Page 16 of The Hookup Mix-up

Hot Dancing Guy: I know. I just wanted to apologize again and say thanks for hanging out today. I had fun! We should chill again… Look at me watching my word choice! Not hook up. We’re gonna chill!

I can’t help but snicker again.

Me: I’m changing your name in my phone to Puppy.

Hot Dancing Guy: That would take me down to an eight, at the very least. Are you sure you want to do that?

Me: Are you still thinking about how hot I think you are? Curious… Oh, and I like puppies.

I add a smiley-face emoji at the end of my text, then shove my phone into my pocket. It takes me a moment to realize my cheeks are hurting.

“What are you smiling so big at?” Marshall asks as he sets down a box, then steps around the bar to organize the bottles. He’s this sexy, sweet guy with brown hair and glasses, who works as a barback. Marshall is the definition of nice guy.

“Nothing,” I reply, but really, it’s hard not to smile when it comes to Theo.

Puppy: So…what are you doing tonight?

It’s late Monday afternoon and the first time I’ve heard from Theo all day. School started, and since I don’t know his schedule, I didn’t want to bother him if he was busy. Plus, I’m not really a text-first kind of guy unless it’s a hookup question. I don’t ever want to come off as clingy, needing or wanting anyone too much. It helps me keep that mental distance. I’m a walls-up guy. Not in the same way as Brax. Not like I hate the world or want to bite everyone’s head off, but just that I don’t want to let people in or depend on anyone. Giving someone the chance not to want me? To walk away from me? Not really my thing.

Me: Trying to decide between meeting up with this guy I’m talking to on a hookup app or going to do food deliveries. One feels good, but the other helps me make money, and I’m broke, so the decision isn’t as easy as one might think.

Puppy: Definitely go with delivery.

Me: Because it’s responsible?

Puppy: No, because then I can go with you!

I frown, not having expected that.

Me: Why would you want to go? It’s boring AF.

In some ways Theo acts like someone who doesn’t have other people in his life, but I know that’s not true. He’s talked about his family and the guys he shares a house with. They seem to be close friends, and I imagine they’re not the only ones in his life, but for whatever reason, he seems to want to chill with me. It’s…perplexing.

Puppy: Which is why it’s so nice of me to go with you. I won’t subject you to that on your own.

Me: Ah, but remember my other option is getting laid.

Puppy: Money is more important. And so are friends. We’re friends, Perry! Bros before blows. (Blowjobs. Get it?)

My cheeks hurt, and I realize it’s because I’ve been holding a smile. Again. Jesus, this guy.

I can pretend I’m going to choose the hookup, but the truth is, I do need to make some more money. Bills before… Shit. I can’t think of anything to rhyme with that.

Me: What am I going to do with you?

Puppy: Pick me up in fifteen?

I sigh.

Me: I’ll be there.

And once again, for a reason I don’t understand, I let him cockblock me.

I change into another pair of jeans and T-shirt, then jump into my car and drive to Theo’s. He’s sitting on the porch, looking at his phone, but glances up as soon as I stop along the curb. He gives me a huge smile that basically swallows his face, and then he bounces on his feet and jogs over. It’s like he’s always happy to see me, and while I’m sure he’s like that with everyone, I can’t pretend it doesn’t feel good.

“You’re the most genuine person I’ve ever met,” I say when he gets into the car.

“Huh?” He frowns, as if he can’t understand why I would say that. I don’t think Theo realizes most of the good things about himself. I still can’t get over the fact that he didn’t realize how hot he is. And this seems equally confusing to him.

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