CHAPTER 10

Regina worked most of the week by herself to prepare for an inventory that she planned for Friday night. She asked everyone to work and told them they'd probably be there until about eleven. She basically put Tink in charge because she wanted to see how she would handle everyone. They all arrived around five and then Regina would order them pizza at six. Her phone was going off as she came out of the bathroom it was a text from Robin "I'm off from the diner in the morning but I'm working a double tomorrow at the bar. God, I miss you."

She smiled and hit reply "I'll be here until eleven. Come give me a kiss."

"Hell yes, I'll see you soon." She laughed and headed out to the sales floor. Things seemed to be going well and at six she ordered two pizza's to be delivered. Everyone was busy counting and Regina went back to the stock room to finish the inventory back there. Thirty minutes later Mary came back and yelled that the pizza was there and once again she headed out to the floor. Everyone was sitting around with plates and a drink on the carpet and that's when she looked up and saw Robin outside.

Mary said "Oh' Robin's here," and everyone went "OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH."

Regina yelled "Okay, let's all act our age." She unlocked the door and he stepped inside.

He took her hand and she pulled him toward the back "Hello ladies," he said.

In unison they all yelled "HI, ROBIN!"

Regina rolled her eyes "Do you want pizza?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you." Tink handed her a slice and she pulled Robin to the back room. She put the plate on her desk and Robin grabbed her around the waist, "I want my kiss," she said softly. He cupped her face with his hands and then leaned in. She loved his kisses. He was an expert at it and this kiss was gentle but at the same time desperate. She moaned and pulled him closer as his fingers weaved through her hair. She opened her mouth and his tongue swept against hers. Her backside hit the edge of her desk and she pulled away "I need to eat," she said as she laughed and sat down. Robin grabbed the other chair and sat next to her "Do you want a bite," she asked.

"Only of you," he teased.

"Stop flirting with me."

He took a bite of her pizza and asked "Are you coming to see me tomorrow night?"

"Well, in all honesty I do not know. I have a date with Netflix. I really just want to veg out."

"I don't blame you. You've a lot going on around here."

"I need to catch up on my shows."

"I have so many shows on my DVR," he admitted.

"Oh' really," she replied.

"Yes, I keep them for Roland just in case he misses something. I know the superhero shows have questionable content sometimes but he loves them."

"You're a good father," she said.

"I try. I get the feeling Supergirl is his new favorite."

Regina laughed "I'm sure not only Roland likes that show," she teased.

"I'm guilty," he admitted.

She sat back in her chair "Sunday do you want to go to a matinee with me? My treat," she said.

"A movie with you," he asked.

"Yes, and I'll even let you choose."

"I'd love to. Can we go in the afternoon? I'd like to sleep in if I can."

"Of course," she replied.

He stood "I should let you get back to work."

She stood also and placed her arms around his waist "Thank you for my kiss."

"I will gladly kiss you whenever you want," he said as he then moved his lips over hers.

"I'll walk you out." When they headed out to the sales floor she noticed the trash had been gathered and everyone was hard at work again. She smiled at Tink and she winked at Regina. She really was doing a great job.

Regina walked Robin to the door and he kissed her quickly "I'll see you Sunday," he said. "BYE LADIES," he yelled.

A chorus of "BYE ROBIN," was heard throughout the room.

She locked the door and Mary yelled "Robin and Regina sitting in a tree . . ."

Then, the rest of the women screamed " G!"

Regina couldn't help but laugh "Okay, you idiots. You had your fun. Now, it's time to get back to work." She decided she better help them if they were going to get out by eleven. Now, she had something to look forward to – a date with Robin on Sunday.

Regina dressed casually for her date with Robin; jeans, a dark green sweater and boots. He was picking her up at one and the theater was about a thirty minute drive outside of town. "The Force Awakens" was still in theaters and he begged if they could go see it because the first time he went with Roland and he was a bit of a distraction. He was surprised to learn that Regina and Emma had gone to see it when it first came out – it made him like her even more. Apparently, they were closet Star Wars nerds. When they arrived at the theater she bought their tickets and he got on line for popcorn and a drink. She asked for Raisinets and he told her she could have whatever she wanted. Once he paid for their refreshments they walked to theater eleven "Who is your favorite Star Wars character," he asked.

She smiled "Darth Vader."

"Why?"

"I have a thing for Villains," she admitted.

"I see."

They chose seats in the back toward the middle of the theater and sat down "What about you?"

"I love them all. It's really hard to choose but Roland loves Han Solo which was a problem as you know."

"What happened?"

"He cried on the way home and I had to explain that Harrison Ford didn't die that he was in fact still alive and that sometimes writers do things us fans don't like and we just have to accept it."

"You can say that again. Did he understand?"

"Yes, thank goodness because Marian would have had my head." Regina laughed and that's when the lights went down and the previews started. Robin was wolfing his popcorn and offered her some but she declined and opened her candy. Once the movie started he was totally focused and she thought it was adorable. A few minutes into the movie; he finished his popcorn and put the bag on the floor. He asked her for a napkin and she pulled a bunch out of her purse for him. Once his hands were clean he took a sip of his soda and wrapped his arm around her. She snuggled close to him and they sat like that for most of the movie. Occasionally, he would kiss her hand and lace his fingers with hers. But when Han Solo fell to his death Robin couldn't help but sigh and shake his head. Regina squeezed his hand and he whispered "It was just as difficult to watch as the first time."

She nodded and said "I agree." When the movie was over Robin grabbed the trash and they both used the restroom. When she came out he took her hand "Where to now," she asked.

"Well, I was thinking home. Where do you want to go?"

"I was thinking food – dinner."

"Oh' it's just . . . um."

"My treat," she said quickly.

"No, Regina you paid for the movie - absolutely not."

"So, why can't I pay for both? This was my idea after all."

"I don't know."

"Robin, you drove. I can buy us dinner."

"It's just I don't get paid until Thursday. Jefferson paid me but I need that money for groceries since Roland is coming next weekend."

"You don't have to explain."

"Yes, I do."

She stopped him and kissed him quickly and wrapped her arms around his waist "No, you don't."

"Where do you want to go?"

"There's a place not far from here that Emma and I used to go all the time. I think you'll like it."

He took her hand and they walked to the car; once inside he said "Alright, tell me how to get there." A few minutes later they pulled up to a restaurant that was called "Mexacali Blue".

He got out and opened her door and she took his hand "Do you like burritos?"

"Yes, I love them actually," he replied.

"Good, they have the best here but you have to realize something; I know the owner because he went out with Emma a few times. He's a little . . . over the top. So, he'll probably go insane when he sees me. Don't mind him. I love the food here though it will be worth it." When they went inside Robin realized Regina wasn't kidding. The owner whose name was Joey was definitely over the top; he kissed her on both cheeks and then asked her a million questions. Finally, he sat them at a booth and that's when she introduced Robin to him as her boyfriend.

Joey shook Robin's hand and said "Isn't she a looker! You're a lucky guy! I'm bringing chips and salsa on the house and then I'll be back to take your order personally."

He walked away and Robin leaned across the table "Wow, you weren't kidding," he said.

She laughed and took his hand "I told you but the food is so good here. Take a look at the menu and let me know if you have questions. I've had pretty much everything here."

"What are you having," he asked.

"The avocado burrito; it's so good."

Joey brought their chips and salsa "Are we ready?"

"Not quite but I'd like a strawberry margarita and Robin just wants water," Regina said.

"Coming right up gorgeous," he said.

Robin couldn't decide what he wanted and Regina could tell he was struggling "Robin, look at me."

He looked at her and she squeezed his hand "Order whatever you want."

"I will babe. Actually, I was going to ask you about the pulled pork burrito."

"That is a very good choice."

"Okay, then I'll have that," he said. Joey came back over with their drinks and Robin let Regina order for them.

Joey was gone again and yelling at the cooks in the kitchen and Regina took his hand "This is nice," she said. "You and me on a date in another town away from prying eyes," she squeezed his hand.

"I know what you mean. Sometimes, it gets overwhelming when everyone knows your business. This is a nice place. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me. I wanted to do this." He was playing with her bracelet "You worked so hard to get me this – didn't you?"

He shrugged "I like you Regina. I like you a lot in case I haven't said it lately."

"You have and I feel the same way." They chatted about the movie and ten minutes later their food came. Robin could always tell when Regina enjoyed something because she closed her eyes and made noises when she ate. She was right about the burrito it was absolutely delicious and huge. They each had a half wrapped up for lunch the next day and Joey packed it up himself and gave them each extra salsa. On the way out; he kissed Regina goodbye and told them to come back and visit soon. Once outside Robin opened the door for her and kissed her quickly "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she said.

He held her hand the whole drive home and when he pulled up in front of her house she invited him inside "Babe, I'm sorry but I have to open the diner at six. I'm off from the center though."

She leaned over and kissed him "Go home and sleep. Thank you for driving."

"Thank you for an awesome date," he whispered as he held her close. She quickly got out of the car and then headed up the walkway to her door. She turned around a waved and Robin waited for her to go inside. He really wanted to go with her but he had to be responsible and get sleep – he had a full week of work ahead of him.