O.E. defused the sexual tension. "Watch Wizard of Oz?"
I'd love to do that. She could relax now. Suddenly, they
were old friends able to share favorite movies and intimate
moments. She thawed under his warm gray eyes.
Rebecca pulled out the ruby slippers Constance had
given her. "Look what I brought. Let's watch your favorite
movie." She poured herself a gin and tonic.
"Yours, too?" He gave himself another healthy shot of
bourbon.
"Yeah, it's up there at the top." Rebecca raised her glass.
"To the Tin Man. I hope you find a heart."
"To Dorothy. Hope you find home."
She smirked. "There's no place like it." They drank.
Wow, talk about nostalgia. Rebecca hadn't watched The
Wizard of Oz for many years, and it was much different this
time. Instead of watching fretfully, afraid of the evil witch,
the terrifying wizard, and the other dark characters, she
enjoyed each scene like a visit to an old and cherished
friend.
They laughed together at their favorite quotes and
discussed the acting, the scenery, and the emotions. When
they got to the part in the movie where Dorothy gets the
ruby slippers, Rebecca put hers on. Whenever the
characters danced down the Yellow Brick Road, Rebecca
and O.E. got up and skipped around the room. And when
the Winkie guards chanted "Oh Ee Oh," Rebecca joined
them with gusto.
At the end of the movie, O.E. turned to Rebecca and
wiped the tear that was falling down her cheek. She could
see his eyes glimmering as well, and it alleviated her own
embarrassment.
The credits ended, and they turned to look at each
other. The simple, chaste mood of the movie permeated the
room, and something about O.E.'s rugged but ragged
appearance made him seem like another farm hand. Any
sexual urgency she may have felt before was washed away by
the youthful joy of a classic old movie.
Rebecca stood up. "I think I'll go home now. I do have
work tomorrow. I hope you don't mind." She was feeling
good about him-he hadn't been egotistical once tonight.
Would he do something outrageous to keep her from
leaving?
Much to her relief, he stood up and nodded his head.
"Of course."
She gave him a hug and started toward the door.
"Goodnight, O.E."
"Come again, Bec. Lots more Oz movies." It was one of
the sweetest offers she'd ever had from a man who clearly
wanted her body.