The beginning notes ofWillowstart up as I head to the kitchen with my bag of prizes and pop the Prosecco in the fridge. Thankfully, Veronica and I didn’t break up until after the cake had been cut, so I was able to snack and get something to eat before we pulled out our Oscar-worthy performance. So, I don’t need to eat. But judging by the empty shelves, Idoneed to go to the store sometime this week. I guess I could head out tomorrow since I’ll likely be getting everything set up for the evening, which reminds me I need to message my date to set up a meeting to go over everything.
I pull out my phone and bring up my new contact,Aaron Smith.
Me: Good Evening. This is Jacob Riley. I know it’s late, but I spoke with your cousin, Chris earlier today about our date at Astrid Marina tomorrow and I wanted to text to confirm the date and set up a meetingprior to go over the details. Whatever time works best for you.
I set the phone down as I pull out my book and snacks, and a moment later, the phone chimes with his response.
Aaron Smith: Hey, it’s fine. I don’t even know what time it is.
Aaron Smith: Or what day if, I’m being honest.
Me: What, are you a time traveler?
Aaron Smith: Worse. I’m a businessman. I’m all fucked up from the time change and jet lag.
I smirk, shaking my head. Businessman. Interesting. I wonder what kind of business he’s in.
Me: Well, it’s ten pm, Thursday night. So that should help.
Aaron Smith: Right. Tomorrow’s Friday.
Aaron: You are confirming our date, right?
I don’t miss the sense of nervousness in his text. Taylor echoes her words about calling someonebabefor the weekend, and I feel the melancholy lyrics and melody like a comforting hug.
Me: Yes. This is your confirmation.
Aaron Smith: Thank fuck.
Aaron Smith: Sorry, didn’t mean to curse. Totally not professional.
Yeah, he definitely seems nervous, but I’m used to that. Most of the guys who hire me are nervous, not knowing how to act or what to say. Women struggle too, sometimes, depending on the situation, but they at leastknowwhat they’re supposed to do. The guys renting me are usually uncomfortable for one reason or another, and it takes awhile for them to warm up, which is why I usually require a meeting ahead of the event to get everyone on the same page with what the expectations are for both of us. So we can get our roles solid and build that level of comfortability with one another before we have to play pretend.
And it also helps too, in terms of PDA. Some dates get nervous about the kissing and touching and I find if we do it a couple times before the event, things run smoother and it’s more believable.
Me: Totally fine, I promise. This isn’t a business transaction, I’m your boyfriend, remember?I send him a winking emoji.
Aaron Smith: Right. Totally forgot lol
I smirk at his addedlol. He must be a millennial or something. I’m pretty sure no one under the age of forty uses lol anymore.
Aaron Smith: Thanks for taking this on such short notice, baby.
Aaron: I know you’ve been soooo busy.
I laugh at his winking emoji. I tap out another response quickly.
Me: So busy. You’re definitely going to owe me.
I send an emoji with a tongue sticking out and add a lol for good measure.
Aaron Smith: I’ll make it worth your while. Promise.
I can’t help the blush forming in my cheeks at his words. I know he’s being cheeky, flirty even, and I appreciate the banter. It helps me get to know him a little, but for some reason, the words make me feel like he’s being more than cheeky.
It’s an insinuation, and it’s one I need to address. Even though I wish I didn’t have to. Because I need him to understand I’m notthatkind of date. I don’t know what he’s expecting, and he’s paying me a lot of money, so I feel like I need to be clear and it’ll be easier to do it this way, over text. At least that’s what I tell myself.
Me: When are you free to meet up tomorrow beforehand? So we can go over all the details and roles?
