"At the hotel there is an archway over the entrance so taxis can park in the shade. There are palm trees in big pots and huge pink gardenias in bloom. The air smells like adobe baking in the sun, also flower scent and ocean breeze. We're high on the hillside, so we can see out over the other red tile roofs to the blue water in the bay. Manuel, the owner, greets us like old friends. Thas kids carry our suitcases up to the room."
"I like it already. What's the room like?"
“EagerShine, I need to tap into Lyre’s self image. Can you give me something
in thas background that had a big effect, that made her really happy? Maybe
something on a Mexican or Spanish theme?” said Eager silently.
“In elementary school tha enjoyed playing the lead role in a musical stage
production: Elena of Avalor, about a Latina Disney princess,” replied EagerShine silently.
“Perfect!” said Eager, silently.
"It's on the 3rd floor, facing the ocean,” continued Eager vocally to
Lyre. “The floors are white marble tile, which is cool and smooth to walk on
with bare feet. There is a large couch covered with raw cowhide. There is a
small balcony with a wrought iron railing, the kind you'd lean over to wave
your fan at the bull fighters, if you were a pretty senorita. Are you a pretty
senorita?"
“What do you think?”
“You are the prettiest one, with a red rose blossom in your hair and a big
beautiful smile. You are the envy of all the women, and sweetheart of all the
men. All the bullfighters know your balcony and try to catch your eye to give
them courage as they parade to the stadium. Do you like to be admired, the
centre of attention?”
“Maybe,” said Lyre coyly to Eager. “… alright, yes. I do like it, Eager. I know it sounds a bit silly, but I like it a lot. It's just who I am. And thank you for noticing.”
“I want you to be noticed as well," said Eager aloud. "I am proud to be your new amante and I like to see the envious looks on peoples' faces when they see us together. We’ll go dancing in the town plaza. You can wear your red flamenco dance costume. Everyone will stop and clap in time with the guitar for you. You will stamp your feet dramatically and give me sly and longing looks from behind your fan.”
“Even though hundreds are watching, I'm only dancing for you,” laughed Lyre.
“Charlotte,” called Lyre silently, “Do you think tha really likes me, or is tha just horny?”
“Damsire, both seem to be the case. Tha is making an effort to
please you. And thas arousal level is high,” said Charlotte.shurpa silently. “By the way, Damsire, your heart
rate is also rising.”
“But calm down amante," said Lyre vocally. "We’re still checking into our hotel room. Thank goodness we're finally here. We're hot and sweaty after the airplane. Is there a shower?"
“Yes, it's separate from the toilet, spacious, and completely tiled of
course," explained Eager. "There is a large window about head height without any glass. No one can
see in, but you can look out towards the green jungle, and the steamy air will
clear quickly.”
"Perfect. I can't wait to get these jeans off. They're so heavy in this
heat and I'm all sticky. Why did I buy them so tight? Can you give me hand?
Just pull on the legs."
"I will peel you like a banana," said Eager, laughing.
"You'll need some better clothes for this climate, my little bailaora. Later we can
go to the market. There, now you're free."
"Quick, take off your clothes and come in with me," said Lyre. "Don't be embarrassed. I've seen naked men before. Show me how these faucets work."
"The left one is for hot. I'll have to reach around you to adjust the water. The shower head is wide enough we can both
fit if we stand close together, like this," said Eager .
"Oh, you feel nice. Is there soap? Why don't you put some on my back? I'll soap you up
too."
* * *
Lyre and Eager turned into a quiet residential street and stopped in front
of a red brick three story walk-up apartment building.
"Charlotte, help. This is the right time to break it off, while we're still outside, but I don't want to. Am I in over my head, losing control? What should I do?" pleaded Lyre silently.
"Damsire, your oxytocin level is high and the prefrontal cortex of your brain is suppressed, which means your capacity for rational self-restraint is reduced. You are in a high state of arousal. You may wish to follow a precautionary convention, which would be to excuse yourself from this conversation and break off the engagement," answered Charlotte.shurpa silently.
"Well, this is my building," said Lyre vocally to Eager. "Too bad, I was
looking forward to that shower. Thanks for ambling home with me."
Eager stood facing Lyre, outside the apartment building door, gasping like a
fish.
"You're sweet," Lyre said, and kissed thas cheek. "See you
tomorrow."
“EagerShine what’s going on?” said Eager silently. “Why is tha brushing me
off? Did I say something wrong?”
“Lyre appears to be signaling tha wants to end the conversational engagement,” answered EagerShine.shurpa
silently.
“But that’s not fair! I don't deserve this!” shouted Eager silently.
"Eager, you are experiencing disappointment after euphoria caused by elevated levels of the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine. They are impairing your judgement. According to the engagement protocol, tha has the option of breaking off at any time, without explanation,” said EagerShine.shurpa silently.
“Consider tha may be testing your willingness to abide by the protocol," EagerShine.shurpa added. "Would like me to enquire with thas personal assistant shurpa for confirmation?”
“What time is it?” Eager asked Lyre vocally.
Lyre pulled out thas phone and said, “8:10.”
“Before midnight,” said Eager. “Just as I thought: we’re still in Mexico.”
Lyre gasped, hear heart beating loudly, “Yes, you’re right Eager. It isn't time for the party to disappear yet. We still have lots of time. Would you like to come up to my apartment … I mean, our hotel
room?”