I Want To Dream Now

Prologue

 "Charlene."

"Robin."

Charlene smiles effortlessly. She displays a chipped, pearly-white tooth.

She lifts her shimmering gold handbag from her lap onto the shiny, marble counter. She swiftly zips it open, pulling out a round purse bursting with cash.

"No," she says, while shaking her head at Robin. He has a tenner rolled out in his palm. "Please. Let me."

Robin lets loose a laugh. He doesn't protest.

The barman takes the money from Charlene.

"What do you want Robin?" She asks.

His shoulders stiffen as the question is put to him. Indecisive. "Anything sounds good."

Charlene laughs brilliantly. Men in their dreams. They do the silliest of things.

"What's that laugh for?" He questions with a nervous expression.

"Nothing," Charlene insists. "How about a bottle of your most expensive champagne please?"

The barman nodded curtly. "No problem, Miss. Two glasses with ice?"

Robin and I both glance at each other.

"Two glasses," I say, and the barman retreats back towards the very clean cabinet.

"I've never seen you before here," Robin hushes into her ear as if it is some dirty little secret. "You new to the game?"

"Pretty new," Charlene replies, laughing giddily. "Well, I just turned 18 so this is the first time I've been properly in a bar."

Robin's ovoid eyes widen slightly. "You don't need ID here. Actually, I don't think any ID is required when dreams are concerned."

"That's true."

"Miss, your fine champagne with two glasses of ice," the barman says. He hands her the finely crafted Champagne bottle that is full to the brim.

"This will be a fun evening," Charlene proclaims vivaciously.

Robin holds the glass as Charlene pours the deliciously rich beverage.

"Cheers to a new experience," Robin says licking his lips. "For both of us."