Advice

It's been almost a month now. You'd say that you and Marissa are dating, but she hasn't completely let you into her life.

Sure, you've learned a lot about her. She’s somewhat older than you, 32 to your 25. Her full name is Marrisa Joni Hayworth. She drives a stick shift, which you find impressive, and hot. She’s a sculptor, and apparently makes lots of pottery in her home studio. She has a big labradoodle named Holmes. Her favorite favorite flowers are Lily's. Her birthstone is sapphire. And, unsurprisingly her favorite color is red.

The night you drove her home ended at her door, where with all the best courtesy she thanked and bid you goodnight. You had grabbed her number by then and invited her on a few dates - which went well but always ended the same.

Politely.

You started to wonder what was going on. You ruminated on this when at the bar. Not the bar you met Marissa at, a more dive, less club bar called Davis Haven. Your pal Ron sat next to you, like he usually does, shouted for a beer and started up a convo with you.

“What happened to ya John? You're thinking so hard it looks like you're about to shit yourself.”

You cringe-laugh at his crudeness. You hope the cringing was mostly inside and he just saw your laughter. You love him for his unapologetic obnoxiousness. He says things you'd only ever keep to yourself.

“Oh it's just that girl… Marissa.”

“Right. The one who's keepin the box closed up tight and outta your reach.

“Ha. I suppose you could put it like that.”

“You know. The last time a hoe did me like that you know what I did?”

“Yea you told…”

“I just whipped it out right in front of her.”

“No shit man.” you settle into you stool and get ready for the familiar story to unfold.

“Not even! And I said look here honey, whatcha gonna do about this.”. He gestures towards his crotch and makes a motion like he’s grabbing his cock and wiggling it, while giving you an intense, charming stare.

It's almost enough to make you feel like you're the girl in this situation. You grin and chuckle, never sure of what to say in situations like this.

“And you know what she did?”

You in fact do know what she did. “I bet she…”

“She pounced on me bro.”

“...yea -”

“Devoured me.”

“.. nice -”

“And then when she slowed down I just grabbed her head and fuckin-”. He made a rapid pumping motion with his hands complete with gagging sounds, “gluk gluk glk glk”

Just then the bartender approaches and she sets down Ron’s beer.

You put your head in your hands fully embarrassed, wishing for a way to take control of this conversation. So that Debbie behind the counter won't think you're like him.

She's a younger, comely looking girl. Looks like she got out of band practice or something.

Ron waves dismissively at her. “You wouldn't understand Deb.”

You roll your eyes.

Deb shrugs, “I know sometimes it's not about what you say, but the sounds you make.”

She cooly walks away.

You and Ron both stare at and her, surprised.

“Wha-what the… did she really just say that!? Holy shit.”

You grin and chuckle. Both at Deb's unexpected comment and the fact that all of Ron's crude behavior you've been so embarrassed about has so quickly and thoroughly been redeemed.

You're so glad to have Ron as a friend. Maybe you could find a way to be more like him. Know what you want and get it. Live like there's really nothing to be embarrassed of, no consequences. Just in your own style.

“I think she's friend zoning me.”

Ron’s currently taking a long series of chugs from his beer.

“Or maybe just using me. But I don't understand what for. She often pays for dinner, drives herself, she doesn't actually need anything from me.”

Clunk. Some of Ron's beer sloshes out and splatters on your skin. “ oh she is using you. For your attention.”

Your mouth twists in thought. “I think we genuinely enjoy hanging out.”

“Nope. You wanna touch her. You wanna fuck her redheaded brains out. She, wants your attention. It's that simple. It's a simple transaction bro, and so far it's one sided.”

“Nah man, you can't tell me that every time you've had sex it's been transactional. Women like sex too. Probably even more than men do.”

“Sure, sure. But that's the way she's playing it. And it's a win-win game for her cause… when you collect… she's gonna fucking love it.