Wren and Connor talked their guests into staying longer and watching a movie. Wren didn’t want the night to end prematurely until she knew for a fact she made a connection between Stormi and Rex.  

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the dimmed lights, the flickering shadows dancing on the walls as the movie began. Stormi shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her gaze darting between the others. The room felt quieter than usual, the kind of quiet that makes even a whispered conversation seem loud.

“Oh my gosh, I feel awkward with it just being you guys and us,” Stormi murmured, her voice barely audible over the hum of the movie’s opening credits.

Wren, perched comfortably on the couch, gave Stormi a reassuring smile. “Why? It’s no big deal.”

“Easy for you to say. You don’t like him,” Stormi replied, her eyes flickering towards Rex, who was chatting with Connor near the snack table.

Wren let out a soft laugh. “Just act normal. It will be fine.”

Stormi sighed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. “I guess.”

Connor emerged from the kitchen carrying a bowl of popcorn, his face lighting up as he saw Stormi and Wren. He walked into the living room, Rex following closely behind with more snacks. Rex glanced over at Stormi with a friendly smile.

“Hey, Stormi,” Rex greeted, his tone casual. “Hi, birthday girl,” he added, turning his attention to Wren.

“Hello,” Stormi responded shyly, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink.

Wren looked around, gauging the mood. “Well, everyone is here, so…”

Connor, ever the host, took charge. “Let’s eat some snacks first and we forgot the cake.”

“Sounds good. I could still eat,” Rex agreed, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

The awkwardness of the evening began to dissolve as the four of them settled into eating the movie snacks. Connor had paused the movie for the time being, while shifting their activities around. 

The conversation flowed more easily with each passing minute, laughter filling the room as they exchanged stories and jokes. The initial tension seemed to melt away, replaced by the warmth of good company.

After the plates had been cleared and the cake was served, Wren beamed as her friends sang “Happy Birthday” to her. The candles were blown out, and the first slice of cake was eagerly devoured.

“How about we watch the movie now?” Wren suggested, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

“I’m game,” Rex said, clearly enthusiastic.

“Okay,” Stormi agreed, her nerves somewhat eased by the convivial atmosphere.

Connor grabbed the remote and turned on the home theater screen, plunging the room into semi-darkness as he adjusted the lights. 

“The mood is set,” he whispered to Wren, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Wren playfully smacked his arm and pulled him down next to her on the couch. Connor’s easy grin spoke of long-time friendship, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

Stormi chose a chair nearby, her posture stiff as she tried to relax. Rex, meanwhile, opted to sit next to Connor, his expression a mix of nervousness and determination.

As the movie played on, the room filled with the occasional burst of laughter and the soft rustling of snacks being shared. Wren nudged Connor with her elbow, a silent signal passing between them. She rose from her seat, her face set with purpose.

“I’m going to grab some more snacks. Connor, come help me,” she said, already heading toward the kitchen.

“Alright. Be right back, guys,” Connor called over his shoulder.

“No problem,” Rex replied, trying to appear nonchalant.

Once they were out of earshot, Connor leaned over and whispered to Rex, “Here’s your chance. Take it.”

Rex’s eyes widened slightly, his nerves evident. He nodded quickly, attempting to mask his anxiety with a brave face. With a deep breath, he turned back to the movie, his mind racing.

Back in the kitchen, Wren and Connor busied themselves with the snacks, the sound of the movie drifting in from the living room. Wren’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

“Do you think Rex will take the opportunity?” Wren asked, her tone light but filled with curiosity.

Connor chuckled, a knowing look in his eyes. “He better. This was your idea, after all.”

Wren grinned. “I’m just hoping for a little bit of magic to happen tonight.”

As the action unfolded on-screen, Rex found himself increasingly distracted by the figure seated next to him. Stormi, who had been shyly tucked into a chair earlier, was now leaning forward slightly, her attention fixed on the film. Her presence, however, seemed to fill the room in a way that was both comforting and unnerving for Rex.

“Gosh, she is really cute. How can someone be so adorable?” Rex thought to himself, his palms growing sweaty as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye. “I’m so nervous. What do I say? Think, Rex…think!”

His internal pep talk was interrupted by a sudden surge of resolve. Rex straightened up, cleared his throat, and finally mustered the courage to speak.

“Umm…how have you been?” he asked, his voice wavering slightly but carrying a genuine interest.

Stormi turned to him, her surprise evident as she met his gaze. The nervousness she had been trying to hide now surfaced, but she responded with a soft smile.

“I’m okay. You?” she replied, her eyes betraying a hint of curiosity.

“Not bad,” Rex said, his confidence building as he continued. “Do you like this movie?”

Stormi shifted in her seat, her expression thoughtful. “It’s okay. I’m not really a romance movie kind of person.”

Rex raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. “Really? I thought all girls liked romance.”

Stormi chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s okay, but I prefer action.”

Rex’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm. “Me too! What’s your favorite movie?”

Stormi’s face brightened as she answered. “Mission Impossible. It’s old, but still good.”

“I love that movie too!” Rex said, his excitement palpable. “I thought I was the only one. Did you know they’re having a rerun showing at the theater?”

Stormi’s eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t know that.”

Rex, his nerves now under control and replaced by a newfound boldness, took a deep breath. “Would you maybe want to go check it out with me?”

Stormi’s face flushed slightly as she considered the invitation. Her heart raced, but she nodded, a smile playing on her lips. “Umm…that would be nice. Sure.”

Rex’s relief was almost tangible as he grinned. “Cool… it’s a date then.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Rex’s eyes widened in realization. He looked at Stormi, who had frozen for a moment, a mix of surprise and amusement in her expression.

“Umm… not a date… date,” Rex stammered, flustered but trying to salvage the situation.

Stormi’s laughter rang out softly, her tension easing. “I know what you meant.”

Before Rex could respond further, Connor and Wren returned to the room, their arrival marked by the clatter of snack bowls and casual chatter. The light from the movie screen flickered across their faces as they settled back into their seats.

“We’re back,” Connor announced, placing a bowl of chips on the coffee table. “Did we miss anything?”

Rex gave Stormi a quick, relieved glance before focusing back on the movie. “Nope, just chatting,” he said, his tone light but his heart still racing from the brief but intense conversation.

As the movie continued, the group resumed their relaxed positions, but an unspoken shift had occurred. The initial awkwardness had given way to a budding connection between Rex and Stormi, a spark ignited in the shared excitement of a beloved film and the promise of more time together.

Wren, catching Rex’s eye and noting his newfound ease with Stormi, gave him a subtle, approving nod. The night had begun as a simple birthday celebration but had evolved into a night of unexpected possibilities and heartfelt moments.

As the credits rolled and the room slowly filled with the light of the ending scene, the laughter and camaraderie continued, leaving behind a sense of hope and anticipation for what might come next.