How many of us fall in love at the movies?

Is there a more cliche association than love and the movies? I guess it's cliche because it's true. Standing behind the counter, I am in an unique position to observe the myriad of forms that love presents itself between people. It's like being the proverbial fly on the wall. 

I love to see the  "first date". This couple stands out from the minute they hit the parking lot. You can see it in the way they get out of the car, walk near (but not too near) each other and try to appear casual and relaxed as they approach the building. Standing in line, they try just a little too hard to keep up a conversation. Or worse, not talking at all, uncomfortable in knowing they don't know enough yet to talk. Then, one or the other will speak up and order. I'm pleased to report that the "host" for the evening (you know, the one paying!) no longer has any set rule and is just as likely to be either person. It's almost fun to try to guess which one is going to take the lead and tell me what they want to see. I love to see how the newly dating go through a courtship ritual of "which movie was it again?" "Are you sure that's the one you want to see?""Oh, I like almost anything - you pick." which then moves down the counter to "Do you like popcorn?""What do you want to eat?""Are you a chewy candy person or a chocolate person?"  The give and take and compromise and little peeks into personal preference, it's all part of the dance.

I love to see the established couple. They already know the answers. They already know who is going to tell me the movie and who is going to order the food. They have the routine down pat. They are an intricate system of pulleys and gears that swing and pull in a perfect rhythm. These are the people who have developed a whole personal language complete with sign language. It's fun to see the whole conversation that goes on underneath the one they are publicly having with me.  
     "We'll have two to . . . " - "I can't even say it . .maybe she'll change her mind"
      "Cry Me a River" - "we've already discussed this! I'm not seeing 3 hours of blood & guts. 
      "Yup, that's it. - Is it good?"  - "Please say it sucks, please please please please"
     "thanks - do you want popcorn?"  -  "C'mon, I'll let you have saturated fat tonight"


I get to see all sorts of flashes of love 
    - the mom who goes to see Transformers 2 with her 10 year old son. I can see the dread in her eyes as she hits the door but she's there enjoying the rare opportunity to sit for 2 hours with her boy and he thinks his mom's the coolest for taking him - but is starting to hope none of his friends see him.
    - the dad who drops off 4 gigglers all wearing their Team Edward shirts, who offers up the ticket and snack money, then drifts to the side of the lobby and waits.
    - the grandma, overwhelmed by the noise and chatter of her grands. I know she's there to try to lift a little of the burden of her own over-stressed child by taking this gang to the movies.
    - the old friends who meet every Sunday to share a few hours of time together and maybe a glass of wine.
    - the couple already on the path to break-up, but bonding together for a short time with a common pastime.
    - the recent retiree who always goes to whatever his daughter, who lives in another state, went to last weekend - so they can talk about it on their weekly phone call.
    - the lover who patiently holds all the popcorn, drinks, tickets, sweater and purse while her date pops into the bathroom one last time.

Sometimes my  job is a privelege.