"I'm in love!"
Taya had a dreamy look on her face and if she was a cartoon, there would be hearts in her eyes. The movie ended and girls coming out of the cinema were sighing dreamily including us except for Mr. Johnson. He was looking at us amusingly.
"Damn, he's hot!" Ken exclaimed. "I swear guys at those times are so suave especially James Ryder. Definitely, James Ryder! He tops everything! I can't believe I'm fantasizing a dead guy."
"I know right?!" Taya nodded. "Why can't guys today be that hot?! If there's a guy like that in school, I swear to god to go even if I'm dead sick."
"So, I take it you like the movie?" I giggled.
"Hell, yeah!" she shouted. "No wonder you like these movies. These men are standards."
"The Ryder Effect." Mr. Johnson pointed out and we nod our heads in agreement.
Ken suggested to have dinner from one of the food stands before going home. We agreed and I pointed out the burger stand. We took a table and I volunteered to order for all of us. Mr. Johnson
took out his wallet and paid for all our dinner. I went to the stand and was about to order when someone tapped on my shoulder. I raised my eyes and frowned when I saw Jackson.
"I knew you were gonna be here." he grinned. "You've always love old films. You also have that weird crush on that dead actor."
"I don't have a crush on him. I'm a fan of his work. There's a difference." I snipped.
"Okay, okay. Just making conversation. No need to be so catty." I raised his hands in mock surrender. He sighed when I don't laugh at his humor. "Can we please for once have a nice talk? We can do that, right?"
I scoffed and shook my head. "I can't believe you have the audacity to say that to me. After everything you did. Did you forget?"
"I know I fucked up, okay? You don't need to remind me but, come on! Can't we move on from that?"
"Yes, we can move on from it but it doesn't mean we're going to be buddies. You cheated on me Jackson! The whole freakin' time and you expect me to act like everything's fine. Well, it's not!"
"I'm not saying to act like it's fine! I'm just sayin—"
"And what would the lovely lady have?" he was cut off by the cook of the burger stand. He's a middle-aged man with graying copper hair. His eyes crinkled when he smiled; gray eyes glimmering in the night.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I'll have—"
"Here you are, babe! What's taking you so long?" Tiffany looped her arm around Jackson's arm; eyeing me from head to toe. "Hey, Grace. Didn't know you were here."
Are you playing with me universe? Have I done something to you? Are you punishing me or what?
"Hey, Tiffany." I reluctantly waved at her. "We watched the movie. I'm about to order dinner for us." I pointed our table.
"Didn't know you like to hang out with your grandparents."
"They're not my grandparents. That's Mr. & Mrs. Johnson, the owners of the bookshop, and there's nothing wrong hanging out with them. They're cool and fun."
"Sure, whatever you say." she snorted. "Anyway, we also watched it. Old movies are not really my thing. They're boring. The guy's hot though but still it was a yawn for me. What do you think?"
"Grace loves old films and the movie is one of her favorites." Jackson answered for me.
Tiffany narrowed her eyes and turned to me. "Hanging out with old people and watching old boring movies. It's so like you."
Why me? Why me? I wish they could just leave.
"Tiffany..." he warned.
"What? I'm just saying. Also, Grace seems to not get the idea of 'staying away'. Wherever you go, she's there."
"Perhaps, if I may suggest." the cook intervened. "To train your boyfriend to stop his wandering eyes and restrain himself from talking to this lovely lady. He seems to not get the concept of break up. At least, now you know you are barking at the wrong tree."
Tiffany's eye twitched while Jackson turned red in embarrassment. She huffed and turned away; dragging Jackson with him. They were having a heated discussion as they walked away.
"Thank you for that." I thanked him; grateful he stepped in.
"You are welcome." he smiled. "I have a feeling you're wishing they would go away. So, wish granted."
I nodded my head. "You're right. They just can't leave me alone even when I'm minding my own business. It was really cool what you did, sir. Thanks again."
"If you live long enough, you'll get to learn what makes people tick. And call me Horatio instead. Sir makes me feel too old."
"Alright, Horatio. You can call me Grace."
"Now, how about I get your order before you're friends get hangry." he chuckled.
I gave him our orders and immediately started cooking. The smell of burger and spices filled my nose; it was mouth-watering.
"So, is the movie good?" Horatio asked while flipping the patties.
"It is!" I smiled. "It's actually my favorite movie. The storyline's great and the actors were so sweet and romantic. James Ryder did such an amazing job."
"Ah, yes James Ryder." he chuckled. "He definitely made women dropped to their knees with his looks and charisma."
"Yeah, he does. They way he acts and deliver his lines it's like he's the actual character of the film."
He smiled and sighed. "Well, too bad he died early. He could've done so much more if he was still alive. The poor guy drowning his woes and sorrows with alcohol. It's sad that people think he's on top and no worry in the world but they couldn't be further from the truth."
"He's troubled?"
"Oh, he was. His manager shared it in a news article. There are a lot of things about him that people don't know. He didn't say about what exactly just enough to give the media an idea of what he's going through. No body seemed to care enough besides him. No matter how much he tried, he can't pull him out from the darkness that's clouding him."
"That's so sad." I frowned. I knew something was wrong since I watched his last interview. He was alone dealing with his demons and no one was there for him even when he had a girlfriend.
"It's weird." I started. "Sometimes... I wish there's a way that I could help him."
"Oh, really?" he raised an eyebrow.
I nodded and a small smile played on my lips. "I've always wondered if someone was there for him or maybe someone he can run to, maybe he would still be alive. He has someone in his life telling him 'everything's going to be okay'. Someone that cares for him not because he's a famous celebrity but as a person. A person who's worth being loved and cared for."
"And you think that person is you?"
"Not necessarily. Just anybody who truly cares enough for him." I shook my head and giggled. "Sorry. You're probably weirded out."
"Oh, no. You didn't 'weirded me out'." he chuckled as he emphasized my words. "I'm just surprised to know there are still people like you."
"People like me?"
"People who are pure and good. People who are ready to share the love they have to others. You're a good person, Grace."
"Thank you." I blushed at his compliment.
"I mean it. It's good to have people like you in this world." he said and put a tray of food on the counter. "Order's done! And it's on the house."
"Oh, no! I couldn't! This is a lot a food and—"
"I don't take no as an answer. Please, I insist."
I reluctantly agreed and Horatio asked his assistant to help me carry the tray of food to our table. I thanked him once more before leaving. Taya cheered as the food arrived. I thanked the guy and he smiled as he walked away. I handed everyone their food and we started eating. We talked about the movie some more and laughed as Taya and Ken fawned over the handsome actor once again. I decided to tell Taya about my second confrontation with Tiffany later when we get home. For now, I'm going to enjoy my night with these amazing people.
********************************************************************************************
Horatio's POV
I smiled and watched the lovely brunette as she laughs along with her group at the table. Her name fits her so well. Full of goodness, charm and generosity.
"Uh, oh. I know that look." Caleb, my trust-worthy assistant, commented. "What are you scheming right now?"
"I'm not scheming. I'm just thinking. That's all." I said to him.
"Yes, you thinking means you're up to something... again. Now, what are you're thinking about?"
"Chances."
Caleb's eyes widened and gaped at me. "For who is it this time? You know that's only for worthy people."
"And that includes James Ryder. Don't you think?"
He frantically shook his head. "That's too far long. The man died sixty four years ago and was a celebrity. That changes everything. History, in fact!"
"But still, he's a person who's worthy."
"So, you planned to change history."
"Yes, but only this time, it's not me who's doing the work."
"So, it's me then. I should have known." he groaned in pain.
"No, not you." I shook my head and smiled.
Caleb's furrowed his eyebrows. "Who?"
My eyes trained on the young brunette. "Someone who James Ryder really needs."