Liz ends the night early, so do you

You make the offer, “How about a night cap at my place?”

Liz considers this for a moment. You can feel her hesitation. Perhaps you pushed too far.

“That’s a sweet thought, Connor. But I’m starting to feel absolutely wiped. I think I’ll just head home.”

“Well we can at least split a cab,” you say with a smile. You’re sorry that things aren’t going further but you know to respect her decision. After all, you’ll have other opportunities.

She agrees, hugging you and picking up her bag. You head out together. {if perform >=9}As you two leave Liz tells her new friend that she’s sorry to miss the afterparty but she’ll be there for the next one.{endif}

You quickly hail a cab and enjoy a relaxed ride back to her apartment. You get a chance to catch up a little on everything going on in each other’s lives this past month. You’ve been talking exclusively about burlesque for so long that it’s nice to return to mundane topics.

You hop out with Liz at her building, paying the cabbie before sending him on his way. You share one last hug and then you watch from the sidewalk as your friend climbs the steps to her lobby entrance. Safely inside, she turns to wave and you wave back as you start the quiet walk home.

You stroll at a leisurely pace, enjoying the peace of the night. The streets are lined with parked cars that won’t be moved again until tomorrow. The sidewalks are mostly empty except for a few couples returning from their own evenings out. You sigh, disappointed to be heading home alone.

But then about halfway there your phone chimes with a message.

It’s from Liz. You expect she’s just checking in before going to bed.

(Liz) thanks for being such a big help

couldn’t have done it without you

Your mouth cracks into a rueful smile.

(you) glad to help

have a good nite

(Liz) u 2

You put your phone away, and resign yourself to a jerk off session in the shower. Could have gone better, but could have gone much worse.