Wishing on Tunnels

Rob sits on the edge of the canopy bed looking at Dollie, who is resting against the pillow shams.

“Tell me about yourself, Rob,” Dollie says. “How did a nice girl like you end up being a sex android, Dollie?” “Oh, Rob, I’m so much more than that.” “I’m sure you are. I have to tell you, I don’t think I’m going to be wanting to have sex with you tonight.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I was just starting to feel like I’m getting to know you. Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”

“Talk to my fiancée? No, I’m kidding. It just wouldn’t be right. I’m getting married tomorrow. I guess the guys will be disappointed, but maybe you won’t let on? We can pretend we had a big time.”

“It can be our little secret. Would you like me to recite some poetry to pass the time? I know Robert Frost and Wallace Stevens. Or something older? That wonderful final stanza of Matthew Arnold’s ‘Dover Beach’?”

Another of my touches. I minored in English Lit. Daniel has never discovered this little bit of language programming. He never watches playbacks or else he’d flip. I’m sure he’d make me take it out.

“No kidding? I was an English major in undergrad. Pre-law.” “Ah, love, let us be true / To one another…” Dollie intones.

Cliff pushes into the room. Jared calls to him from the living room. “Dude, leave them alone! Get outta there!”

Cliff is holding another champagne bottle, swigging from it. “How are you kids getting along in here. What? Clothes still on?” And then he begins pulling at Dollie’s blouse.

“Cliff, a little more gently, please,” Dollie says. “Cliff, get out of here,” Rob says. “You’re drunk.” “And you should be too, bro. It’s your bachelor party, last chance to be a real man. Come on, you know this robo-slut wants it; that’s what she’s programmed to do. Give it to her.”

“She’s not a robo-slut,” Rob says. “Cliff, would you give us some privacy, please?” Dollie says. “We’re trying to have an intimate moment.”

“I’ll give you an intimate moment,” Cliff says, ripping at Dollie’s blouse and bra, exposing one of her perfect breasts. He cups a hand around her head and musses her