I started working at this movie theater in Bountiful Utah
the day before Star Wars: The Phantom Menace came out. I was hired as one of
the Assistant Managers and mainly run the floor. I am a pretty big guy, and
large crowds really didn’t scare me. I met most of the employees, except one of
the other Assistant Managers, her name: Michelle.
A couple of exhausting days later, I remember a conversation
in the “Box” to buy tickets. Literally, a box. See, kids, back then, they had
to buy them in person, one or two people could buy at a time. None of this log
into a website pre-purchase, then walk-in magic that we have now. Anyways! I
had met Michelle at this time, but for some reason ‘dating at work’ was the
topic we were discussing, and I remember distinctly saying, “Well, you don’t
have to worry about me, I think it is a bad idea.” Hrmmph.
Fast forward a little bit, and I had bought a brand new 2000
Chevy Malibu, and was talking about it, and for some reason I said she could
borrow it anytime, not really thinking she would. Her car was not a brand-new
car, and not the most reliable thing. I was thinking that she might need to borrow
it for a bank run or something like while at work.
She mentioned before that her and her girl friend was going to
see Phantom of the Opera. It was a high-class affair, and she was going to get
all dressed up and make a night out of it.
And then she asked to borrow my car for that evening. It happened that I
was working the same time she would be there, so it all worked out for
her. My outside voice said Yes! My
inside voice said, “OH NO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE. NOW YOU ARE GOING TO WORRY ABOUT
IT THE WHOLE TIME! AAAAAGH…” or something like that.
Now, remind you, we were not dating yet. Hadn’t even thought
about it at this point, and now she is taking my new car. I remember it was a
busy night, which I was probably glad for so I wouldn’t worry about it. She
came in grabbed the keys and left before I could change my mind. But, I did get
to see her all dressed up. Wow. No no! She is a co-worker!
My shift ended and I locked up. She parked the car in front
of the Ticket Box, to keep it safe. I remember I was exhausted, stressed and
just wanted to get home. I jumped in the car and went to start it and something
hit me. What was that wonderful smell! I look over and there was a plate of
fresh warm chocolate chip cookies.
My drive home was probably the best drive home ever. I don’t
remember anything else, but thinking:
She’s a keeper.
