17
ELIJAH
ME
Where are you right now?
CLEO
My parents’ house in Paso Robles. How are you? Where are you?
ME
I just spent four hours on I-5 and now I’m in a luxury suite at Franklin’s favorite boutique hotel. In Paso Robles.
I would love a response, because in case it wasn’t obvious, I would like you to join me here ASAP so we can discuss your emails.
In case THAT wasn’t obvious, it’s actually because I want to make passionate love to you and I would rather not do it for the first time in your parents’ house or in my car.
CLEO
Yes. Sorry, I was just thinking you need to have the hero of your movie do the rushing to see his ex-wife thing at the end, even though I’m sure you would hate it!
ME
You know what, Curly? I can’t think of one thing I hate right now. Unless you don’t show up to this hotel room while I’m once again giving you this very romantic opportunity to meet me in a hotel room in order to have sex with me. I would really hate not being able to see you immediately. Room 7.
CLEO
In case it’s not obvious, I am very glad you drove four hours to see me. I will see you in fifteen minutes. I just have to call Franklin and ask him what to wear.
ME
He will say a trench coat, your sexy boots, and nothing, if he knows what’s good for him.
Today was the best, but tonight is even better.
Right now is good, but fifteen minutes from now will be phenomenal.
As long as Cleo gets here in fifteen minutes.
Here is good. I can see why Franklin likes this place. I have been in some very nice hotel rooms in my day, but the comforter on this bed is the thickest and loftiest I have ever seen. The headboard is…significant. Very sturdy bedposts. I have ideas. But I will save those for later.
I pull out my phone again and open the text app.
ME
I can’t find the remote.
ELAINE
Oh for crying out loud. I quit.
ME
I’m kidding. Thanks for making the reservation. I just wanted to thank you for everything and say that I hope you get well soon. If you were ever truly sick in the first place. I appreciate you.
