"How could I refuse such luxury?" I said, touched more than I could let Patrick know.
Sophie smiled an understanding smile and left the room. "Wow, you've got some amazing staff," Patrick said.
I nodded my head and looked at the door. "Amazing friends, Patrick. Amazing friends indeed."
We settled in, our legs touching on the large bag as Sophie came in with two large cups of root beer, along with a huge container of sweet smelling popcorn.
"Your remote control, Miss Tabby," Sophie said, presenting me with the small device. "Shall I adjust the lights?"
"As you wish," I said with a smile. Sophie bowed and left, turning the control knob to a dim glow as she left. Suddenly, before I could settle back, I stood up and turned to Patrick. "Just a moment, I'll be right back."
"No hurry," Patrick replied. "This is so cool I'm still geeking out."
Rushing out of the room, I found Sophie in the hallway still. "Wait," I said, quickly coming towards her. She stopped and turned, a quizzical smile on her face. I looked her in the eye and tilted my head. "Why? Why all this?"
Sophie took my hands and gave them a squeeze. "Because you deserve every chance at happiness," she said simply. "Enjoy your movie, and if you need us, Mark and I will be in the gym. It's private and quiet for you. Now go and enjoy."
Sophie leaned forward and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, then patted my arm. "Go."
Blinking back tears of gratitude, I went back into the entertainment room, where Patrick was fiddling with the remote. "I just got excited, I wanted to see what it was," he said, "but I behaved."
"Good to know," I said, plopping down next to him. "Now, knowing those two, we're probably in for a cheesy science fiction movie. Or one of the Star Wars prequels. Meesa like Jar-Jar?"
Patrick groaned and hit the play button. The system was cued up perfectly, as the video screen turned on at the same time and we were treated to the fanfare and drumroll of the 20th Century Fox opening, before the screen dropped to black. A few electronic sounds came out, and the opening credits rolled. "No way," I said, both laughing and groaning at the same time.
"What?" Patrick asked, looking at me and then at the screen. "What is this?"
"You mean, you've never seen The Princess Bride?" I asked, incredulous. "Seriously?"
"No," Patrick replied. "I mean, it's what, thirty years old? Why? I've heard some people say it's good, but never had the big urge to watch it before."
Rolling my eyes, I turned and lay my head on his chest, watching the film. "Just watch and find out, farm boy," I said, my eyes twinkling in the dim light.
"Farm boy?" Patrick whispered, then glanced at the screen.
"You'll see. Never seen this before..... inconceivable."
For the next two hours, Patrick and I lay on the large bag, enjoying the classic movie. Patrick loved the film, laughing at the funny bits, adjusting and squirming with the action or the romantic bits. When the final scenes rolled, we let the music play, and I snuggled into Patrick's arm.
"Patrick?" I said, looking up into his green eyes. I knew what I was risking, but it felt so right.
"Yes?" he said, looking down at me. I shifted, scooting up to look him in the eyes. I cupped his cheek, stroking where just a little bit of stubble was growing. It rasped against my fingertips pleasantly, and the butterflies in my stomach took off at the sound.
"Kiss me," I said, leaning forward. He didn't have to reply, his lips finding mine and we kissed slowly, first with a little peck before growing bolder. His left hand stroked my side while his other arm pillowed his head, the two of us just kissing and forging a bond between us. When we finally parted, I smirked at him. "You were supposed to say As you wish."
"You didn't give me much of a chance," he teased back. "But if you would like, I'd be more than happy to."
Patrick brushed a lock of red hair out of my eyes, his eyes full of questions. "Tabby," he said, his mouth working as he struggled to form words that wouldn't come out. Finally he gave up and sighed, letting his hand fall back to his side. "I want to, but I'm worried."
"That I'll say no?" I said, taking his hand and bringing it to my lips. "Patrick, you never know what’s going to happen unless you ask."
He looked at me with such inscrutable eyes, as if he knew something, and he was making a decision. Finally, he swallowed and looked me in the eyes. "Tabby, would you let me make love to you?"
"No," I replied, "but I would like to make love with you."