Date Me Like You Mean It

by Grey, R. S.

  “Jesus, Maddie. Fine. I’ll go! I’ll go on your damn trip.”

  “And pretend to be my boyfriend?”

  “Whatever.”

  Bada bing, bada boom. No blow job necessary.

  I thought there’d be more issues with him getting time off from work, but since he’s never used a sick day, his boss basically pushed him out the door. So here we are, pioneers out on the open road. Only a thin scrap of car metal between us and vultures pecking our skulls clean.

  Now, I offer him another handful of Gardetto’s (America’s road trip fuel), but he declines.

  “I need real food.”

  I blanch and look around me. We ate through our small store of beef jerky when we were still in Austin. The apples went next.

  I make a point to not look at our water supply. Had I known we’d need to conserve it, I wouldn’t have picked such salty snack foods. My mouth feels parched. Am I already feeling the effects of dehydration?

  There!

  Up ahead!

  “AIDEN! TURN!”

  On an unmarked road about a quarter mile up ahead, we see a huge iron arch with dozens of wind chimes hanging down. Let the wind guide you!

  We turn onto the road and pass through the entrance. From there, we crawl down a gravel road, passing more cacti but not much else. My confidence wanes as minutes pass. My fingers are gripping my knees, digging into meaty flesh as I silently pray I haven’t led us astray.

  “Is that a crater?” Aiden asks, pointing out his window.

  Sure enough, there’s a shallow bowl-shaped hole a few yards off the road.

  Stephanie isn’t dumb! Her directions worked!

  I grab Aiden’s shoulder and shake him silly. “We did it! We found it! We aren’t going to die!”

  He laughs. “We were never going to die.”

  Right. Good. At least one of us maintained a brave face.

  We keep driving down the road, following the line of mountains in the distance, then after another sharp bend, I see the compound coming into view. Stephanie wasn’t exaggerating about it being nice. Only one story high, the sprawling complex of modern modular buildings sits oriented with the landscape. Made of dark brown metal and stucco and huge picture windows that span entire walls, it looks like the sort of habitat they’d build on Mars.

  Three matching black Range Rovers are arranged in a neat line at the end of the row of buildings. Stephanie mentioned she’d be caravanning down from Dallas with her friends and offered to have a car pick up Aiden and me as well, but I figured it was best if we had our own means of transportation. Y’know…just in case things get really weird and we need to bail.

  Aiden pulls up to park his Jeep in line with the Range Rovers and kills the engine. Then I hear a loud shout from outside.

  I open my door and step out, my muscles sore from being tensed with anxiety for half the day. Stephanie is strolling out of the main house wearing a white bathing suit cover-up underneath a sash that reads Bride To Be.

  “You made it!” she squeals, rushing forward to grab my shoulders and pull me into a tight hug.

  It feels good to see her after so long. We’ve both been busy with life and haven’t made the time to get together as much as we promised we would. Suddenly, I’m more glad than ever that I made the effort to come this week.

  “And Aiden! I’m so glad you could come too. The guys will be happy they aren’t outnumbered,” she says with a laugh as she pulls him into a hug as well.

  Stephanie’s always been the sort of person who could win anyone over with persistent enthusiasm and charm. It doesn’t hurt that she’s beautiful. Dark skin, hazel eyes, infectious smile—growing up, she never had to endure an awkward phase like the rest of us. Even braces looked cute on her.

  “Now that you two are here, the party can really get started! Come, come!” She grabs my hand and starts tugging me toward the house.

  “Oh, I have to get my bags,” I say, pointing back to the car.

  “We have help for that.”

  Well then…

  “Everyone! Everyone!” Stephanie says, gathering the group’s attention once we’re inside. “I’d like to introduce my friend Maddie. Some of you have met her before, but she’s one of my oldest friends. We played Barbies together—that’s how deep our roots go. And this is her boyfriend, Aiden.”

  BOYFRIEND.

  I glance back at him. If he’s upset or weirded out by the boyfriend comment, I can’t tell. He offers a nod to the group, and then one of Stephanie’s friends wastes no time in bringing me a sash of my own. All the girls are wearing them, so I duck my head and let her drape it over my shoulders.

  “Now you’re official!” she says with a smile.

  “Not yet! Let’s get you a drink!” Stephanie says, dragging me over to the group lingering in the kitchen.

  I’m not close with anyone here except Stephanie, but I’ve met a few of them over the years. Even still, we reintroduce ourselves. Isabella works with Stephanie at her mom’s interior design firm. Cadence moved in with Stephanie last year. Then there’s Dante, who proudly proclaims himself to be Stephanie’s bridesman.

  “I feel bad for whoever is going to be standing next to me at the altar because I am going to look fierce,” he says with a wink, and we all laugh.

  But it’s honestly the truth. With his curly brown hair and square-cut jaw, he’s extremely handsome.

  I glance back to see Aiden talking to Elliot and another guy. Their conversation is hard to pick up, but I catch Elliot asking Aiden a question.

  “Is Texas Monthly where you’ll stay then?” he asks. “Have you thought of moving to L.A. or New York? Trying for one of the big publications?”

  I don’t hear Aiden’s reply to that because I’m tugged aside by Dante so he can make me a drink.

  “You two talk. I’m going to make sure the rooms are sorted,” Stephanie says, scurrying away.

  “Oh, okay.” I follow her departure with my eyes, unable to wipe the smile off my face.

  “Okay spill. Tell me everything,” Dante says, leaning toward me.

  I laugh. “What do you mean? About myself? Umm…well, I live in Austin, and I work at an advertising agency—”

  “Boo,” he interrupts. “No offense, but I don’t want to hear about work. Blah. How long have you and your boyfriend been together?”

  He picks up a slice of grapefruit and squeezes it into a glass, carefully cupping his hand around it so juice doesn’t spray onto the counter.

  It takes me a second to realize he’s talking about Aiden. I look back to see him still talking to some of the guys, and the girls have joined them now too.

  I can’t remember Aiden’s lie from the other night. How long did he say we’d been dating? I decide to be vague just so I don’t get us in trouble.

  “Not long,” I supply, watching him make my cocktail.

  “Is it serious?”

  “Oh, umm…yes?” Then I backtrack. “Though he might tell you something different.”

  “Ah, men. So difficult to pin down. I’ve been with my partner for nine years now, and if you ask him, he’d say we’re still getting to know each other.” He rolls his eyes. “Come on, let’s go make him jealous,” Dante says, handing me my drink then curving around the island so he can take my hand in his.

  He leads me over to the group of people and Aiden watches our approach, his attention pinned on Dante’s hand on mine.

  “Aiden, mind if I steal your girlfriend for a few minutes? I want to show her the view of the mountains before the sun completely sets.”

  “Why don’t we all go?” Cadence suggests with a smile. “Yes, c’mon. Everyone get a drink and let’s go outside!”

  Dante winks down at me and whispers, “Well, I tried. Don’t worry, we’ll get him to commit by the end of the week.”

  Then he rushes off ahead with Cadence, and I wait for Aiden to catch up with me.

  “Is that one of Elliot’s friends?” he asks, jutting his chin toward Dante.
<
br />   “I think he’s closer to Stephanie.”

  He nods and I can tell he wants me to elaborate, but instead, I conceal a smile.

  “Want a sip of my drink? Dante made it.”

  Aiden grabs it, downing a hefty swallow.

  “Let’s hurry,” I say. “I want to see this sunset everyone’s talking about.”

  Outside the main living area, there’s a sprawling pool deck with several sitting areas, a few loungers, and a fire pit. Native plants and shrubs rim the perimeter of the space, and beyond that, desert sand and dirt stretch all the way to the horizon, where a mountain range steals the last rays of the sun.

  The sky looks filtered, as if someone splashed it with pink and yellow and orange paint.

  It’s breathtaking, and it seems to have made our long drive worth it.

  “See?” I say, glancing up at Aiden. “Maybe this week won’t be so bad.”

  * * *

  Aiden and I have to sleep in the same bed. There’s no getting around it. After drinks and dinner, Stephanie shows us to our bungalow.

  “I secretly gave you guys the best one. It’s totally secluded compared to some of the others, so you don’t have to worry about making too much noise.” Her suggestive wink is not missed by Aiden.

  “Stephanie!” I hiss.

  “What?! I just figured since you guys are a new couple…you know…” Her brows shoot up and down suggestively. “Am I wrong?”

  Aiden laughs, thoroughly enjoying this.

  I move to the window, hoping to divert the conversation.

  “Wow!” I say quickly, my voice high-pitched and loud. “It’s so pretty! Look at the view of the stars.”

  I can’t quite see the stars because the lights are on in the room and there’s a sharp glare on the windows, but no one calls me out on my bullshit.

  “Yes, that’s the other bonus about being in this bungalow: nothing blocking your view. Now, there’s a bathroom just over there and a mini fridge with snacks and drinks inside the armoire. If you need anything, the main house won’t be locked, though there is wildlife in the area, so please be careful walking around outside at night.” Then she starts to head for the door. “Make sure to get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow!”

  She leaves and we’re left alone in our room. Me and Aiden, in a desert bungalow with a queen-sized bed to split between us. Of course, one of us could offer to sleep elsewhere, but there’s no couch in the room, just two mid-century modern armchairs. The floor is out of the question too since it’s stained concrete. I’d probably fracture a hip trying to sleep on it.

  I don’t say a word, waiting to see Aiden’s reaction. He walks around the room, taking in the decor before disappearing down the hall that leads toward the closet and bathroom.

  “Someone hung up our clothes in here,” he says, his voice echoing through the space.

  I should be glad, but I’m not. I could have busied myself with that task for a good while, at least until we got used to the idea of sharing a room like this.

  He emerges from the hallway a second later, looks at me, then looks at the bed.

  “You look worried.”

  “I hadn’t considered our sleeping situation.” I grimace. “I kind of figured we’d each have our own room.”

  He shrugs, utterly at ease. “I could go find Stephanie, ask her if there are any open beds.”

  I shake my head. “She’ll think it’s weird considering we’re supposed to be a couple.”

  “I could tell her I snore really loudly or, y’know, you’re saving yourself for marriage.”

  His suggestions make me laugh, and once I do, my shoulders sag in relief.

  “It’s fine, really. What’s the big deal?” I ask aloud. “We’ve slept with people before.”

  “Well, I hope you know I sleep in the buff.”

  “Aiden!”

  “I’m kidding. C’mon, Maddie. Relax. Let’s get ready for bed and then we can…” He looks around, hunting for something to do. When he comes up empty, he rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t know. We’ll figure it out then.”

  I head toward the closet to grab my pajamas.

  “I’m going to rinse off really quick if that’s okay.”

  He nods. “Sure, no problem.”

  Well, easy for him to say. The entire architectural design of this desert compound is based on minimalism, so there’s no door that separates the bedroom from the bathroom. Fortunately, there is a door to the water closet, so at least people can do their business in peace, but I’m not getting much privacy with my shower.

  I’ll just have to be quick.

  “I’m going to shower now,” I warn Aiden as I turn on the hot water.

  “Sounds good.”

  I reach for my shirt but hesitate before I pull it off over my head. “I’m going to undress.”

  He laughs. “Yeah, kind of figured you would.”

  “Well, just…you know, the way the mirror is hanging, if you walk on the left side of the bed, you’ll be able—”

  “Maddie, just shower.”

  I whip off my shirt and bra then push down my pants and panties before leaping into the shower and grabbing for some shampoo and soap. At once, I clean my hair and body, bathing with superhuman speed. I bang my elbow against the glass wall and curse. Aiden asks me if I’m all right, and his voice sounds suspiciously close. I cover all my private bits and scream at him that I’m fine.

  Then I squeeze more body wash out onto my hand and lather up my legs and feet.

  In total, I’m probably in there for three minutes tops. It’s pretty impressive right up until I cut the water, turn to step out, and realize I don’t have a towel.

  I look around the bathroom in panic. There’s no linen closet, no drawers under the bathroom sink. This minimalism bullshit is for the birds.

  I curse under my breath.

  My skin blooms with goose bumps now that there’s no hot water pouring over me. I hop from one foot to the other, trying to stay warm as I survey every available nook and cranny of the bathroom.

  I could step out and put on my dirty clothes, but the idea doesn’t sit well with me. They’re covered in desert dust and Gardetto crumbs.

  The closet is back toward the bedroom, and there’s no way I can make it there without Aiden seeing me.

  I let my forehead smack against the glass door and decide I’ll just stand here until Aiden falls asleep then I’ll walk out and get my clothes. Thirty seconds turns into a minute. It feels like I’ve been standing here all night, and I’m really shivering now. I don’t think I’ll last.

  “Are you almost done? I want to shower after you.”

  With a heavy groan, I reply, “Houston, we have a problem.”

  He laughs from the other room. “What is it?”

  “I forgot a towel.”

  “No worries, I saw them in the closet. I’ll bring you one.”

  I lift my head up off the glass, my eyes widening in panic. “Just throw it into the bathroom and I’ll scurry out and get it.”

  “You seem to forget I’ve already seen you naked.”

  “Yes, well let’s not make it a habit, shall we!?”

  A second later, a rolled-up towel flies through the air and smacks against the bathroom mirror, knocking it off the wall. I watch in horror as it falls, hits the vanity, and then shatters into a million pieces on the floor.

  Holy shit.

  “Please tell me that didn’t just happen,” Aiden says.

  Inhuman noises fall from my lips. I sound like a distressed animal.

  “Did the glass break?” he asks, desperately clinging to a morsel of hope.

  “Yes! Aiden! Why’d you do that?!”

  “What? You didn’t want me to come in there, so I threw the towel just like you asked me to.”

  “I didn’t mean to chuck it like that. You threw it like you were starting for the Yankees!”

  “Sometimes I don’t know my own strength.”

  “Now is not the time for
jokes!”

  I start to pace in the small confines of the shower. “I’m stuck! If I step out, I’m going to slice my foot open.”

  Glass is everywhere. Eh-ver-ee-where.

  “Okay, don’t do that. Just hang on.” His voice is growing louder and then he just appears in the doorway of the bathroom—OH HELLO SOME OF US ARE NAKED IN HERE!

  I scream and crouch down on the floor of the shower with my arms wrapped around my knees. My hair hangs down like a curtain around me.

  “Would you chill out? I’m not coming in here to ogle you. I’m trying to clean up this mess.”

  “Good luck. You’ll have to go get a broom or something from the main house.” He turns to leave and I hurry to add, “But don’t tell anyone what it’s for! I don’t want Stephanie knowing about the mirror yet. I need to come up with a good excuse.”

  “Right. Got it.”

  Then he’s gone, and I realize after the fact that I should have asked him to (gently!) toss me the towel before he left. Now I’m stuck here, still naked, still cold, still royally annoyed to be in this situation.

  It seems like Aiden’s gone for ages. I start to hum a song to myself to keep the psychosis at bay. I consider etching marks into the glass with my fingernail as a way to count my days in confinement.

  Then, finally, he’s back.

  He has a broom and a dustpan.

  “Oh thank god. Where’d you find it?”

  “Stephanie got it for me.”

  My eyes widen. “What’d you tell her it was for?”

  “I said we like to role-play. You know, the whole naughty French maid thing.”

  I choke. “You’re kidding.”

  “Well, you didn’t want me telling her about the mirror, so I had to improvise.”

  “Now she thinks we’re kinky.”

  He shrugs, unbothered.

  Gasp.

  Maybe Aiden is kinky!?

  “Have you role-played with girlfriends before?”

  “Do you really want to be having this conversation right now?”

  He looks at me with a quirked brow, and I remember my current state of undress.

  “Right. Carry on.”

  He nods then disappears down the hallway. In a second, he’s back with a new, clean towel. He walks carefully over the broken glass, crunching it under his shoes, and then cracks open the shower door. His eyes are averted—thank god—as he passes it down to me, and I waste no time wrapping it around myself.