He reaches for me, gently prying my fingers away from my lips. “I rented out the theater, love. Make as much noise as you want.”

I look at him incredulously, but my heart is beating so fast—too fast—in awareness. “They’re playing The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” I say. “My favorite movie.”

He smiles, though his jaw is tense, as if he’s still nervous. “I know. I heard Tom Holland did it before, so I thought I might give it a whack.”

“Oh?” My chest floods with warmth, with something that is undeniably affection for this foolish, foolish boy. “Did you do this for me?”

Emmitt nods, running a hand through his hair restlessly. “You seemed upset earlier, and you said this was your favorite place in the world.”

God. God. He’s ridiculous.

I lean forward, stretching on my toes to brush my lips against his cheek in a soft kiss. My own face flushes as I pull back, but I can’t bring myself to regret it. “Thank you, Emmitt.”

He looks down at me, his eyes suddenly bright. I belatedly realize it’s the first time I’ve used his given name. “You’re welcome, Mina. I’d do it all over again if it meant getting first-name privileges from you.”

I drop back to my feet, shaking my head, but there’s an unmistakable grin on my face. I pull him into a seat in the back for the best view, and he comes easily. I lean back in my seat just as one of the main characters, Guy, comes on the screen, singing in a low melodic tone.

Within a few scenes, Emmitt leans over, whispering, “Is it true this movie inspired La La Land?”

I nod, before giving him an exasperated look. “Why are you whispering? There’s no one else here.”

“It’s all about the vibe,” he says, but his cheek is dimpling.

And then a few minutes later: “Does that mean this movie won’t have a happy ending, either?”

“Emmitt, be quiet.” I flick the side of his arm and resist the urge to keep my hand there, lingering on his skin. “Pay attention.”

He huffs a laugh but falls silent again.

Again, minutes later: “I can act better than that guy. Get it. Guy?”

I loll my head against the seat to level Emmitt my most unimpressed face. “A pun? Really?”

He grins and mimes zipping his lips shut.

Throughout the rest of the movie, Emmitt keeps making silly comments, even taking to mocking the actors on occasion. Yet I can’t stop smiling. He’s almost more entertaining to watch than the movie.

At any rate, it lifts my mood, and I forget about the rest of the world for a few hours. And I think that might have been his plan all along.