Later that day, Tami and I are curled up on the couch, watching a romantic comedy, when I receive another text. I eagerly grab my phone, expecting it to be Lex, but my heart drops when I see Oli’s ID.
Shit, with everything going on, I almost forgot that he tried to kiss me during the party. With a sense of dread clutching my throat, I open his text.
Oli
Hey, Hulkette. I wanted to apologize for the way I behaved yesterday. I’ve been feeling like an ass because I know you’re not into me that way and should have respected it.
I’m not trying to make excuses for myself, but I was in a weird place because my sister had just told me our grandma passed away.
I don’t even think twice before sending him a reply.
Me
Oh, my God. Oli, you should have let me know. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your grandma from Ireland or the one in Idaho?
Oli
Ireland. We weren’t very close to her since we barely ever saw her. But it was still a shock.
Me
Yes, I imagine :(
Oli
Anyway, I’m so sorry that happened. I was looking for comfort, and it got the best of me.
Me
You really should have told me. We’re friends. We talk about those things.
There’s a pause there as he takes a couple of minutes to answer.
Oli
Thank you for being such a good friend, Andy.
Although I don’t feel like a good friend at all, given everything I’m hiding from him, I reply with:
Me
Well, we get the friends we deserve, don’t we?
We talk about it for a little longer, and by the time the movie ends, I feel as though our friendship is stronger. It seems he finally accepted we’ll never be more than friends now. No matter what some people think, men and women can be friends. I’ll prove it with Oliver.
Satisfied with my discussion with Oli, I get ready for the night. When I return to my room, wearing my towel, I open my wardrobe to grab a T-shirt, and my eyes drop to the pink and black striped shopping bags. Tami, of course, recognized them, and the knowing smile she gave me had my cheeks burning with embarrassment.
After I lock my door, I take it all out. One by one, I admire the fine quality of my new things. Delighted with my investment, I lay it all on my bed. I can’t wait to see Lex’s face as he discovers each item.
I’m so eager for it that an idea blooms in my mind.
Maybe now would be a great time to thank him for the pic he so generously sent me. Trying not to overthink it, I impulsively grab the pink balconette bra and retro high-waisted panties he told me he liked. I hang my towel and slip the ensemble on. The bra’s cut is so clever it almost looks like I’m a solid B-cup. I glimpse at myself in the full-length mirror of my wardrobe, hesitating.
The outfit is gorgeous, but I’m not confident enough with my body to take a picture and send it to Lex. I know all too well that he’s used to nudes from women with Victoria’s Secret bodies rather than just the lingerie. When we first met in the elevator, that woman in the pic looked flawless, blonde, slender, with fantastic boobs, a toned stomach, and a bomb body. And he was unfazed by that nude back then. How the fuck will he react to me in my underwear? I’m nowhere near that level of perfection.
But he really likes me, doesn’t he? He won’t mind my flat chest and wide hips.
To give myself some courage, I take the silk kimono I also bought and put it on, leaving it open and hanging on my shoulders. I do some touch-ups on my makeup and add ruby lipstick. Once I feel ready, I fluff my hair and take a pic, holding the phone in front of me. The result doesn’t suit me, so I take another, and another…
