Robin's Nest

by Melissa Stevens

  Robin went to the back of the truck and grabbed a suitcase. "Catch you later." He said to my aunt and cousins as he closed the rear gate.

  I waived as they pulled away. "When did you get that?" I looked down at the bag as we headed into the house. I knew he hadn't been home since he'd raced out to the scene of my accident.

  "Bruce sent it with Quinn when he traded places with Nathan."

  "Ahh. Then Nathan traded again, with Robert this time?"

  "Yep." He set his bag down in the entryway as we went inside. "Go sit down. Is there anything I can get for you?" He made himself at home.

  It may have been my house, but Robin hadn't been a guest since the day I moved in. We've had an open door policy between us for years. We don't even bother to knock on each other's doors. We both knew if the door was unlocked, we were welcome to just walk in. Around here, doors almost never get locked.

  "What I really want is tea, but after more than a week what's in the fridge is gonna be nasty. The pitcher's gonna have to be scrubbed and it's more trouble than I want to go to right now." I collapsed into the nearest chair.

  "I'll start the tea." He headed for the kitchen. "What do you want to do for dinner?"

  "Um," I thought for a moment. "Grilled steak and some kind of potatoes sound good?"

  "Fine by me. Steaks in the freezer?"

  "Yep, pull out two. I think there are potatoes in the cabinet, otherwise we'll have to adjust our plans."

  I heard the freezer open and something hard hit the counter, then the cabinet opened and I knew he was pulling out the gallon jar I used to make tea. A couple of minutes later, the microwave started.

  "Do you want anything now?" He asked.

  "What I really want is a beer, but since I'm on restriction for the next week and the juice is as old as the tea, I guess water will have to do."

  A few more cabinet doors opened. "How long has this Kool-aid been here?"

  "Long enough that I'd forgotten it."

  "Would you rather water or Kool-aid?"

  "Kool-aid's good."

  I listened to the sounds in the other room as he mixed up the drink and fixed me a glass.

  "What do you want to do this afternoon?" He called.

  "I was just thinking about that." I stared up at the ceiling. "You said you need to call and check with Bruce, about the farm, your truck and whatever. Why don't you give him a call and get that out of the way? I think I'll go take a hot bath. I want to lay back, relax a bit, shave and use my own soaps, not the generic ones they gave me at the hospital. Don't rush, but when you get off the phone, come let me know. We'll see what sounds good after that." I blinked up at the ceiling, still thinking. "Speaking of phones, I need to get my cell out of my purse and plug it in, I'm sure the battery died several days ago."

  "I'll take care of it." He handed me a glass. "Go take your bath. How does curling up on the couch and watching a movie with me sound for this afternoon?"

  "A movie sounds great. Pick something and when I get out of the tub we can turn it on." I took a long drink of the sweet, red liquid and set the glass on the table beside me. "If you don't mind, would you boot up my laptop and let it start downloading my email? There's gonna be a crap-ton and it'll take it a while." I pushed myself out of the chair and took my glass with me as I headed down the short hall to my bedroom and the master bath beyond. I flipped my hair over my shoulder. "Maybe a movie won't be all we turn on tonight." I shot him a sly look before closing the bedroom door.

  10

  I fit the plug in the drain and turned on the hot water, adding some of my favorite vanilla scented bath salts to the running water. While the water heated and filled the tub, I gathered what I needed. After climbing into the tub, I adjusted the temperature and I slid under the surface. Leaning back, I started to relax, enjoying the sensation of the hot water slowly climbing my body while the tub to finished filling.

  When the water reached to the edge of the tub, I carefully leaned up and shut off the water, then leaned back again, careful not to slosh water onto the floor. I enjoyed the near floating sensation of almost complete submersion in the steaming water. After a while, I decided I'd lain there long enough and began to bathe.

  A short time later, I pulled the plug. As the water drained, I stepped out and wrapped towels around my hair and body. I rubbed my face against the material, enjoying the plush feeling. I had to wipe the condensation off the mirror before I could brush my teeth. I was glad to be home and have my own toothpaste again.

  I'd just unwrapped my hair to brush it out when Robin knocked on the bathroom door.

  "Come on in," I called.

  "Are you sure?"

  "Yeah, I'm out of the tub."

  "I just got off the phone with Bruce." He pushed the door open. "He said…" Robin's voice trailed off.

  I looked at his reflection in the mirror and saw him standing, open-mouthed. He seemed to have forgotten what he was in the middle of saying as he looked at me.

  I hadn't thought about what his reaction might be, I just hadn't wanted to talk to him through the door. But the look in his eyes? It made me feel warm and special deep inside.

  "Hey!"

  Robin jumped and looked a little guilty. "Sorry, I just wasn't expecting…this."

  I laughed. "I'm not mad, but what did Bruce say? You kinda forgot what you were saying."

  "Oh," he shook his head and looked at my face in the mirror. "He said he fixed my truck and he'll bring it by after his shift, but I'll have to take him home afterward. The farm is fine and he can handle things a little longer if I want. I'm not sure about that yet." He moved closer behind me and took the brush out of my hand. "He said to tell you welcome home, from him, and that he'll see you when he brings the truck." He carefully worked the brush through my hair, untangling as he went.

  I let him, enjoying the feel of the brush in my hair. "How long until his shift ends?"

  "Um," he glanced at his watch, "about an hour and a half, by the time he picks up my truck and gets over here it will probably be closer to two hours."

  "So why don't you go get a movie started and I'll join you as soon as I throw some clothes on."

  "Sure, any preference?"

  "Nope, you pick." I walked past him into the bedroom. Heading to the closet to find something to wear, I was aware of his eyes following me as I moved.

  Robin went back to the living room as I grabbed my favorite over-sized tee-shirt off the bed where I'd tossed it when I changed to go pick him up. This time I paired it with old sweats that I'd cut off into shorts.

  I pulled on the clothes and grabbed my lotion bottle as I headed into the living room. As I passed the full-length mirror, I caught my reflection and realized, this probably wasn't my most attractive outfit. The thought made me pause a moment. Was I really trying to attract Robin? No, not really. He already knew me inside and out, sometimes even better than I knew myself. The attraction was already there, I had no reason to start acting like someone I wasn't. I gave myself a wry smile and went in the living room.

  11

  The credits to X-Men were beginning to roll up the screen when I shut off the TV. In the fresh silence, we heard the ping of gravel hitting metal as someone pulled into my driveway.

  "That's probably Bruce," Robin said. "I'm gonna have to take him home, wanna go along for the ride?"

  "Yeah," I pushed myself up. "I think I will, but I need to change first."

  "Aw, man. Are you sure? I was enjoying the view."

  "Yeah, right." I rolled my eyes.

  "No, I'm serious." He stopped me with a hand on my arm. "Think about it from my perspective. A soft, loose tee shirt. Easy to get inside, but still quite obvious that you aren't wearing a bra."

  "No, I'm not." I frowned. "I wanted to be comfortable."

  "I'm not finished. Anyway, long shirt, long enough you could get away with no shorts, though I know you have some on. They're short enough I can't see them most of the time, leaving the illusion in place. I got to wat
ch all that long leg move as you walk, all the way up to the bottom of that tee shirt, making it look like it's all you're wearing. That in itself is material for a wet dream, but even more after watching you rub lotion into those legs while you watched the movie."

  I scowled. "You watched me instead of the movie?"

  "Sometimes."

  I blushed and let the topic drop. Sometimes I just don't understand men. I shook my head and went to change. "Let your brother in, I'll be right back."

  ***

  When I returned to the living room after putting on a soft pink tank top and an old pair of cut-offs with only had a few inches of leg, Robin and Bruce were both standing, talking.

  "Hey Bruce, thanks for bringing Robin's truck by." I gave him a hug. "Thanks even more for calling him after the accident and taking care of things here so he could be with me. It means more to me than you can know, his being there."

  "He would have killed me, a slow and painful death, if I hadn't called him, but you're welcome anyway." He hugged me again. "I'm glad to see you up and looking well. I saw you in Safford, before they transferred you. You looked better then than the night before, but you look great now. Even if a little bruised." He motioned to where a piece of the seat belt bruise was visible on my left shoulder.

  "I'm glad to be up and around," I moved to stand beside Robin, "the bruises are ugly, they don't bother me." I wrapped one arm around Robin's waist. I caught a look of surprise flash across Bruce's face but he stayed quiet. "Since I have you here, I was wondering, do I have any legal issues from the accident?"

  "You mean like tickets? Fines?" He frowned.

  "Yeah, that or anything else."

  "No, it was obvious from the scene that he had crossed over into your lane. You had nowhere you could go to avoid him. You were not at fault."

  "That's good to know. I had to be sure. Do you want to stay for dinner? We're planning to grill steaks. It's no problem to pull another one out."

  "Thanks for the invitation, but I already have plans."

  "Then let's get going, so you're not late." I turned to Robin. "Did you plug in my phone?" I picked up my purse.

  "Yep," he said, "it's on the desk."

  "Thanks." I picked the phone up off the desk, noticing that the power light on my laptop burned green. "It should have enough charge if we need it." I rejoined them. "I'm ready if you are." I waited while Bruce led the way out the door.

  We climbed into the cab of Robin's old Dodge. I slid into the center seat before Robin climbed in behind the wheel while Bruce made his way around to the passenger's side. We pulled out of the driveway and made a left onto Stephens Loop, then another left onto Highway 75 toward Bruce's house near York Valley. While Robin and Bruce talked about the farm, what was going on and what still needed to be done, I let my mind wander.

  I'm only 29 and I'd come close to dying without any idea it was coming. I wondered what I would regret never having at least tried if I were to die right now? I decided then and there that I needed to make a list, because several things came to mind. At the top of the list was not exploring whatever it was that seemed to be developing between Robin and me. I got the feeling it could end up to be something important.

  I came out of my reverie when I felt the truck turn off the main highway and into Bruce's driveway. As we pulled up in front of the house, I started to hear the conversation again.

  "Give me a call when you aren't busy," Bruce said to Robin, "I have some things I'd like to discuss with you."

  "We can come in now, if it's important," Robin said.

  I nodded in agreement, looking back and forth between the two brothers.

  "No, no. Nothing important," Bruce shook his head. "Just give me a call when you're free." He stepped out of the truck.

  "Thanks again, Bruce," I said, "for everything. I really appreciate it."

  "Thanks for fetching and fixing the old beast. You've been a big help," Robin said.

  "No problem, I'll see you soon."

  "Bye," I said.

  "Have fun." Robin waved at his brother.

  Bruce closed the truck door and headed into the house. I made no move to take the empty seat, instead I turned to Robin. "He wants to talk to you about me."

  Robin frowned. "What makes you say so?"

  "It surprised him when I wrapped my arm around you after I hugged him. I saw it on his face."

  "I wonder what he'll say." Robin gave the house a curious look.

  "I figure it's one of two things," I said as he turned the truck around and headed back toward my house. "Either he's gonna warn you away from me and not to hurt me, or warn you about me and not to let me hurt you."

  "Do you really think so?" His eyes were still on the road.

  "It's the only things I can think of."

  "Bruce likes you." Robin shook his head. "I really don't think that's what he has in mind."

  "But what if I'm right?" I was a little nervous about what Robin would say.

  "If you're right, and I'm not convinced you are, I'll tell him it's none of his business, like you did with Quinn. Though, I may not be quite as in his face as you were. You and I are adults, we get to make our own decisions."

  A wave of relief washed over me. I guess somewhere inside I was afraid his family wouldn't approve of a more involved relationship between us, despite knowing his family likes me. I knew they liked me as his friend, but could they handle more? I didn't know.

  "Are you sure you want to grill steaks? We can go into town and have dinner at the Cafe, if you want."

  "Not tonight, please." I shook my head. "If we go out tonight we won't be able to eat for everyone stopping at our table to check on me and get the latest news about the accident. I don't feel up to that tonight." I took a deep breath and let it out in a rush. "Give it a day or two, the news will circulate and curiosity will die down, then we can go out if you want."

  "That makes sense. I didn't think about people stopping, but you're right. We wouldn't be able to eat for well-wishers."

  "Is there anything you're gonna need from your place before tomorrow?"

  Robin was quiet for a moment. "Is that an invitation?"

  "It sure sounded like one to me." I kept my tone light.

  "Are you sure this is what you want?" He glanced at me.

  "I'm absolutely certain if we don't at least try, I'll regret it."

  "Not that I'm expecting anything, but just in case, how prepared are you?"

  "Prepared?" I frowned.

  "Do you have condoms?"

  "No." I shook my head. "It's been a while since I've seen anyone seriously and you know I'm not into casual encounters, so I don't have any on hand."

  "I guess we'll be stopping by my place after all, at least for a couple minutes. I have some we can pick up. Because, honestly," he laid one hand on my leg, "I'd rather not advertise the change in things between us in quite that way. Going into town together to get condoms would definitely cause talk."

  "I agree." I rubbed my face against his shoulder. "People will find out soon enough and our families don't need to hear the details through the grape vine."

  Since Robin's house was between Bruce's and mine, it wasn't out of the way to stop and pick up a few things, which was partly why I'd asked.

  When he pulled into the driveway, I told him to run in his own, I'd wait in the truck. While I waited, I realized I'd been so lost in thought I hadn't even noticed the first time we'd driven past the scene of my accident.

  "Shit," I muttered as Robin climbed back into the truck.

  "Shit, what?"

  "I just realized I was out of it while we took Bruce home and totally unaware of it when we drove past the accident site."

  "You didn't seem to notice us talking about it, either."

  "You two were talking about it and I still missed it? Am I space cadet or what?"

  "Nah, just absorbed your own thoughts." He wrapped one arm around my shoulder and hugged me to him. "You'll be aware this time, but there isn't
anything to see. There's no sign of the accident left."

  As we pulled out on to the highway, again I kept an eye out.

  "This is where the accident was," Robin said when we reached the spot. "Do you want me to pull over?" He slowed the truck, in case.

  "No. There's no need. There isn't even any glass left." I said with more than a little wonder. It occurred to me, even after seeing where it happened, I had no memory of the actual crash. I was disappointed, I'd kinda hoped that seeing where it had happened would trigger the memories.

  "Well, it's been more than week, with how many vehicles pass by here headed to and from the mine? Any glass left behind got ground to dust between pavement and tires, probably in less than a day."

  I nodded, only half listening. "That makes sense, I just find it disconcerting that there's no sign of the accident that changed my life."

  "I know what you mean." He gave me a one harmed hug.

  I fell silent, thinking about life and the things that could end it.

  12

  By the time we pulled back into my driveway, slightly over an hour had passed since we'd left and I was getting hungry.

  "Fried potatoes or baked?" I asked as I headed into the house.

  "Baked sounds good to me." Robin followed me inside.

  "Me too, plus, they're easier." I turned toward the kitchen. "If you'll light the grill, I'll get the potatoes started."

  As I washed and punctured the potatoes, I remembered Robin had booted my computer and I hadn't checked my email yet. As soon as I got the potatoes in the microwave and the steaks ready for the grill, I headed to the desk to see how big of job cleaning out my email was going to be.

  I sat down and moved the mouse to deactivate my screen saver. When my email program popped to the top of the screen, I found over two hundred and fifty new messages. With a groan, I started deleting anything that was obviously spam. Then I got rid of all the local freecycle emails without bothering to read them. I was thankful I lived in a rural area, if it were bigger there would be thousands of messages instead of the fifty or so that there was. After removing those, I still had over fifty emails to work my way through when Robin came in to let me know the grill was almost ready. I quickly scanned the subject lines and senders on the remaining messages. Deciding there was nothing that couldn't wait until tomorrow, I went to finish dinner.