A Text From Casandra

Mike had only been home for a few hours when his phone went off and he groaned to himself, thinking that there must be a work emergency. However, upon picking up his phone he could see it was a message from a number he didn't recognize and quickly realized that it had to be from Cassandra. Apparently her furniture had been dropped off at her apartment and she couldn't move it by herself. She was asking if he could help because he was the only friend that she had made so far. Honestly, Mike didn't want to help because he figured that this could be more trouble then what it is worth but he also felt bad that she had no one else to help. So he agreed to help and told her that he could be there in an hour.

When Mike pulled up to her apartment he saw that Cassandra was still in her workout outfit. Apparently she had been moving in the whole time since she got home. He greeted her and she gives him a light hug with an exhausted smile. Looking around it appeared that the only items left to move were the more bulky pieces; A few dressers, a couch, and a bed set. It took the duo almost two hours to get everything moved and put together, and when they finally finished they both collapsed onto the floor, exhausted.

Mike looked over at Cassandra laying on the floor and heard her stomach grumble loudly. Mike started laughing at the sound and invited her out for food because she hadn't had a chance to go grocery shopping. She accepted and they piled into his car and he drove them to a small sandwich shop around the corner.

They ate and chatted for a while when Cassandra suddenly looked at Mike and asked, "Would you like to go back to my apartment after this and get to know each other a little better?"

Mike almost choked on his food at her forwardness and sat silently for a bit. He found her incredibly attractive; but still, his thoughts kept going back to Ashley and how she was able to make him stutter and blush so easily. He looked at Cassandra and said, "While I think you're beautiful, this wouldn't be the right time for me."

She sighed and said "It's OK. I figured you were already taken,"

Mike stares at the floor and replied, "No, I actually haven't been in a relationship in a long time."

Cassandra gave him a confused look and asks, "How is it that you find me attractive and are single, but don't want to date?"

Mike took a big breath and decided 'fuck it'. If he was going to be working out with her almost every day then he might as well open up to her. So he told her about his breakup, how he refused to get close to anyone in a loving way ever again, why he always tries to look average despite his athleticism, and finally about Ashley and the effect she had on him; only omitting the part about how rich he was, figuring there was no reason to share that.

Cassandra sat in silence and listened to everything that Mike had to say. When he was finally done she grabbed his hand, gave it a gentle squeeze and said: "Thank you for not leading me on and getting my hopes up". She then jumped to her feet with a huge smile on her face and tells him, "I'm going to help you with Ashley."

Mike stared at her and says "I don't remember asking for help."

She just stuck her tongue out at him and simply states "Too bad. The first thing that we need is to go shopping. You're not going to get her attention with all of those baggy clothes you're always wearing."

Mike sighs, knowing that he's been defeated and might as well just go along with her plan; knowing he won't change her mind. So they made plans to go shopping after their work out the next day as he drove her home before returning to his place.