Page 4 of Lucky Night

It’s going to be fine. Yes, she’s still standing, her naked body still an unconscionable twelve to fifteen feet away from his. But she’ll be back.

Relax, El Cheapo.

She opens the fridge and pulls out a small green bottle. Crack of the cap, a hiss. The sound of his hopes deflating. Don’t be so dramatic, for Gad’s sake. She’s got her damn water, now she’ll come back. She’ll see how badly you want her, and she’ll…

Trail a hand along the television console. Meander to the sofa, examine the bland art on the wall above it. Sip her water. Ask:

What time’s your flight tomorrow?

Eight fifteen, he says. They just got here. Why is she already thinking about the end?

She gazes down at the tasteful magazines fanned across the coffee table. Where are you going again?

Houston.

She looks around the room, which is long, low-lit, cream and gold. This place is crazy, Nick.

It opened Friday. We’re some of the first guests, he says. Probably the first people to use this bed.

Hint.

Fucking.

Hint.

Which she doesn’t take. Instead, she roams back to the cabinets, picks up the minibar menu, a long, slim volume, bound no doubt in the skin of some sustainably slaughtered animal. What isshe jonesing for now, Pringles? One of those triangular chocolate bars in the yellow wrapper? What are those called?

Oh hell, it doesn’t matter! What matters is that the glow is shredding, it’s in danger of disappearing completely.

Something that’s not in danger of disappearing? The water she so desperately needed. She’s taken a single sip.

This aggravates him. Intensely.

Not that he’ll sayso.

No. He won’t say a thing.

How’s that water? he says.

She takes another dainty taste, another siplet. It’s delicious.

Oh good. Is it quenching your thirst adequately?

It is. She smiles at him from behind the lip of the bottle. She’s on to him. Thank you for asking.

Well, I was worried. You’ve barely tasted it, after your great hue and cry for refreshment.

Hue and cry, she says. My great hue and cry.

I just mean you seemed really intent on hydration, blasting out of bed the way you did.

She holds the bottle out. Would you like some?

Oh no! He waves the very thought away. I wouldn’t deprive you. You’re obviously saving it for some emergency.

She beams at him now, her big, toothy grin. It’s so good to see you, Nick.

Then get your ass back here, woman! He flips open the duvet. She moves toward him. The glow is gone, alas. It heaved its last while she traipsed around the room and he sniped and pouted. Doesn’t matter. She’s coming now, she’s three steps away, two, setting down her precious water. It’s been way too long. Sick kids, work trips, one obstacle after another. So many obstacles, he wondered…but no. They’re here, he’s got her, they have the whole night, and—

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