Two days later, Zain has just helped Callie move her couch and some other furniture.
Of course she needed to repay him –
Especially since she has made clear that their relationship is about bartering their services.
They’re lying in bed together, on the preferred firm side of the mattress.
Zain is slowly stroking Callie’s forehead.
Zain
You’re so beautiful.
Callie
Mmmmmmmm. Thank you.
Callie
And you have wonderful equipment.
Zain
I’m glad you like it.
Zain
Callie, I was wondering…
Zain
Would you like to come over for dinner on Saturday night?
Zain
I make a mean cassoulet.
Callie props herself up on her elbow and looks searchingly at Zain.
Callie
Zain, that kind of sounds like a date.
Callie
Are you saying you want to be more serious?
Zain
And yes, I’m asking you out on a date.
Callie
Zain, no. You’re ruining this.
Zain
Why don’t you want to go on a date with me?
Zain
Neither of us is seeing anyone.
Zain
I mean…you aren’t seeing anyone, are you?
Zain
So why not see if this thing between us can be more serious?
Callie
Because I like what we have.
Callie
No strings. No hurt feelings. Just great sex.
Zain
But what if one of us starts dating someone else?
Callie
We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Callie
For now let’s just have fun.
Callie
I mean, it doesn’t get more convenient than this.
Then he gets up and starts putting on his clothes.
Zain
I… I think I’ll go home now.
Callie
I just…I need to be really clear about where I stand.
Zain
You’ve made yourself very clear.
One week later, Callie gets a text.
Zain
Do you know anything about TV’s?
Zain
I mean, my TV isn’t working.
Zain
I thought that since you’re so good with computers…
Zain
You might be good with TV’s, too.
Callie
I’ve been known to fix a TV or two in my time.
Zain
Would you mind coming up and taking a look?
Callie
I’ll be right there.
Ten minutes later, Callie is in Zain’s apartment.
Zain
I hope you can fix it.
Zain
The big game is about to start.
Zain
See? Even when I turn it on, the screen is blank.
Callie presses a single button and the picture appears on the screen.
Zain
You’re a miracle worker!
Callie
It was an easy fix.
She takes a step closer to him, examining his face carefully.
Callie
I have a feeling you switched it to that different mode on purpose.
Zain
I’ll admit it was a ploy.
Zain
Because I missed you.
Zain
I mean…I missed the sex.
Callie
I’ve been missing the sex too.
Callie
But you remember what I said.
Callie
I don’t want anything serious.
Zain
I know. And the more I think about it, the more I realize you’re right.
Zain
We have a good thing, and it’s best to keep it casual.
Callie
I’m so glad you feel that way.
Callie
The thing is, I just graduated from college, so I feel like I have my whole life to be serious with someone.
Callie
I don’t want to be tied down…yet.
Zain
Except if the ties are made of silk.
Zain
And I’m wearing a blindfold.
Callie
Did you want to try that?
Zain
But tonight, since you fixed my TV…
Zain repeats himself, louder this time.
Zain
Since you fixed my TV,
Zain
This night should be about want YOU want.
Zain
What do you want, Callie?
Callie
And I need you to take care of your debt right now.
Callie
How about that thing you did last time?
Callie
That swirly thing…
Callie
That’s what I want.
Zain
Then that’s what you’re getting.
Zain
I’m going to surprise you.
Zain
And I won’t be stopping there.
Zain pulls Callie toward him and leads her into the bedroom.
Callie
I thought you wanted to watch the big game.
Zain
No game could be as exciting as THIS.
He pulls her to him, capturing her mouth in a kiss, and they fall onto the bed.
Two hours later, Callie has a sudden idea.
Callie
I don’t like where my couch is after all.
Zain
After I worked so hard to move it?
Callie
Yes. I’m afraid it’s in a terrible spot.
Callie
Can you help me move it back where it was?
Callie
Maybe tomorrow night?
Zain
But first… let me finish repaying my debt for tonight.
