“That’s what you’re worried about?” She screeches through the phone. “Poppy, you could be sleeping with two different guys and still not be doing anything wrong. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Funny, that’s exactly the term Braden used when we first met. So maybe this is okay. But…
“Am I leading them on if I’m not up-front about it?”
“Nobody expects you to be exclusive off the bat. But what’s going on with Braden? I thought you couldn’t stand him outside his ‘find-a-husband-for-sex’inspiring bedroom skills?”
“I can’t most of the time. But I can’t shake the guy, and honestly, I like his persistence. Something about it makes me feel, I don’t know… wanted? Also, I can’t put my finger on it, but he was different last night. I mean, don’t get me wrong, he was still the same Braden, trying hard to have phone sex, but beyond that, he was… cute.”
She laughs on the other end. “Cute? I never thought I’d hear that word to describe Braden. Hmmm. I wonder what he’s playing at. It’s not like you guys could be serious, though. He’s five states away.”
“I know, right? And now he’s trying to start this book club thing where we read together. But it was weird how he stopped texting last night and then picked right back up today like he didn’t ghost me the night before. You know what? I’m probably stressed for nothing, and he’ll give up anyway.”
“Well, even if he doesn’t, you shouldn’t worry about talking to both of them. You’ve got to play the field while looking for a man.”
“I just wish I’d put myself out there sooner. I want a family, and now you guys are all having babies, and I feel like I’m even later to the game. My parents were already married with kids at my age, and here I am, unable to hold onto a guy past a few dates.”
“That’s because you always let them go. You need to find someone worth keeping, but until then, have fun and stop overthinking it.”
I stifle a groan. “Easier said than done.”
“You’re right, which is why you should continue to practice,” she says mischievously, causing my eyes to roll even though she can’t see me.
We chat for a bit longer, talking about motherhood and married life, before saying goodbye and promising to call more often. I’m so happy for her and her new life, but boy, do I miss having her here.
I’m in good spirits when I hop into Matt’s car and am glad we’re doing this. I’m excited for another opinion on the whole two-men-at-once thing. Though it takes until we’re sipping drinks, waiting for our meal, to finally work up the courage to bring up my so-called dating life.
“So, do you remember that app I signed up for? The one without the pictures?” I ask nonchalantly
“Oh yeah, how’s it going?”
“Friday was the first time I went on since they approved my profile, and I matched with the first guy I chose.”
He chuckles. “Of course you did.”
“What does that mean?”
“That you’re a catch. Who wouldn’t pick you?”
“Well, I’m not sure about that, but anyway, he messaged me right away, and we ended up chatting the rest of the night. The weird thing is, I was texting Braden the whole time too,” I say sheepishly.
Matt’s brows drew together condemningly. “The guy from Cici’s wedding? The one you had the fling with?”
“Yeah. We went out to a club when I was there last time, and he’s been messaging me since.” It comes out in a rush, omitting our extracurricular activities.
“I thought it was a one-time thing.” His contempt is evident.
“It was.”
“Then why have you been talking to him?”
I’m not sure how to answer. WhyamI? I’m obviously sexually attracted to Braden, but am I willing to admit that I might like the guy?
I sigh loudly before answering. “Because I’m having fun, and there’s more to him than first meets the eye.” As soon as the words are out, I know they’re true, and my whole body feels lighter—like I’ve passed some test I was agonizing over. I’m relieved to have put that out in the universe, and any hesitation I felt is suddenly gone with the simplicity of the truth.
“I wouldn’t let your guard down around him, that’s for sure. He seemed like theuse her and lose hertype.”
Our meal is delivered, pausing the conversation, thank God. Is it weird to tell a guy friend about my sex life? Yeah. But if I want real advice, then I need to be up front about the situation, and give him the whole picture, or I’m wasting my time.
