“Twenty-eight.And you?”
“Thirty-three, almost thirty-four.Probably the oldest person you’ve ever dated.”
“Probably.”
“Also, the least interesting.And the least attractive.”
I didn’t take you for an insecure guy, Doctor.
“What makes you think that?”
“I’ve seen a few photos of you around.I know who you usually hang out with.”
“I wasn’t referring to that.”
“Hmm?”
“What makes you think you’re not attractive?”
“Oh…” The Doctor blushes.“I really… I don’t think… Was that a compliment?”he asks.
“Something like that.”
“I didn’t think you were one for compliments.”
“I am not.I made an exception to the rule.”
“Do you have many rules?”
“Some…”
“Let’s hear them; I’m curious.”
“I don’t think this is the right time to talk about it.”
“Why?I told you about my novels; now you can say something about yourself.”
“My rules are very simple,” I say, clearing my throat and watching him closely.“No more than three dates.No more than three times together.No more than three weeks.”
The Doctor opens his mouth but says nothing.
“No more than three dates before sex.No more than three times in bed, and the whole thing has to happen within three weeks,” I explain.
“I see…” he says, glancing down.“So, let’s say this is our third date, counting the other two, even if they were only quick ones.From here, either we sleep together, or we call it off, if I’m doing the math correctly.”
“The other two times don’t count.They weren’t real dates.”
“Ah, that’s very reassuring.”
“Would you have preferred to know earlier?”
“I don’t know.Maybe,” he replies, disappointment threading through his voice.
“Maybe I should have told you the other night, but those are my rules.It’s not a contract; I don’t expect the other person to sign it.”
“The other person…” His tone drops again.“So… anyone.”
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
