Page 13 of Sharing Shadow Secrets
“Why?” Gwen asks, tying her long, black hair into a messy bun.
“I’ll tell you after.”
Gwen squints her dark brown eyes at me.
“If this is your way of tricking us into taking out the trash, try again. That’s your chore,” Morgan chides.
“Ha! No. One of you will get a very fancy thing.”
Staring at each other, they silently pound their fists three times. Morgan picked paper. Gwen picked rock.
“So, Brandon can no longer make the date tonight and said I should have one of my friends replace him at the reservation. He is picking up the tab.”
“You’re taking me to Cable?” Morgan gasps, and I nod. “Fuck yeah!”
I unlock my phone and start texting Brandon.
Taylor
My roommate Morgan can join me.
Brandon
Nice! Have fun.
Considering the offer, I want to set some boundaries.
Taylor
Can we add alcohol to the tab? I saw online there is a wine or cocktail pairing you can choose from. Can you give me a budget? I feel weird about this, so make me feel less weird.
Brandon
You’re sweet. Go wild. I don’t care that you drink, as long as it’s responsibly. And never drunk text or call me. That’s a dealbreaker.
This is so weird and formal yet, like … mature? I think I like his directness. It’s cool of him to not cancel the reservation and to be cool with us adding one of the alcohol pairings to the experience.
Back in my room, I stare at my closet, no longer focused on the workday and getting excited about dinner. I put on a low-cutbodysuit and a long, silk skirt. Then add strappy sandals. Feeling flirty, I text a photo of my look to Brandon.
Taylor
You sure you have to be in Switzerland?
Brandon
I didn’t think I could hate my dad any more than I do right now.
I smile and then think back to all of our texts and conversation. He’s never said anything about my body. Like he’s said it without saying it. But I would also like adamnorfuck.
Taylor
You can objectify me anytime. I won’t be offended. I’d actually like it.
Brandon
Best done in person.
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