Episode 45: Scene Six

As he walked into the gym, Sloane spotted Robin on the opposite side at the water fountain. A sly smile appeared on his face, but he quickly stifled it. Taking hold of the strap of his black leather knapsack, he walked in his trademark long strides towards her.

Looking up, Robin smiled as she recognized the figure in front of her. "What's up, Sloane? Where's Gemini?"

Sloane shrugged. "I haven't seen her lately. After the way she's been blowing me off, I don't expect to anytime soon, either."

Robin put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. Weren't you two going to be partners on the shoot that we're doing?"

"Shoot? What are you talking about?"

"Photo shoot, Sloane. We're supposed to be taking it this weekend, but I'm not sure if I want to go," Robin shifted uncomfortably as she let her eyes fall to the floor.

"Why not? You've been excited about it for so long, I'd think you'd want to."

"I do," Robin replied hesitantly. "But you know that we're supposed to go in partners. I don't have anyone to go with me."

"Sure you do!" Sloane burst out unexpectedly.

Robin jumped at the sound of Sloane's voice. "Who?"

"Why, yours truly, of course," Sloane's lips parted into a half-smile.

"Oh, haha, Sloane," Robin glared at him. "I'm not in the mood for jokes right now."

"I'm not joking. I could be your partner."

"But what about Gemini?"

Again, Sloane shrugged. "If she won't even let me get within a hundred feet of her, what makes you think she'd be my partner? Besides, I'm moving on. I've never been one to play games, and if Gemini wants to do that, I don't have time for it."

Robin kept staring at Sloane to make sure he wasn't kidding. He laughed and began walking the other way.

"See you at the shoot, babe," he called over his shoulder.

Robin turned and faced the wall, her face turning brick-red. "I'm hearing things, because I know Sloane Buchannan did not just call me 'babe'. Oh my gosh! If Gemini ever hears about this...but no, I can't tell her. I don't care what she says; I know she's in love with Sloane. I'm not going to be the one to ruin her chance so soon after her last breakup. No, I can't let that happen."

Robin bit her lip and ran up into the bleachers, knowing that there was no way in the world she'd be able to follow her resolution.