except for the empty, distant sound of white noise.
“You still there?” Robin asked.
“Sorry. I was busy punching myself.”
“Aw, don’t do that.”
“Boy, do I feel like a dope.”
“You’re not a dope. You’re a sweetheart.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“I wish I’d known how you felt.”
“You knew. Didn’t you?”
“Yeah. I guess so. But I just didn’t want you thinking the whole idea was so I could…stay. I mean, that’s how it would’ve looked. Right? Getting you the room. Hiring you. I didn’t want it to look like I was just pulling cheap tricks to get you in bed.”
“Whereas we understand, of course, that that’s precisely the case.”
The soft whuff of a laugh came through the phone. Robin could almost feel the breath of it against her ear.
“You’re something else,” Nate said.
“You too.”
“Are we still on for breakfast?” he asked.
“Sure. I’m ready when you are. How fast can you get here?”
“Ten minutes, if I push it.”
“So push it.”
Robin hung up and scurried out of bed. The chill morning air gave her goose bumps. She shivered as she hurried into the bathroom, used the toilet, and brushed her teeth. A bath would feel wonderful. She didn’t have enough time. She knew she could’ve asked Nate to wait awhile, but the bath didn’t matter. All that mattered was being with him again as soon as possible.
When he had left last night, Robin felt as if he’d taken part of her with him. It was peculiar, not to feel quite whole. But it didn’t hurt much, because she knew the missing piece would be restored to her when he showed up again.
The missing piece is Nate, she thought as she washed at the sink. Or maybe it’s my heart. How about both?
She wondered if there might be a song in the concept of the missing piece.
He borrowed my heart and he walked away, but he’ll bring it back when he comes to stay…Bring it back on a silver tray? Screw the tray, sounds like John the Baptist.
With my heart in his pocket, he walked off that night. I reckon he’ll return it in the morning light. If his dog don’t eat it, I’ll be all right.
Robin grinned at her wet face in the mirror, then grabbed a towel and dried herself. She left the bathroom. Wanting to look her best for Nate, she decided to wear her new dress. The dress with the Funland emblem would, she thought, also be more appropriate for her new job as an actual employee.
She had just finished knotting the sash at her hip when she heard footsteps on the balcony. There was a knock at the door. “Hold on a minute,” she called. Stepping in front of the mirror, she brushed her hair. Then she rushed to the door and opened it.
Nate stepped into the room. And into Robin’s arms. She squeezed herself hard against him. Their mouths joined. The part wasn’t missing anymore.
She was all together again.
Easing herself backward, she looked up into his eyes and whispered, “I missed you.”
“I missed you more.”
“No you didn’t.”
“Yes I did.”
“Yes you did.”
He laughed. She felt his breath on her lips.
His hands moved gently down Robin’s back. They didn’t stop at her sash. They curved over her rump, then pressed it, bringing her tight to his body.
Wanting to look at him but reluctant to break the contact, she bent backward from the waist. “I haven’t packed my stuff yet.”
“You’ve got plenty of time. Checkout’s eleven, and it’s only eight now. You might want to relax here for a while after breakfast.”
“Ah-ha!”
She saw a bath in her future, after all.
“What time do I have to start earning my keep?”
“When you’re ready. Just come to the arcade. I’ve got a back room where you can leave your things.”
“Sounds good.”
“Yeah. So. Ready for breakfast?”
“Starving.”
“Good.”
She kissed him again, then left him for a moment while she got her handbag and room key.
Holding hands, they walked along the balcony. The day was clear, but a cool breeze made Robin shiver until they left the shadows of the motel and started across the parking lot. There, the warmth of the sun took the chill away.
Nate led her to the passenger side of a red Trans Am.
“I guess you weren’t kidding when you said you’re loaded.”
“Nope.” He opened the door for her.
“There’s a really good place right across the street, you know.”
Smiling, Nate threw the door shut. “You’re the breakfast expert.”
They crossed the street and entered the coffee shop. They sat facing each other at a window booth. A waitress filled their mugs. Robin took