Page 19 of The Hookup Situation

He seems to be wrestling with himself. “I’ll think about it,” he finally says.

“So you’ll see me again?”

“We’ll see.”

He goes to open the door but I stop him. “Wait. Don’t I get your name?”

He turns back, hesitates a little, then says, “Jackson.”

Then he’s gone.

SIX

JACKSON

It’s three days later, and I’m getting out of play practice when my phone alerts me that I have a new message onGrindr.

My heart rate picks up when I see it’s from him.Curious2002. Preston. I’ve been scolding myself since the Halloween party for not onlynottelling him we weren’t hooking up again, but fucking him in the goddamn bathroom and telling him my name, which I never do. More information means more connection, and I don’t need that. But goddamn him, I couldn’t tell him no. What is it about him that has me so flustered? So ready to throw my rules out the fucking window just because he grins at me or bats those baby blues? What is it about him that makes me want more? Makes me want to see that sexy smile or hear him tell me what he wants me to do to him?

I don’t know but it’s the same fucking reason I open his message and read.

Curious2002: Hey Tinkerbell, you free tonight? I’ve jerked off to thoughts of you for two nights now and I need the realthing.Attached is a dick pic and his cock is hard as granite and oozing precum.

Fuck, he pisses me off and turns me on all at the same time. My dick jerks as I stare at the picture and imagine him getting off to thoughts of me.

I tell myself not to respond, because I know no good will come of it. It can’t last. I’m just setting myself up for disappointment. No one picks me in the end.

“Look, you’re a great lay, but you’re not relationship material.”

“Fucking you is one thing, but I can’t bring you home.”

“Hey, honey, I know we said we’d try to be there but we’re not going to be able to make it. Work is crazy. We’ll try again next time.”

But like I said before, I’m a masochist, and I’ve never been a good listener either, so I reply, and take a moment to hate myself for it.

Theaterslut: On my way to hang out with some friends right now. Could maybe come by later?

Curious2002: Smiley face. I have a group project thingy right now, but I can meet up after. probably be late.

Theaterslut: Let me know when you’re done and I’ll decide if I’m not already in bed

Curious2002: If you do come can I make a request?

Well now I’m hella curious.

Theaterslut: What?

Curious2002: Can you wear some pretty panties like you had on when we fucked the first time? They were hot as hell on you and they keep appearing in my fantasies. Smiley face

Damn him. Now I’m hard as I make my way to Rory’s place for a movie night. He’s been adjusting to his new apartment and his roommate pretty well, and I’ve stopped worrying about him so much, which is nice. Parker is super sweet and takes amazingcare of him. I’ve seen his confidence bloom in the last few weeks and he seems happier than he ever did with Zach. I wouldn’t be surprised if their relationship has morphed into more than roommates, because I know Rory has been crushing on him too.

When I reach the apartment, Lucy is arriving at the same time. I switch the Grindr notification to vibrate and shove it in my pocket, greeting her with a grin and a kiss on the cheek.

“How are you?” she asks. “I didn’t see you much at the Halloween party.”

I flush. “I’m good. Just busy with the play coming up and all.”

She nods and knocks on the door.

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