“What doyouwant from a mate?” she asked me.
I underlinedGOOD SEXa third time, followed byFUNandCOMPANIONSHIP.
“These would be my top things, but I like everything on the list. Anything else to add?”
Zoe was quiet for a moment.
I studied her, waiting for the answer she was clearly considering.
“I don’t know. I guess the most important thing to me is feeling safe. I had to walk on eggshells as a kid, and when I was with Josh too. I just want to stop worrying about everything all the time. I know that will take more time and therapy, but I feel like having a safe relationship could help a little. Is that crazy?”
“No, it’s not crazy. You should absolutely be able to feel safe with your mate,” I agreed, putting that on the list too.
SECURITY
CONFIDENCE
SAFETY
“I don’t know how we would start with all of that.” Zoe gestured to the paper.
I numbered them, folding the page in half from the bottom and quickly remaking the list.
1. COMPANIONSHIP
2. FUN & DISTRACTIONS
3. SHARING A BED
4. FRIENDSHIP
5. HUGS
6. SECURITY/CONFIDENCE/SAFETY
“You forgot the sex.” Zoe gestured to the page.
“Nah, I figured it would seem too forward to put it in front of something.”
“I guess it technically came beforeFUN & DISTRACTONS.”
“I guessyoutechnically came beforeFUN & DISTRACTIONS.”
She laughed. “Or maybe that was part of it. It got me through shifting the first time, so it could belong even before companionship.”
“What do you mean?”
She flushed redder. “Maybe we should move on to the next step? Sharing a bed? Since we’ve already started the first two.”
“You’re avoiding the question, Zoe.”
“Am I?”
“Yeah. I’ll let it slide because you’re so fucking pretty.”
Her blush spread down her neck, and she pulled her blanket over part of her face. “I don’t know how to react when you say things like that. I’m not used to being complimented.”
“I’m not looking for a response. Just stating a fact.”
