** Harper **
Harper spent the rest of the week cursing herself inwardly. She couldn't believe she had actually agreed to the movie invitation, especially after her purposefully keeping out of touch with Eli for years. When the weekend finally arrived, she still found this meeting absurd on too many levels, and she wasn't sure whether she should be feeling thrilled or anxious.
Maybe a little bit of both, she thought as she stood in front of the mirror for the millionth time. The fact that she had spent a whole hour of her Saturday evening waffling over what to wear was probably a good indication of her conflicted state. How was she supposed to dress for the occasion anyway? Was this meant to be a work meeting, a friends' catch-up, or some kind of date? And just what type of strange place was this theater called The Balconies?
Harper wasn't a social butterfly, so she couldn't claim that she knew Davenshire inside out after four busy years of college, but she thought she would've at least heard some gossips if such a bizarre business existed around town. According to their website, The Balconies was a boutique theater with only ten seats. They only ran midnight showings. Tickets were only available to members, and membership was strictly by invitation. It sounded more like some sort of cult club rather than a movie venue.
What on earth did Eli have in his mind for tonight?
Harper let out a defeated sigh as her own clueless eyes stared back at her from the mirror. She studied her image in the latest choice of garment. Black wasn't her go-to color, but she had decided to dig up this little black dress from the back of her closet for once, hoping that the universal style would live up to its reputation and work for any occasion. It did seem to fare better than all the other choices so far — the deep V-neck gave her the lure, which she expected might be fitting for the type of movie they were going for, and the pleated skirt added some levity, rendering the look less risqué.
She turned around, judging from all angles before coming to the conclusion that she'd be able to blend in with any audience in this dress. The only problem was how much the color dulled out her hair. She usually liked to leave her deep auburn curls falling loose over her shoulders, but maybe with black, it'd be better to wear her hair up?
It had been a while since she last attempted a braid, and she hoped she still remembered how to do one. She'd also need to find out which earrings go best with that hairstyle. And makeup … Heels …
Darting a look at the clock, she wondered if there were enough hours left before midnight for her to get ready.
~ ~
When Harper rounded the last street corner before the theater, she was fifteen minutes late.
She cursed the obsessive perfectionism that somehow managed to possess her all evening. She despised being late, but every time when she thought she was ready to leave, she'd find something unacceptable that had to be fixed. Her hair would be too messy, her makeup too heavy, or her accessories too glaring for her dress. She felt like a stupid teenager all over again — the last time she had fidgeted like this upon getting out the door, she had barely started college, and it was the evening of her first date.
Though even that time, she hadn't spent hours trying and rejecting every possible look, and she hadn't ended up late.
Shaking her head, Harper fished out her phone and checked again the address Eli had sent her. 159 Main Street. It could be any of these buildings next to her now. She looked up, counting the street numbers she passed by. 153, 155, 157, 161 …
Did she somehow miss 159?
She turned back in her tracks. 163, 161, 157 …
What the heck was with this theater? With no business signs and apparently no address written on their door?
"Need help, gorgeous?" A voice rang behind her as she gawked at the buildings. "If you're looking for The Balconies, they go by that name for a reason. They are on the second level."
Harper swirled at the familiar timbre. "Eli?"
A figure stepped into the street light in front of her. The man smiled widely and opened his arms.
Harper gasped at the first view of this person before her. Wow, she hadn't realized how much a person could change in four years. This was unmistakably Eli, but in no way was he still the college boy she remembered. His chiseled edges were even sharper and bolder than before. His shoulders were broader, his tall frame stronger. When he stepped forward and gave her a firm hug, her eyes went wide at the feeling of those solid muscles tightening under the tailored sleeves of his dress shirt.
She had prepared herself for many possibilities of what might go through her head the moment she saw Eli. But she hadn't expected the only thought hitting her right now to be — how could someone as hot as Eli Sterling get even hotter over time?
"Long time no see," he said. His voice hadn't changed though. Still rich and sonorous, so much more seductive than how he sounded over the phone.
"I know." She smiled and took a deep breath. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I hope we aren't too late for the movie."
"We aren't late at all. They wait until everyone is there to start the showing." Eli patted her shoulder almost too familiarly, as if he was still used to doing it all the time just like when they were kids. "You look splendid. If that was the reason why you're late, it's well worth the wait on my part."
Harper laughed. Somehow, Eli always knew the magic to make whatever he said or did feel so natural, even when it was a compliment. Even when it was after four years of them not seeing each other. "Thanks," she said. "I was hoping to blend in better at the theater."
"Blend in?" Eli repeated. Then the look on his face turned somewhat interesting. "There's nothing to blend into, Harper. First surprise for you tonight — it's just you and me."