evan let me choose where to go. He had a list of locations at the ready on his phone and described six or seven places to me in the car, when at last I told him the truth. I didn't want to go to another restaurant.

I didn't want to be watched and ogled by others while Evan and I tried to eat in peace. Even the place where we ate at for lunch had been stressful despite us having a private room to ourselves. The knowledge that the staff was hovering outside the door at all times had made me anxious and self-conscious.

"Where do you want to go, then?" he asked,