Page 26 of Anti Player

I oblige the server and then Taylor orders an ice cream latte, which is a latte with a scoop of vanilla ice cream inside.

The server leaves. I exhale until I feel Taylor’s leg rub up against mine under the table.

“I was hoping for a different kind of dessert tonight. I had a long hard day at work and could really use the relaxation.” She smiles seductively and twirls a piece of her hair.

I should be flattered. She is a pretty girl. Apparently, she thinks taking things slow is sex on the second date instead of the first.

“It’s been a long day,” I begin. “I just need to go home and crash.”

Taylor winces and withdraws her leg.

Just because I’m a guy doesn’t mean I want sex all the time and with any partner. Maybe I am picky or maybe I am not feeling in the mood.

The server places our drinks in front of us.

Taylor’s upper lip tugs in the corner. To say she doesn’t look pleased is an understatement. “I don’t get it. I’m offering you sex. You do understand that?”

I nod, taken aback by her abrupt demeanor.

“Is this because of what happened today because if it is, I can explain,” she begins.

“Excuse me?” I rear back feeling very confused. There is something off with this girl.

“She told you, that’s the problem,” Taylor states. “But she misunderstood.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, eyeballing her with suspicion.

“You know what? Whatever. Your friend’s a bitch and I don’t need this,” she says and then she’s standing.

It’s then I put two and two together. Maddie worked the bat mitzvah today but I don’t understand what could have happened there.

“Mind explaining because Maddie never said anything.”

“Just great,” she rolls her eyes and huffs. “This is too much. I’m out.” She looks me up and down. “It’s a damn shame too. We could’ve been fire together.” She turns and struts out of the café.

What just happened?

I might as well enjoy my tea, so I sit back and drink it. The server comes by and gives me the bill. On the back is her phone number with a message that says.I can kiss all your boo-boos awaythen a heart. And this is why I am a virgin. Because I don’t like all the crazy.

I pay the bill and leave a tip. I walk home. The whole night runs through my mind. The weird way Taylor said hello. She was expecting something from me and now I understand. She assumed Maddie told me whatever happened today, and something clearly happened. If I’m guessing right, Maddie must have heard Taylor speaking about me and lost her shit. Maddie has always been passionate and she’s all about standing up for those close to her.

By the time I get back to the apartment, I am feeling like shit. It’s not that I don’t want to have sex. I do, I just want it to be with the right person.

I head up in the elevator feeling lonely and down on myself.

When I get off the elevator, I turn to my right and spot Maddie sitting on the same window ledge I found her on the other night, staring out onto the city.

“It’s a great view,” I say.

She startles.

“Shit. Sorry. I thought you heard me,” I say to her.

“I was deep in thought,” she replies quietly.

“You know you can get the same view from inside Brett’s apartment,” I tell her.

She smiles but it seems sad. “I wanted to be alone. Asher is asleep and Brett is watching some action movie.”

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