The ride is getting a little dull

Jake drove, and Abbie took control of the music (80s and 90s pop). They gabbed about anything and everything from work (she liked her job, he didn't) to sports (she liked baseball and the Cubs, he liked football and the Saints) to music ("80s pop is the best music that has ever existed," demanded Abbie, while Jake preferred jazz) to food (they agreed that fried chicken is the perfect meal).

Anyone looking at them would think this was a young couple having a weekend together. In a way, they kind of were. However, both Jake and Abbie knew they weren't a normal couple, if they were even a couple at all. This was a relationship built on the fact that she would agree to anything he asked, and he made that situation entirely about sex. Could they have other kinds of feelings for each other? Jake sometimes wondered. Maybe someday, we'll see.

Their conversation ebbed and flowed, sometimes falling into a lull when they'd listen to music. Then one of them would pipe up with a new topic or comment. With about half an hour left to go in the trip, Jake said, "I'm starting to get a little tired. My coffee is wearing off."

"We have about 30 minutes to go, mister. You can last 30 minutes. I've seen it." She giggled at her comment.

"I see. If that's what you have in mind, maybe you should put your money where your mouth is." He realized he didn't know how that phrase worked. "Or maybe your mouth where something else is. Or --"

"Or what?" she asked, smiling.

"Maybe you should help me stay focused. Seems like a good job for the shotgun seat. Can you help me stay alert and focused?"

"Of course I can. What would work best for you?"