Chapter 16
Elli
Wes finally started texting me again on Monday and we have plans to try coffee on Thursday morning, which is tomorrow. I’ve been sending him pictures of my “immodest” outfits and he always hypes me up with them, and I feel like the weirdness from Saturday is finally dissipating.
Brunch with Robin on Sunday was amazing.
I was able to talk about my date with Matt, without feeling like she was judging me or like she was going to go tell him what I said.
I think it’s the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
She’s hilarious, and I love how she says whatever is on her mind no matter what.
We’ve been sending TikToks and memes back and forth and have a girl’s night planned for this weekend with Savannah. I’m a little nervous because I want to try alcohol, but it feels like betraying Wes if I don’t try it with him, as silly as that sounds.
I’m meeting Matt for lunch today, and I’m going to let him know that I want to be friends because I don’t see us going anywhere romantically.
I’m waiting out on the patio of a cute little cafe called Hens and Pigs when Matt shows up wearing tailored gray slacks and a light blue button down that makes his skin look extra tan.
He always looks so posh and put together, I feel a little underdressed in my lavender sundress, but then I remember he’s a bigwig businessman and I work from home so it makes sense that he’s all dressed up.
“Hey gorgeous, how’s it going?” Matt asks with a beaming smile as I stand to give him a hug. He places a gentle kiss on my cheek and motions for us to sit down.
“I’m doing alright. How are you?”
“Better now that I’m having lunch with a fucking model.” He gives me a rakish wink that makes my face turn pink.
I clear my throat, ready to friend zone him, but our waitress comes over and asks us what we want to order. After Matt orders his chicken bacon ranch wrap and I order my chicken nachos, he looks at me expectantly, motioning for me to continue what I was saying.
“Matt, I think you’re a really great guy, and I want to keep being friends, but I don’t want to continue a romantic relationship.”
Now, this isn’t the first time I’ve had this conversation with a man, and usually I get called a bunch of mean names and labeled a tease, but Matt nods thoughtfully as he takes in my words and then he…
Laughs?
Why is he laughing?
Whatever he sees on my face makes him stop laughing and reach across the table to grab my hand, “Hey, I’m sorry, that wasn’t cool of me.
I’m not laughing AT you, I swear. I’m laughing because I already had a feeling that’s what was going to happen, and I feel the same way.
You are gorgeous, funny, smart, and so cool, and I would love to be friends. ”
“What do you mean you had a feeling this was going to happen?”
Matt clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck, “Well, I um. I could tell you weren’t super into the kiss we shared, we have different life aspirations, and the way you talked about Wes was different than how you talked to me, so I figured out you were into him.”
Oh god, this is so embarrassing. “I’m so sorry Matt. Ugh. I feel like a total bitch.”
“Hey, Elli, no. No, you’re not a bitch, I swear.
I kind of knew we weren’t super compatible when you said you weren’t sure if you wanted kids.
I’m looking to settle down and start a family, but it seems like you’re not quite on the same track, ya know?
This is going to make me sound like an asshole, but I thought with you being Mormon and all, you’d be looking to settle down too.
I thought it would be cool to give it a chance, but I think we’d be better as friends. ”
“Thank you. I appreciate your honesty, and for not thinking I’m a bitch. Sorry Matt, I do NOT want to be your little housewife with a gaggle of little hellions.”
Matt rolls his eyes but laughs. “It’s all good babe. Wes can keep you barefoot and pregnant if you guys decide to have kids.”
“HA. Right. Wes isn’t interested in me like that.”
“You’re wrong, but I’ll let Wes prove it.”
I try not to think about that statement too hard.
We don’t talk about Wes the rest of lunch. We just get to know each other as friends.
Whoever Matt ends up with is going to be a very lucky girl.
On Thursday morning, Wes shows up to my apartment with to-go coffee cups in hand.
“I thought we were going out for coffee?” I haven’t even put on real clothes yet. I’m still in my light green lounge romper that feels buttery soft. I bought two more in black and gray because they’re so comfy.
“I was up and thought it might be easier to have a coffee flight taste test from home. Besides, there are a lot of options and I didn’t want you to get overwhelmed.” He explains, like that’s just something a normal person does for a friend.
“Well, thank you.” I glance down at my outfit and cringe. “I should change into something more presentable.”
Wes shrugs, “If you want. I think you look great. Comfy.”
“If you’re sure…”
“It’s your house, Elli. You make the calls about what you wear.”
We stand there and stare at each other in silence while I debate internally. I really don’t want to change, so I shrug and plop down on a barstool.
“Alright coffee connoisseur, what’ve we got.” I gesture to the five cups of coffee on the table.
Wes claps his hands together. “Alright here we go. I’ve got five options for you, but one of them is my regular order so I’m hoping you don’t take a liking to that one.
” He points to each one as he explains, “I’ve got an iced white mocha, which is espresso, white chocolate sauce, and milk.
Regular black coffee, coffee with cream and sugar, a vanilla latte with oat milk, and a caramel macchiato which is just a fancy upside down espresso drink. ”
“Which one is your regular order?” I think I know, but I want to make sure.
Wes shakes his head with a smirk, “I’m not telling you until you try them all.”
“Fine.” I grab the black coffee first, knowing that’s probably his go-to order and take a tentative sip. The liquid is bitter and hot and I immediately hate it. I shake my head no, pushing the cup away from me.
“That’s gross. No thank you. Next?” Wes slides the coffee with cream and sugar over. It’s less bitter, more creamy. Not entirely unpleasant. “Okay, not bad. Can I try the vanilla one next please?”
Wes chuckles and slides it over. It’s not my favorite either and my nose scrunches as the taste hits my tongue. “I don’t think oat milk is my vibe.” I say.
“That’s Robs’ favorite drink. I don’t know how she drinks that stuff, but she does.” Wes explains sliding over the caramel macchiato.
This one is okay, caramel isn’t my favorite flavor unless it’s mixed with chocolate, but it’s better than the other ones. I shake my head and slide it back, feeling a little dejected. “I don’t know if coffee is for me.”
“Try the white mocha and if you don’t like that, there are a million other flavors to try. If you don’t like coffee, that’s okay! At least you tried something new.” Wes slides over the iced coffee.
It’s bitter at first, but it’s creamier than the other ones and once the sweetness of the white chocolate takes over, it’s actually pretty good. I take another sip and nod my head. “This is the one. It almost tastes like a milkshake.”
Wes beams, “I thought you might like that one the most. You seem to have a sweet tooth. I noticed it when you got the cinnamon pretzels at the mall, then you insisted on getting ice cream after lunch with Izzy and Luke.” He grabs the coffee with cream and sugar and takes a large swig.
“I thought you’d like black coffee.” I scoff, trying to ignore the way my belly flutters at him admitting to paying attention to my sweet tooth.
“Life’s too short to drink plain bean water.” Another sip, “Robin said you, her, and Sav are going out tomorrow? Are you excited?”
“Yeah, I’m excited! It’ll be good to have some girlfriends again. I was thinking about trying alcohol tomorrow night, but didn’t want you to feel like I was betraying you by not having it with you for the first time.” I feel a little silly saying it out loud.
“Well, thank you for not wanting to betray me,” he smirks, “but don’t hold out just because of me. I want you to enjoy yourself.”
“Thank you. Do you… have any suggestions for drinks for my first time?”
“Hmmm. Something sweet, something fruity perhaps…” He taps his fingers on the counter while he thinks. Then he snaps his fingers, “A Pina Colada.”
“I do love some coconut. In Utah they have these soda shops where they put flavored syrup and coffee creamer in them. My favorite was Dr. Pepper with fresh lime and coconut syrup.”
“They put coffee creamer in soda? That’s… disgusting.” Wes pretends to gag.
“Can’t drink coffee, so they’ve got to use the creamer for other stuff.” I shrug, taking another sip of my coffee and frowning when the straw makes that weird sound after you finished your drink and are just sucking on air. “Bummer. That was really good.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I hate to cut our activity short, but I’ve got some errands to run. Have fun tomorrow night, okay?” Wes comes around the counter and wraps me in a big hug. “Keep sending me selfies of your outfits. They’re the highlight of my day.” He murmurs into my hair.
“Thank you for this morning. I’ll be sure to send you my outfit for tomorrow.” I say against his chest.
He pulls back and grins down at me. “Good. Have a good day, Elli. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Then just as quickly as he came, he’s gone, and I have to go about my workday like I’m not thinking about Wes.
Friday night is finally here, and I am pumped to have a distraction from my own imagination.
My fingers have been getting well acquainted with my vagina, thanks to the smutty books I’ve been reading to distract myself from thinking about a tall, dark, handsome musician with tattoos and a biteable neck.