One week later, Callie gets a text.
Zain
Over by the painting.
Callie searches the room and finds Zain sitting alone at a table.
She decides to get up and say hello.
But just before she reaches the table, a cute young woman joins Zain,
And plants a kiss on his cheek. Callie spins around and goes back to her table.
Then CALLIE’S date returns to her table with two drinks.
And sure – she only went out on this date on a whim, but since she knows Zain is watching…
She gives her date a kiss on the lips.
Two hours later, when she’s back home, Callie gets a text.
Zain
So how’d your date go?
Zain
Seriously? Good? That’s all you’re gonna give me?
Callie
Yeah. And how did YOUR date go?
Zain
I’m alone. You’re alone. I’m gonna say it.
Zain
Neither of our dates was that great.
Zain
Because if they had been, we wouldn’t be texting each other right now.
Zain
We’d be making out with our dates.
Zain
So how’s your mattress doing?
Zain
You know my mattress flipping comes with a lifetime warranty.
Zain
If there’s EVER any issue with your mattress…
Zain
You are entitled to a FULL servicing.
Callie
You know, now that you mention it, I do feel a little lacking in firmness.
Callie
I think you need to come over
Callie
And take care of that.
Zain
Be right there, ma’am.
Fifteen minutes later Zain is in Callie’s bed,
Providing Callie with full service as promised.
When they’re finished, he works up the courage to speak.
Zain
Think you’re going to see that guy again?
Callie
I don’t know. Maybe.
Zain
I have to admit, I was a little jealous when I saw you with him.
Callie
Zain, remember what I said.
Zain
I don’t want this to be serious.
Zain
And it doesn’t have to be. We don’t have to be exclusive.
Zain
As long as I get to flip your mattress every so often. Okay?
Zain
Do you want me to leave now?
Callie
No. We’re not done yet.
And that night, for the first time, Zain stays the night.
Callie and Zain stay in touch for about a month, trading texts back and forth.
But then Callie doesn’t hear from Zain for two straight weeks.
Even though they aren’t a couple, that’s a long time without touching base.
So Callie decides to text him.
Callie
Hey, how’s your computer?
Callie
Your handy on-call technician is available to take care of all your computer needs!
Callie
And your non-computer needs, too. 😉
Five minutes later Zain knocks on Callie’s door.
Callie is wearing the black camisole and black skirt that she wore the first time that Zain flipped her mattress.
Callie
Hey, stranger. I wanted to show you something.
Callie goes into the bedroom and returns with two black silk scarves and a black blindfold.
Callie
You said you wanted to try this.
Callie
I thought we could tonight.
Zain
You’re making this really difficult.
Callie
Uh-oh. What is it?
Zain
My old girlfriend Julia moved back to New York.
Callie
That girl I moved to the cloud?
Callie
The pretty redhead?
Zain
And we decided to get back together.
Callie
I mean, I’m happy for you.
Callie
But sad for my sex life.
Zain
I’m sad for my sex life too.
Zain
I mean, I’m sad to be losing sex with you.
Zain
But I’m not going to cheat on Julia.
Callie
No, of course not.
Zain
If you had wanted this to be something serious, maybe…
Zain
No, it doesn’t matter. The fact is, you didn’t.
Zain
And you still don’t.
Callie
Right. That’s what I said.
Zain
I know guys are the ones who are supposed to just want sex.
Zain
Or to not have to associate sex with…you know…
Zain
But our sex was so great.
Zain
It felt like there had to be something more going on.
Zain
It felt like I knew what you wanted…
Zain
And you knew what I wanted…
Zain
Before the other person knew what to ask for.
Zain
You know what I mean?
Zain
It’s not like I’ve had sex with a ton of girls.
Zain
But that was the best sex I’ve ever had.
Zain
And not just because it was physically good.
Zain
Anyway, I just wanted you to know that.
Callie
Thanks, Zain. It was the best I’ve ever had too.
Callie
And I’ll never forget it.
Zain
Well, Julia’s upstairs. I should go.
Callie
Bye, Zain. Thanks again for everything.
Zain
Bye, Callie. Take care.
Later Callie goes to bed on the mattress she used so happily with Zain.
And wonders if she made a big mistake.
