Secrets of the Great Oak

Chapter 10

The movie theatre was virtually empty, which wasn't surprising since it was a Sunday night. This was a value theatre, geared towards college kids with little to no spending money. The place smelled musty and didn't have all the bells and whistles of nicer theatres. There was one ticket line and the teller also manned the concession stand. The candy selection was minimal and the popcorn was always a bit stale. But, half-price Sunday can't be beaten!

Jake and Anna were the last two to arrive. And their mutual shock, Stella, and Tam both brought dates. Grayson, Anna knew to expect but, whoever this was that has his arms around Tam, she had never heard of.

Grayson was just as handsome as Stella described. His green eyes were gorgeous and set into a face with a rugged and square jaw. Sandy blonde hair crested his head. He stood a full head taller than Stella and gave a casual wave as she moved forward to meet them.

The mystery man on the other hand and dark skin and tight black curls on his head. His eyes were a deep brown to match Tamara's. His face was round and friendly. He was shorter than Grayson but, more than made up for his height with his muscle. Tam seemed to be interested in those very muscles as she lazily ran her hand up his arm.

This was a calculated move. Tam wanted to parade this guy in front of Jake's face. But, this wasn't like Tam at all. Anna thought she wanted to be friends with Jake. Maybe she was just trying to make a point: make it clear that she was in fact, moving on.

Tam didn't just date random guys. She would get asked out left and right but, she would always turn them down. She much preferred to build a relationship off of a friendship. Stella, on the other hand, this seemed more like something Stella would do. Maybe Tam thought she would feel lonely because Stella had Grayson and Anna and Jake are so close. That had to be it. Nothing else would make sense.

"Looks like we're on a date," Jake leaned in to whisper.

"Does that mean you're paying for me?" She gave Jake a wry smile. "Because if so, I'll let you take me out anytime."

"Sounds good to me." Anna extended her hand so Jake could assist her up the steps, not that she actually needed it. They both laughed as they walked towards the two couples waiting for them by the ticket booth.

"Hey, friends," Stella greeted them warmly and introduced them to Grayson.

"So, I take it your date the other night went well then. Considering you've been MIA for a few days." Anna prodded.

"You could say that." Stella turned to look at Grayson and he wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning in to plant a kiss on her lips.

"Good. I'm happy for you. But," Anna pretended to whisper, "I'm going to need some details soon." Stella winked and turned back to Grayson as Tam stepped forward to introduce her stranger.

"Guys, this is Elijah." She gestured to the gentleman holding her hand. Anna didn't know what to make of him. He wasn't Tam's usual type and Anna had never heard that name before. This must've been a last-minute thing. Anna would've appreciated some warning, though.

Jake shook the gentlemen's hands and walked up to the booth to purchase the tickets for him and Anna.

"Are you gonna grab your ticket too, Anna?" Tam asked.

"Well, since we're all on a date now, I told Jake that he can pay for me." Anna and Stella laughed. Tam's chuckle was a little less convincing.

"Oh, you guys aren't together?" Tam's arm candy asked.

"No, Jake and I are just friends. But, I'm not one to stop a man that wants to give me free movies and candy." Jake walked back and handed her a movie ticket with a winning smile.