Page 8 of The Hookup Situation

My best friend looks more than a little uncomfortable when I ask him to help me set up a Grindr profile. Weird, cuz I thought he’d be elated I was joining his team, so to speak. He does it though; walks me through everything and helps me pick out a username, and even takes a couple pics of me shirtless that Ican upload (face not included), though he seems flustered the entire time. He helps me fill out the profile section and I keep it simple. I state that I’m a student, my major and minor — phys ed and biology, and that I’m figuring things out, and need someone who’s willing to experiment with me because I want to be honest from the get go. I don’t want someone showing up expecting me to know what the fuck I’m doing. I’ve even made my usernameCurious2002.

I feel like this is better than trying to find someone to hook up with at a bar. Once I’ve reached out to someone or they’ve reached out to me, I won’t be able to chicken out. I mean, I could, but it will be harder. If I go out somewhere, I’m sure I’ll just sit there like a statue again and get nothing accomplished. And I don’t want to be inexperienced when I finally get up the courage to talk to the guy I’ve been semi-stalking for the last several weeks.

It doesn’t take long after setting everything up that my phone starts to go a little crazy with notifications. I really wasn’t expecting it, and I’m honestly so overwhelmed by it all I end up shutting it off.

When I finally power my phone back on the next morning I’m a bit shocked at all the Grindr messages I’ve received. Lots of guys out there apparently would be happy to “show me the ropes.”

Jesus, now that I’m staring it in the face it all feels a bit intimidating. I scroll through them but I don’t see any that interest me enough to want to reply. They’re all just saying how they could give me a good time or they would be happy to be my first. A couple guys just sent me dick pics. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it, it’s just not the vibe I’m going for. I want someone who’s a bit more…caring, maybe? Sensitive. Ugh, I don’t know. Maybe Grindr wasn’t the right idea.

I keep scrolling until I see a message fromTheaterslutthat was sent last night and reads:Hey, I saw you’re only about a block away from me, and since you’re a student I assume you also go to CSU? I really like how honest you were in your profile about being new to all of this. Honesty is super sexy. If you’re interested in meeting up at my place or yours let me know. I’m free tomorrow after nine.

Wow. He’s perfect. No telling me how good he can make me feel or how big his schlong is. Nothing even about how hot my profile pic is, which I actually really like. His profile pic is seriously hot, though. It’s a shot of his ass in a pair of lacy black panties. A good portion of his pale, slender back is showing, too, and that just makes it sexier.

My hands are trembling a bit when I reply.

Curious2002: I’m free tonight too. My place?

FOUR

JACKSON

I’m intrigued to see a new Grindr profile pop up not far from me while I am lying in bed after another long night of rehearsal, and the gorgeous pecs and toned abs in the photo catch my eye right away, as well as the details in the bio. The guy sounds smart if he’s majoring in phys ed and minoring in biology. He’s a student at CSU, so he has to be around my age, which I prefer.

Curious2002: Looking for someone who won’t mind that I’m new to this, like really new, and trying to figure things out.

Damn, why does that turn me on so much? The honesty, the vulnerability? It takes a lot of guts to admit that, and I really respect him for it. I generally prefer guys who are experienced and know what they want, but there’s something intriguing about being with someone who is new to it all, too. I kind of like the idea of showing him the ropes, and seeing how he responds. If it goes well, hopefully it will give him more confidence, or at least help him figure some things out.

According to Grindr he’s only about a block away from my apartment, so I send him a message. When he still hasn’tresponded an hour later I figure maybe he isn’t interested, and I’m disappointed, but I’m also exhausted, so I turn off my bedside lamp and drift to sleep.

When I check my phone the next morning I’m surprised to see that he’s replied, and for some reason I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face.

Curious2002: I’m free tonight, too. My place?

Theaterslut: Ten?

Curious2002: Sounds good

Why do I have a smile on my face the entire way to class?

I’m finishing up with a run later that afternoon and heading back to my apartment to shower when my phone dings.

Lucy: You free tonight?

Me: No, sorry, got plans

Lucy: What’s more important than watching trashy television with your best friend?

Me:Peach emoji

Lucy: Eye roll emoji

Me: Smiley emoji

Lucy: Tomorrow?

Me: After play practice

Lucy: Rave? Ten o’clock?

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