The sloped aisle of Auditorium Three was dimly lit by low amber floor lamps, guiding them upward into the quiet cavern of the theater.
Victoria followed Alex past a few seated patrons, offering soft, polite apologies as they squeezed through the narrow gap to the center of Row H.
Settling in, Liam took the far seat, the younger Victoria sat beside him, Victoria slid into the tenth seat, and Alex took the end of their cluster.
The vintage seats were plush and deep, upholstered in faded crimson velvet that absorbed the sound around them. Victoria settled the Colossus Tub carefully onto her lap, looking down at the mountainous heap of golden popcorn with quiet amusement.
Before she could search for an awkward way to balance her drink, Alex reached across and flipped up the padded armrest between their seats. With a smooth, practiced motion, he slid closer, pulling her into his side until her shoulder rested comfortably against his chest.
