Page 129 of Rescuing Mia
I glance at Mia, who’s practically bouncing on her toes. “You really want to do this?”
She nods enthusiastically. “Absolutely. It sounds like fun.”
“Alright, then. Movie night it is.” I can’t help but smile at her excitement. “But just so you know, Blake’s movie taste can be—questionable.”
“Hey, I heard that!” Blake calls from the kitchen. “My movie taste is impeccable, thank you very much.”
“Sure, sure,” I reply, leading Mia to the living room. “Let’s see what he’s got lined up.”
We settle onto the couch, and Blake soon joins us with a big bowl of popcorn. “Alright, folks, tonight’s lineup includesDie Hard,The Princess Bride, andIndiana Jones. Take your pick.”
“Great choices,” Mia says, clapping her hands together. “I’ve heard of those, but I’ve never seen them.”
“You’re in for a treat,” Blake says, handing her the bowl of popcorn. “These are classics. So, what’s gonna be your first choice?”
“Die Hardsounds interesting,” Mia decides, taking a handful of popcorn.
“Excellent choice,” Blake says, grabbing the remote. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
I glance over at Mia. Her eyes are glued to the screen. Despite the circumstances, it feels good to see her relax and enjoy herself.
AsDie Hardstarts, Blake can’t resist providing a running commentary. “Okay, first off, why is John McClane barefoot? I mean, come on, it’s a tactical nightmare. And the way he just walks into a building full of hostiles with no backup? That’s a death wish.”
“It’s just a movie, Blake.” Mia chuckles, snuggling closer to me on the couch.
“Yeah, but look at that. No one clears a room like that in real life. And the whole crawling through vents thing? Not practical at all. Those vents would never support his weight.”
Despite his critiques, Blake is clearly enjoying himself, and his commentary only adds to the fun. Mia and I exchange amused glances, feeling a sense of normal that’s been missing for too long.
WhenDieHardends, Blake sets upThe Princess Bride.
“Alright, time for a classic,” Blake says. “Prepare to be amazed.”
Blake quotes the famous lines as the movie plays, his enthusiasm infectious. “‘Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.’ Classic! And ‘Inconceivable!’—best line ever.”
Mia laughs, caught up in the moment and Blake’s spirited recitations. “This is great. I can’t believe I’ve never seen it before.”
Blake nods sagely. “It’s a rite of passage. And the sword fighting? Now, that’s how you choreograph a fight scene. Much better than John McClane’s cowboy antics.”
The night feels almost magical, with the three of us huddled together, sharing popcorn and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a rare moment of peace amid the chaos of our lives.
Finally, Blake cues upIndiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
“Last but not least, a bit of adventure with Dr. Jones. Get ready for some thrills.”
The opening scenes unfold, and Blake keeps up his commentary. “Okay, I’ll give them this—Indy knows how to handle himself in a fight. But seriously, who brings a whip to a gunfight?”
We’re halfway through the movie, engrossed in the action, when Stormy suddenly perks up, her ears standing straight and a low growl rumbling from her chest. She stands, staring intently at the front door.
“What’s wrong with Stormy?” Mia looks up, concerned.
“She’s alerting,” I explain, my own senses heightening in response. “She’s trained to detect intruders.”
“Intruders? Shouldn’t Mitzy’s sensors have picked up intruders?
Just then, Mitzy’s sensors go off, confirming Stormy’s instincts.An alert flashes on the screen, and the mood shifts instantly from relaxed to tense.
“Suspicious activity detected on the grounds,” Blake reads aloud, his tone suddenly serious. “No shit, Sherlock.” He glances pointedly at Stormy. “All the tech in the world, and the dog still comes out on top.”