Right Track
Poppy
Damn, that man is sexy. I wasn’t expecting him to send a picture in return.
Heck, I can hardly believe I sent him one to begin with.
It’s so unlike me, but the one he sent back makes it very worth it.
He’s obviously going out tonight with how well he’s dressed, and I’m surprised at the pangs of jealousy that creates.
Which is crazy, mind you, since he’s absolutely not who I’m looking for.
Although the more I think about it, the more I’m considering giving in to Braden’s book club proposal. It might be fun to have a long-distance fling. Practice for the real thing, maybe?
Thank goodness I ran out of beer last night because my head could have been much worse today.
As it was, the first thing I did when I got out of bed this morning was head for the medicine cabinet for ibuprofen so I could clean the house.
Luckily, I muddled through. Now, I’ll still have my whole Sunday tomorrow to relax.
Part of me is mortified at everything I told Owen, and part of me is relieved. Confessing to my inexperience early on is probably for the best, and the fact that he’s still interested makes it even better. Owen was so sweet after my awkward first-time revelation.
Braden, on the other hand, was an unexpected spinoff.
I’m not sure what to think about him. He oddly stopped texting after suggesting we start a book club together, so I figured he must’ve fallen asleep or given up on me knowing I wouldn’t cave to phone sex.
But then he surprised me with his text a bit ago, doubling his efforts about this club he’s trying to convince me of.
When the ping sounded and I saw his name, I was shocked at how giddy it made me. Maybe I have Stockholm Syndrome. Yeah, yeah, I know… that’s when someone kidnaps you. But he sort of did kidnap my body because it certainly hasn’t felt the same since he had his way with it.
I’m not sure how to proceed with either of them from here. Owen asked for another chat date tonight, to which I agreed. Unfortunately, I had to postpone, since Matt and I made dinner plans, but I told him I’d text him afterward if it wasn’t too late.
We decided not to do Truth or Dare again, which honestly makes me nervous. The game made it easier to break the ice, giving us a framework to follow. I’m a little worried if the conversation will flow as smoothly without it.
However, things with Braden were left unfinished.
Surprisingly, I enjoyed the banter with Braden as much as Owen.
The question is whether texting two guys at once is the same as dating two guys, and if so, is that wrong?
Since I’m completely out of my element, I’m consulting an expert before dinner.
“Poppy! I was just telling my parents that I feel like we haven’t talked in forever,” Cici says, answering my call.
“That’s because we haven’t. How is Abby? You’re not sending enough pictures.”
“She’s amazing, and I know. I’m sorry. My brain shut off the minute she was born, and I became a walking zombie. I’ll send a few right now.” She puts me on speaker to hunt for the perfect ones.
I laugh. “While you’re doing that, tell me about Thanksgiving.”
“It was great. Lily and Sebastian came, and oh my God, I forgot to tell you, Lily had her baby two weeks early. They named her Samantha, and she’s fricking adorable.”
“Oh, how sweet. I’ll text her congratulations. How about Mia? Is she pregnant yet?” I figured she’d be right behind them. It’s like a virus—once one gets pregnant, they all do. Maybe I should move to San Diego.
“No. I don’t think they’re trying yet. But who knows? They’re in the longest honeymoon phase in the world and still spend most of their time at home.” She giggles.
“Makes sense after the struggle they had to be together.”
“No kidding. What about your Thanksgiving? How was it?”
“It was okay. I’m glad it’s the last one without Grayson. And it was nice having Matt with us.”
“Yeah, he never got into the whole thing with his parents, and why he doesn’t go home anymore, did he?
He’s a mystery, I tell ya. Oh. Speaking of mysteries, have you met anyone on the pictureless app yet?
Braden asked me yesterday if you did,” she says nonchalantly, tossing that bomb out like it’s no big deal.
“Wait, how does he even know about it, and why is he asking?”
“He said Warren was interested in trying it out and wanted to know if it was working for you.”
I harrumph. “That’s weird. Warren seems like the least likely person to sign up for a dating app.”
Is that really why he asked, or does he want to know if I’m sleeping with anyone else? No, I’m sure he doesn’t care. This is where women go wrong: thinking every man is obsessed with them and reading too much into things.
“I know, right? So, tell me how it’s going.”
“Well, I finally went on last night—”
“Wait, for the first time since you signed up?”
“Yes.” I groan. “I’ve been too busy. Then I’m always tired after work and end up reading myself to sleep. So I—”
“Hang on. I just sent some pictures. Look.”
This girl’s killing me. Laughing, I pull the phone from my ear and put it on speaker. “Oh my God, she’s adorable. She’s so smiley. I wish I could visit more.”
“Like my mom once said, you can do real estate anywhere.”
“It’s tempting, but Grayson will finally be home. That would be sad if he got here and I left.”
“Or… it would be perfect. Your parents would have a replacement.”
“Rude. But back to my story… I finally started scrolling through profiles last night, and after about ten, I came across one I swear was meant for me. He checked all my boxes, and something about him… just stuck out.”
“Even without knowing if he has missing teeth or three eyeballs?” she jests.
“Shut up, that’s not possible. Anyway… I liked his profile, and bam, we were an instant match. Within seconds, I shit you not, he messaged me, and we ended up talking the rest of the night.”
“Oooh. This is so exciting.” I can hear her clapping in the background while I picture her bouncing up and down. “What did you talk about?”
“We played Truth or Dare, which—”
She cuts me off. “Uh… how exactly did you do that through a chat window?”
I explain how well it worked and tell her some of the questions we asked. Then I drop the bombshell about bringing Braden into the mix.
“I can’t believe you really did it. You could’ve said you texted him without actually doing it.”
“Lying isn’t the way to begin a relationship.”
“Seriously? What relationship? It was the first five minutes of a non-date. Did you end up exchanging pictures?”
“No! That’s not how it works. You need so many interactions before you’re even allowed to send a photo. Anyway, I couldn’t lie because what if he ends up being the one, and he found out? He’d lose any respect for me.”
“Fine. You’re right. So what did Braden say after you texted something so crazy?”
“Well…”
I recount the entire situation, then finally get to why I called in the first place.
“So now I’m talking to two guys at once, and I’m not sure if that’s okay.”
“That’s what you’re worried about?” She screeches through the phone. “Poppy, you could be sleeping with two different guys and still not be doing anything wrong. You can’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Funny, that’s exactly the term Braden used when we first met. So maybe this is okay. But…
“Am I leading them on if I’m not up-front about it?”
“Nobody expects you to be exclusive off the bat. But what’s going on with Braden? I thought you couldn’t stand him outside his ‘find-a-husband-for-sex’ inspiring bedroom skills?”
“I can’t most of the time. But I can’t shake the guy, and honestly, I like his persistence.
Something about it makes me feel, I don’t know…
wanted? Also, I can’t put my finger on it, but he was different last night.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, he was still the same Braden, trying hard to have phone sex, but beyond that, he was… cute.”
She laughs on the other end. “Cute? I never thought I’d hear that word to describe Braden. Hmmm. I wonder what he’s playing at. It’s not like you guys could be serious, though. He’s five states away.”
“I know, right? And now he’s trying to start this book club thing where we read together. But it was weird how he stopped texting last night and then picked right back up today like he didn’t ghost me the night before. You know what? I’m probably stressed for nothing, and he’ll give up anyway.”
“Well, even if he doesn’t, you shouldn’t worry about talking to both of them. You’ve got to play the field while looking for a man.”
“I just wish I’d put myself out there sooner. I want a family, and now you guys are all having babies, and I feel like I’m even later to the game. My parents were already married with kids at my age, and here I am, unable to hold onto a guy past a few dates.”
“That’s because you always let them go. You need to find someone worth keeping, but until then, have fun and stop overthinking it.”
I stifle a groan. “Easier said than done.”
“You’re right, which is why you should continue to practice,” she says mischievously, causing my eyes to roll even though she can’t see me.
We chat for a bit longer, talking about motherhood and married life, before saying goodbye and promising to call more often. I’m so happy for her and her new life, but boy, do I miss having her here.
I’m in good spirits when I hop into Matt’s car and am glad we’re doing this. I’m excited for another opinion on the whole two-men-at-once thing. Though it takes until we’re sipping drinks, waiting for our meal, to finally work up the courage to bring up my so-called dating life.
“So, do you remember that app I signed up for? The one without the pictures?” I ask nonchalantly
“Oh yeah, how’s it going?”
“Friday was the first time I went on since they approved my profile, and I matched with the first guy I chose.”
He chuckles. “Of course you did.”
“What does that mean?”
“That you’re a catch. Who wouldn’t pick you?”
“Well, I’m not sure about that, but anyway, he messaged me right away, and we ended up chatting the rest of the night. The weird thing is, I was texting Braden the whole time too,” I say sheepishly.
Matt’s brows drew together condemningly. “The guy from Cici’s wedding? The one you had the fling with?”
“Yeah. We went out to a club when I was there last time, and he’s been messaging me since.” It comes out in a rush, omitting our extracurricular activities.
“I thought it was a one-time thing.” His contempt is evident.
“It was.”
“Then why have you been talking to him?”
I’m not sure how to answer. Why am I? I’m obviously sexually attracted to Braden, but am I willing to admit that I might like the guy?
I sigh loudly before answering. “Because I’m having fun, and there’s more to him than first meets the eye.
” As soon as the words are out, I know they’re true, and my whole body feels lighter—like I’ve passed some test I was agonizing over.
I’m relieved to have put that out in the universe, and any hesitation I felt is suddenly gone with the simplicity of the truth.
“I wouldn’t let your guard down around him, that’s for sure. He seemed like the use her and lose her type.”
Our meal is delivered, pausing the conversation, thank God. Is it weird to tell a guy friend about my sex life? Yeah. But if I want real advice, then I need to be up front about the situation, and give him the whole picture, or I’m wasting my time.
After focusing on the food for a bit and chugging the rest of my margarita, I take a deep breath and spill, fessing up about the repeat performance with Braden, leaving out the additional participant.
I’m sure it’s unnecessary to the story and definitely TMI.
Matt’s eyes convey enough surprise already.
“And I don’t want to hear it if you think I’m crazy. If I were a guy and told you that, you’d be high-fiving me, so no lecture. I’m only telling you because I feel weird talking to Braden while I’m starting something with someone else. So, from a guy’s perspective, what do you think?”
He takes in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Wow. Not what I was expecting. I just… shit, Poppy. I can’t believe you gave into him again.”
“Matt!” I sit back and cross my arms over my chest in defense.
His head drops. “I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be an ass.
I’m just surprised. And you’re right, it’s a double standard.
But if you’re still talking to him, feelings might be involved, and if that’s the case, you should be careful.
You could get hurt, especially since he doesn’t even live here.
He could be keeping you on the line for a booty call whenever you visit Cici. ”
“Maybe I want him for a booty call. Huh? Then would it be okay?”
His hands go up in defense. “All right, point made. I’m sorry. So what is it you’re worried about?”
“Well, I feel like I’m doing something wrong by talking to both of them, almost like I’m being deceptive or something.”
The waitress comes to clear our plates, and we order more drinks since Matt says he needs another for this conversation.
“So, what do you think? Would it be bad if you were Braden or the guy from the dating app and found out about someone else?”
“I’m positive Braden isn’t a one-woman sort of guy. And you just met this other dude, so I’d say it’s too early to feel guilty about anything. And the app guy is probably already talking to other women. Most people don’t limit themselves to one at a time if they’re on an app, do they?”
I shrug. “I guess not.”
“Then, for now, I’d say you’re fine, but if it becomes serious, then you’ll have to make a decision.
Until you decide to be exclusive, you’re not doing anything wrong.
You should be cautious giving too much information about yourself online.
He could end up being some psycho and start stalking you.
Poppy isn’t a common name. You’d be easy to find. ”
“True. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“And, you know, if you do become more involved, then be careful with—” Matt grimaces as his voice lowers. “—protection and shit.”
I burst out laughing. “Oh my God. Okay. Thanks, Dad. Let’s cheers to that,” I say, still chuckling and raising my glass for a toast.