“Well, that was more fun than I thought it was going to be,” Jasleen says with a coy tilt of her head. “We should do this again some time.”
Don’t plan on it.“Sure thing!” Jasleen gives me a hover-kiss infarewell before saying goodbye to Amanda and Stuart, reminding them of the time and date of their Pilates appointment. I give my farewells to the pair, too, and watch as they climb into their respective vehicles and exit the parking lot.
I look to Olsen, who’s hovering close by. “It was good seeing you again,” I offer, risking a step closer.
He smiles that charming smile of his and steps toward me, too. “I’ve seen you twice more than I ever expected to after that first night together.”
I tsk. “More than one person should ever have to endure.”
He laughs, eyes twinkling. “You need a ride home?”
“The next bus should be here in about fifteen minutes.”
“I don’t mind driving, if you’re comfortable with that.” He nods his head over his shoulder to his two-seater sports car.
I furrow my brow. “Didn’t you and Lex come here together? Where’s she going to sit?”
“She’s going out for drinks with Lynn,” he says, nodding his head over his other shoulder.
I look past him to see them standing by Lynn’s SUV, which is all shiny and spotless, just like she is. Are they going back to her place after getting drinks? I bet Lynn has a nice place, too—an apartment with big windows that doesn’t smell like musty old house and dog breath, and an aesthetic that doesn’t scream “thrift shopping.” If they go home together, will they getphysical? Is Lex the type of person to do that after just one date, if they consider this a date?Why is this bothering me so much?
I clear my throat and refocus my attention on Olsen. Olsen, who I’ve been hoping would give me a second chance. Olsen, who’s trying to spend time with me alone. Olsen, who can break my curse so I can live happily ever after.
“In that case, a ride home would be great. Thank you.” I smile.
Olsen and I walk toward his car, and the whole time I’m looking over at Lex, hoping she notices me, waves goodbye,something. But she doesn’t.
And when Olsen and I are pulling out of the parking lot and they’re disappearing behind me in the rear-view mirror, I can’t help but notice Lynn lean in for a kiss.
“Aubrey?” Olsen’s voice is tentative, concerned.
“Hmm? Oh!” My face flushes hot. Was he talking to me that whole time? “Sorry, I was... distracted. Did you say something?”
“I was just asking for your address.” I relay it to him, and he sets up his mapping software on the screen in front of us. “That was fun,” he says casually.
“Yeah, it was. I’d say I’m well on my way to going pro.”
“A couple more private lessons and I’m sure you’ll have a trophy on your shelf.”
I grin. “Remind me to tell you my bowling trophy story one day.”
He glances at me as he turns. “I don’t get to hear it now?”
“I’d say that story is fifth-date material.” As soon as I say it I cringe, and the atmosphere in his car tenses. “Sorry, I mean, not like this is a date, or to assume we ever would, especially after the zipper fiasco, which your friends all knew about, which I’m sure is super awkward, and—”
“Aubrey, relax. It’s fine. I can assure you, everything is still in perfect working order.”
“I guess some prayers do get answered,” I say, then gasp when I hear the words that just came out of my mouth. “Not that I prayed for your penis! I mean, if I were the praying type I might, but that’s not what I meant.”
Olsen laughs, his eyes crinkling in the corners. “You’re hilarious.”
I manage to laugh it off, but to avoid further conversationand risk the curse any more than I already have, I turn up the radio. The rest of the drive passes without incident. Olsen parks outside my house, turning in his seat to face me. My face warms and my heart quickens as I realize that this is it—the moment that could determine the rest of my future.
I open my mouth to speak, but Olsen talks first. “Listen. I had a lot of fun today. And I know we got off to a weird start, but I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime. Just the two of us.”
Just the two of us, with no Lex to save me when shit hits the fan. I’ll have to pack my own wet wipes and spare pants and...
And this is what I wanted. This is what needs to happen.