The Text That Ruined Everything

“I need the bathroom,” I said, but really I just needed to think straight.

I made out with him in the middle of at least forty people… and now I’m about to sleep with him on the first date? How cheap would he think I am? 

I walked away awkwardly, hyperaware of how wet my panty was. Too wet. Shit, Kylie. 

I quickly wiped the toilet seat then relieved myself. The bright red pool of blood on my panty explained the extra wet feeling.

“I guess this is a sign,” I muttered. I actually felt a little disappointed. Part of me really wanted to go home with him, as much as my other part thought it was a bad idea.

I came back with half a smile, my mind made up – the choice made for me.

“You ready to go?”

I pressed my lips together. “I don’t just sleep with guys on the first date.”

He leaned in closer, his dark eyes studying my features with slow movements. 

“I’m not ‘just guys’, am I though?”

Was he? 

His stare deepened, like he was trying to read behind my eyes. “You have a boyfriend?”

I scoffed. “I just got my period.” I admitted.

He looked like he didn’t believe me.

“For real.” I lowered my gaze. “I need to buy pads.”

I don’t know why I said that. 

“Should I go buy it?” Clandor asked. He didn’t look shy or uncomfortable.

I was surprised, in a good way. A guy has never done that for me before. My period was always my own secret. Even when I first got it, I told my mom in a happens-everyday-typa way, then after that I never told anyone about when they came or left. And now there was a man who was offering to buy me pads.

“Here,” I started opening my purse but he interrupted.

“Don’t worry about it.” He said, “I saw a shop outside.”

I scooched out so he could come out.

As I waited, I cursed my periods for coming at the worst possible time. 

He came in with a hand under his jacket, hiding what I assumed was the pads. Now he looked a little nervous. He passed it to me under the table as if it was a kilo of cocaine. 

How cute. I couldn’t hide my smile as I took it from him.

The packet was wrapped in a black bag so why was he still hiding it?

After I changed, we left the club and strolled slowly down to the taxi rank, talking and laughing.

When I got to my taxi, we shared a kiss and then he left.

On my way home I reminisced about our crazy date. It wasn’t like other usual first dates but somehow it felt… perfect. As cliche as it sounded, he felt so different. The way he spoke, his accent, and how he just so easily scooped me off my feet and claimed me. His confidence. I was definitely seeing Clandor again, and if Martha didn’t intrude again, I was sure I was going to let him bend me in every single position he wanted.

I pulled out my phone and texted Macy. I needed to blow off steam. I couldn’t keep all this excitement to myself. 

Me: Guess what?

Bestie: I could literally guess a billion things and one of them probably won’t be what you’re referring to.

I grinned and simultaneously rolled my eyes. 

Me: I was just on a date!

Bestie: You finally said yes to Michael? I told you he was good for you. Where did you guys go?

I paused, disappointed that she’d even think that.

Me: Not Mike. Another guy. Gosh he’s so hot. 

She started calling but I hung up.

Me: In the taxi. Call you when I get home.

Bestie: I want to know! Where did you guys meet? Does he have I*******m?

Me: He is Gordon’s friend. You remember Gordon?

Bestie: Of course I remember Gordon, we went out like twice. Which friend are you talking about?

First of all, I had no idea she went out with Gordon after they met at my birthday. And twice? She never told me. And niether did Gordon.

Me: You went out with Gordon?

Bestie: I didn’t tell you? Must have forgotten cause he really sucks. Now which friend?

A small knot formed in my chest. I felt kind of discouraged to continue sharing my news. Here I was rushing to tell her everything because we didn’t hide anything from each other… only to find out she didn’t even tell me about her and Gordon.

Me: A guy named Clandor. They live together.

She started trying to call again. I hung up but she insisted. Didn’t she read the text of me saying I was in a taxi? I hung up again.

Me: I’m in a taxi!! Don’t want everyone to hear my business.

Bestie: Why Clandor??

Huh? Was that a typo? Did she mean ‘what Clandor’?

As I stared in confusion a follow-up message popped in.

Bestie: Kylie, that guy is a hoe.