âLetâs go, and itâs time to head in Balfour said, checking his watch and standing up.
They both checked their tickets and found their seats in the packed theater.
Alyssa had intentionally picked an ordinary screening to let them experience a typical date night, and the place was buzzing with people.
Balfour stood out in his sleek black suit among the crowd dressed in Jeans and Tâshirts.
Catching his slightly awkward expression, Ivy couldnât help but smile, leaning in and teasing, âRegretting not changing before we came out? People donât usually wear suits to a movieâ
*Just watch the movie, Balfour said sternly, gently pushing her head back to face the screen.
by touched her head and then settled down to watch the movie..
The film was a romantic comedy, clearly chosen by Alyssa to foster some closeness between the two.
Balfourâs phone rang just as the movie was starting. He answered in a hushed tone, âNow?â
by turged, sensing she knew who was on the other end of the call.
After hanging up. Balfour looked troubled, casting a meaningful glance at Ivy.
She quickly got the hint, smiling and whispering, âItâs okay, go if you need to. I can watch the movie by myself. If grandma asks later, Iâll cover for you.â The call was from Giselle, saying she had gotten hurt on set and wanted him to come by.
In front of her, Balfour didnât know how to refuse. But heâd promised to watch the movie with Ivy, and leaving because of a call would make her feel wrong.
Seeing Ivy so understanding only deepened his guilt.
âGo on, and itâs really fine,â Ivy insisted, trying to keep her smile from faltering.
But how could she not be disappointed?
She hadnât cared much about missing the movie initially, but once Balfour had brought her there and they sat down together as it began, hope had swelled in her heart, only to be dashed now.
Seeing her disappointment, Balfour hesitated for a moment before taking her hand and leading her out of the theater.
âBalfour, what are you doing?â Ivy was still confused as he pulled her along outside.
They got into the car, and Balfour followed the GPS coordinates sent by Giselle.
âBalfour, I was watching that movie. Whyâd you pull me out?â Ivy lamented the wasted tickets. Even if he had to go see Giselle, she couldâve stayed to watch.
Wasting one ticket was better than wasting both.
âA movie ticketâs like ten bucks, you know. Thatâs twenty for both of us. We canât get a refund since weâve already been checked in,â Ivy grumbled about the money, unable to stop nagging, âAnd I was actually looking forward to that movie. What a waste.â
Balfour, focused on driving, chose to ignore her complaints.
Seeing he wasnât reacting, Ivy stopped her chatter, realizing it was pointless.
After about half an hourâs drive, they reached the studio Giselle had mentioned. Balfour got out of the car, but Ivy just sat there, unmoving.
Balfour opened the passenger door for her, âCome on out.â