Page 64 of The Goat in the Bedroom
We found a table by the window, and I tried to recover. Maybe the eye contact thing would help. That had been workingso well with Gryff, creating this intense, intimate connection. Surely it would work with Tyson too.
“So,” I said, once we were settled with our drinks, “want to try something?”
“Sure?”
“Let's just... look at each other, like into each other's eyes. For thirty seconds. No talking.” I leaned forward, fixing my gaze on his. “It's about connection.”
“Is this a staring contest?” He looked more amused than uncomfortable.
“No, it's about being present. Intimate. Trust me.”
I set the timer on my phone and then locked eyes with him, trying to recreate that electric feeling from my exercises with Gryff. But instead of intensity, there was just... awkwardness. Tyson's eyes were crinkling at the corners like he was trying very hard not to laugh.
Ten seconds felt like ten minutes.
“This is weird,” he said at fifteen seconds, but he was smiling.
“Just a little longer,” I insisted, leaning in more.
“Artemis, you look like you're trying to download my thoughts directly into your brain.”
“I'm not, it's supposed to be intimate.”
“It's intense, I'll give you that.” He finally broke, laughing. “Is this something from a magazine? 'Ten ways to hypnotize your date'?”
I broke eye contact, mortified. “Sorry. I was just trying to... connect.”
“Maybe we could just talk?” he suggested, taking a large gulp of his too sweet coffee and immediately making a face. “Whew, this is like drinking candy.”
My phone buzzed.
GRYFF
How's it going? Use the eye contact yet?
It didn't go well. He said I looked like I was trying to download his thoughts.
You probably weren't doing it right. Try again. But this time, touch his hand while you do it.
That seems like a lot
Trust me. Physical contact enhances the connection.
I looked up at Tyson, who was stirring his drink, presumably to make it tolerable.
“Sorry about the coffee thing,” I said. “I thought?—“
“It's fine. Just unexpected.” He pushed the drink aside. “So tell me about your rugby training. How's it going?”
This was better. Normal conversation. I could do this.
“It's good. Intense. I actually have been working on being more present in my body, more aware of what I need.”
He gave me a once over, and that sparkle in his eye told me he liked what he saw. “That's... good?”
“Yeah, like right now, I need...” What did I need? What had Gryff taught me to ask for? “I need someone who notices when I need water without me having to ask.”
Tyson looked at the water glasses on our table, then back at me. “There's literally water right there.”
