Flipping the Mattress - Episode 5
by Candice Carmody
Three months later, Callie runs into Zain in the lobby of their building.
Hey Zain!
Hi Callie!
They wait for the elevator together.
It’s takes a long time to arrive…
And Callie feels an electric charge go through her body as she stands next to Zain.
She does her best to tamp it down.
So, how’s Julia?
We broke up.
I’m sorry. When did that happen?
About a month ago.
We just didn’t have that spark, you know?
Yeah, I know what you mean.
The elevator comes and they get on.
They’re the only ones inside.
So I’ve seen you a few times with that guy.
Right. Eli.
Good-looking guy.
Yeah, he is, isn’t he?
How’re things going with him?
Actually, we broke up about a month ago too.
I just wasn’t feeling it, you know?
Yeah, I know what you mean.
Well, see you around.
Yeah, see ya.
Callie goes to her apartment.
And wonders…
Two nights later there’s a knock at Callie’s door.
I’m here from Mattress Flippers Inc. to check on your mattress.
Remember, your mattress has a lifetime warranty.
How’s the firmness level?
Zain, I don’t think I can do this.
But…neither of us is seeing anyone.
Doesn’t that mean we can trade services again?
I don’t think so, Zain.
Why not?
I don’t want to be the girl you sleep with in between girlfriends.
But I thought you just wanted something casual.
I thought I did too.
But then I went on a few dates with Eli and the whole time, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.
And the sex with him…
Yes?
It was awful.
Maybe I wouldn’t have thought it was awful before.
But after you…
I knew how great sex could be.
Zain advances toward Callie and embraces her.
He runs his fingers through her hair and starts kissing her.
Callie pulls back.
This isn’t fair. You just…you even SMELL good to me.
Or maybe it’s just your aftershave.
What IS that aftershave, anyway?
Maybe I should have had Eli wear it.
I don’t wear any aftershave.
Really? Then it must just be YOU that smells so good.
Eau de Zain.
It drives me crazy.
And your smell drives ME crazy.
Everything about you drives me crazy.
I have this animal attraction toward you.
Zain, we shouldn’t be saying these things to each other.
I told you…I can’t do this again.
No, listen. Whenever I was with Julia…
I couldn’t help thinking of our time together.
Julia is great, don’t get me wrong.
But when I’m with you, I just feel…
Electric.
I feel that way too.
But I just can’t go back to being Neighbors With Benefits now.
You know why? Because it’s not just the sex with us.
It never was.
It’s the way we are together.
It feels so natural.
I still worry that it IS just the sex.
Well, there’s only one way to find out.
You know I wanted our relationship to be more serious.
And if you don’t want to just hook up anymore then maybe…
Are you ready to be more serious now?
Are you ready to try dating me?
I am. I’m scared, but I think I am.
Don’t be scared. Be excited.
I have a feeling the sex is going to get even better.
Zain slips Callie’s shirt over her head. Then he unhooks her bra.
What do you say? Should we take this discussion into the bedroom?
Yes. Because no one flips a mattress the way you do.
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