(Note: This story is a sequel to my story “Atmosphere,” posted August 29, 2016 on “Monday Flash Fics” Facebook page.)

                                        Goodnight Sweetheart

                                                By Jeff Baker

            “How’s the coffee?” Bryan asked.

            “Good,” Nico said with a smile

            “How’s your head?”

            “Lots better,” Nico said, taking a sip of the coffee. “Most of it’s coming back. I remember that interview I had before with all those forms to sign.”

            “Yeah,” Bryan said with a laugh. “I’ve done this three times now. It’s a pain but it’s worth it when you get a month’s pay for a weekend’s work.”

            Nico thought back on the weekend. Being programmed to fall for each other, compelled to kiss and snuggle there on the grounds, lending “atmosphere” for the customer’s romantic weekend at the resort. Nico had forgotten signing up and all he could think about for two and a half days was Bryan and how nice he looked in shorts and a tank top. After the de-programming with his full memory coming back he wondered if his feelings for Bryan were going to fade.

            “Remember they told us at the interview that even if we didn’t go through deprogramming we’d have our full memories back in about two days,” Bryan said.

            “Us,” Nico said. “Did we meet at that interview?”

            “Yeah, we did.” Bryan said. “We weren’t supposed to remember the interview during our weekend but somehow I did this time.”

            With a start, Nico remembered the explanation that they wouldn’t be able to think about anything except the mutual attraction that would be programmed into their minds. He remembered meeting Bryan, and hearing Bryan say that he’d be glad to make out with Nico happily, even without the programming. Nico had smiled and thought he felt the same way.

            When they were done with coffee they called a cab. They had been advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least another day. With what they’d earned that weekend they could certainly afford a cab. Besides, they wanted to share the ride.

            “One of us can wake the other up when he falls asleep,” Nico said as they got in the cab. They laughed. They were both exhausted.

            “1511 North 11^th street,” Nico told the driver. “The Parkside Apartments.”

            Bryan stared at him.

            “I live there,” Bryan said. “Building A.”

            “I’m in C,” Nico said. “C-39.”

            When the cab dropped Nico off in front of his building he leaned back to Bryan.

            “I guess I’ll see you later,” Nico said.

            They kissed, certain this time that it was real.

                                    —end—