Page 37 of Bittersweet

The guy I like has a family. My parents signed me up for Tinder. My ex-best friend is gettingmarried.

If I don’t make a change in my life, I’m going to end up as a crazy cat lady, and I don’t even particularly likecats.

I snap my laptop shut, decision made. “Let’s get out ofhere.”

15

Romy

Dear lovers,

There are many different elements in a strong relationship. No matter where you stand on the virginal scale, sex will be an important part of your new life with your husband-to-be, make no doubt aboutit!

The good news is, we’re long past the time of the woman having to “grin and bear it,” administering to her man’s needs on the daily because of some antiquated notion of what she’s supposed to provide: a hot meal, an ironed shirt, and sex on tap, all before he goes out for cigars with theboys.

No, today, sex is much more give and take. Whether you’re a giver or a taker—and let’s face it, it’s fun to be both!—talking about your sexual expectations for the future with your husband-to-be is of the utmost importance. There is nothing worse than being left high and dry when you’re feeling wet. Sex in marriage should be a two-waystreet.

Love,

Romy

It turnsout Marc’s definition of a short walk is very different to my own. Twenty minutes later, I’m in Marc Moretti’s home. Marc Moretti’s privatesanctuary.

It’s void of any personal touches. There are no photos of family are on the walls, no artwork adding a splash of color to the white furnishings. The only things that qualify as decorative are the motivational messages in plain black frames lined up at equal intervals throughout thespace.

Trustyourself.

Take a chance onyou.

Feeling good starts from the insideout.

It’s as if he’s decorated his living room to remind me that I’m doing the right thing. Getting over Elio by getting under Marc is definitely a goodidea.

“So, this is it.” Marc gestures to the open-plan kitchen and living room. “Why don’t you relax while I get changed into something morecomfortable?”

Holy crap.He’s giving me the “get changed into something more comfortable” line. That means he’s going to get naked. We’re going to have sex, and it’s going to make me forget all about my coffeehottie.

“Sounds good.” I nod as he disappears down thehall.

What sort of sex will it be? A man like him, he’s in good shape. I wonder if I should be stretching inpreparation?

I place my handbag on the floor, trying to keep my thoughts under control.You’re being an idiot,Romy.

“Sorry, just one sec,” Marc calls, and I swallow. Any minute now, he’s going to come out here, all naked and buff and ready to fuck, and I’ll be standing fully dressed and giving him the wrongimpression.

Just like Elio gaveyou.

I won’t be thatperson.

I won’t make Marc feel as if he’s gone out on a limb, and I’m shoving it back in hisface.

I flip open the top button of my blouse, walking closer to one of the prints to check my level of exposure in the reflection. Good. Sexy, but not over the top. The print glares back at me in stark black and white, its message loud andclear.

Just doit.

Divine intervention,perhaps?

I swallow down my nerves. Maybe it’s time I started acting more like Marc. Maybe me seeing this poster now is like fate pushing me in the rightdirection.

---