As soon as I walk through the door to the coffee shop, it's like I've went back in time. Last night never happened, and it's just me and Ted getting coffee. We're just two strangers who don't know each other, but I desperately crave to know him.

I sit down, immediately feeling bad that I'm wearing a stupid uniform when Ted's got on a button down t-shirt. There's nothing I can do about it.

"Hey," he smiles.

It makes me feel warm when he smiles like that, and I can't help but smile back, "Hi. What's up?"

"Nothing, actually," he breathes. "I'm just really excited to sit down with you all on our own."

"Yeah," I agree with a sigh. "Sunday night was a little crazy, but I appreciate you bringing me. It was nice."

"Really?" Ted asks. "I'm surprised you enjoyed it. Especially because Cooper said you don't party.."

"Well, I don't," I answer honestly. "But I had a good time going out of my comfort zone. And meeting your friends. I needed that, so thanks."

"No problem."

And it keeps going. We order our coffee and just keep chatting. Simple, casual, stress-free. I absolutely love it, just being able to get to know Ted and understand more about him. Every bit of knowledge is better than the last.

But, eventually, I have to go back to work.

"I wish I could talk forever, Ted, I honestly do."

"No, don't worry about it," he scoffs. "You have a job, I get it. We can always hang again another time, no worries. It was nice to be able to sit down at all."

"Yeah, let's do this again some time," I agree, pushing hair out of my face. "I'll text you and let you know, alright?"

"Yeah. And coffee's on me."

"Thanks. See you later."

"Bye."

And it's over, like that. That half hour suddenly feels like half a second to me, like I didn't get nearly enough time to just hang out. But I have to keep reminding myself that I can do it again. As soon as I get in the car to drive back to work, my phone vibrates. It can't be Ted, I just saw him. Has to be my brother or something.

Schlatt
how was your little date with the big man

Really? I genuinely can't believe my eyes. What do I say to that?

It was fine, all we did was talk over coffee

Hopefully that satisfies him enough. I have a job to do instead of thinking about boys.

At the end of my shift, about 5:00, I finally get back in my car to ride home and relax until tomorrow. I always check my phone just in case but usually never have anything, so it's weird to see three messages since my break.

Schlatt
boringgggg

???????
Hey

Ted
I hope you don't mind I gave your number to Coop

I text back the mystery number just to be sure and get confirmation that it is indeed Cooper before saving his number in my phone. I simply tell Ted it's alright and ask Cooper what's up, not sure how to answer Schlatt. Then I'm on my way back to my dorm, not checking my phone again until almost 45 minutes later when I'm sitting down in bed with much comfier clothes on.

Cooper
Nothing much, figured we could catch up again. I mean, if you're going out with Ted we'll have to see each other sometimes anyway

Schlatt
leave me on read i see how it is

I answer Cooper first, then Schlatt.

That's true, I just wouldn't even know where to start"catching up" tbh

What do I say to you calling my coffee date boring lmao

Cooper
We could start with you and me. Us as a thing is in the past but I still don't like when people objectify you, no matter who you're with

Is that why you kept doing that to Schlatt?

Cooper
Yeah, he's talking about Ted treating you like a "toy" when he's the problem. He's my friend but he won't treat you like that if I have anything to do with it

I genuinely appreciate that Cooper, like a lot, but I don't mind he's just being stupid

Cooper
I do mind though so that's final. If I'm around and he does that shit I'ma be pissed

Okay, I get it, your decision

Schlatt
say oh schlatt ur right im boring

That's not even true

Schlatt
what did you and ted even talk about

Just first date shit, where he's from, all that jazz

Schlatt
ya like jazz

Shut up

Schlatt
make me

I would if I was there

Schlatt
u could be here

Maybe another time

Schlatt
for real? i was kidding

Well why not?

Schlatt
true, but also ted?

I didn't say as booty call, you perv

Schlatt
i didn't either PERV

Then it wouldn't matter if we're just being friends, not to mention Ted and I aren't a thing

Schlatt
so i can get booty call?

Never said that

Schlatt
also never said I couldn't ;))))

Shut up

Schlatt
still didn't hmm maybe ur really thinkin bout it perv

Am not

Schlatt
i don't believe u for a sec

That's your problem not mine

Schlatt
oh whatever ur the one who instantly assumed i wanted you over for sex

Well you asked about Ted, you must have some intentions..?

Schlatt
not necessarily, just bein cautious

You'd be the one to start stuff, not me

Schlatt
who says

You says, mister! Don't you remember last night??

Schlatt
oh yeah kinda

Kinda?

Schlatt
i mean i do i'm just tryin not to

Why?

Schlatt
because if i do i'll want more and ted's got a thing for you so

But so do you

Schlatt
who says

Once again, you says

Schlatt
okay you win this time. i'll catch you later?

Yeah, later

Tuesday goes by, and I decide I should text Ted.  If we're going on another date, we should plan for it.

What's up?

Ted
Nothing, you?

Figured I'd text it's been a day

Ted
Yeah, are we up for another date?  Maybe a real one, like dinner or something?

Sounds nice, when you thinking?

Ted
Any time this week.  The group minus Josh is going to Carsons Friday night so before then if that's okay, and I'll ask if you can come hang with us Friday if you want

Okay cool, Thursday after 6 works for me and I'll go Friday if you want I just have to let my brother know I can't babysit

Ted
Nice, I'm excited.  I'll let you know tomorrow

Okie dokie

And life goes on, all through Wednesday.  And I can't get Ted out of my mind.  He's so nice, and this is going to be a real, adult date.  It's all so new, and I'm full of butterflies.  Again.

By the time I'm home from work and all relaxed, Ted still hasn't texted.  So I find someone to chat with, which is new for me considering my lack of friends beyond acquaintances.

Hey wassup

Schlatt
booty call?

Bruh

Schlatt
no? then what u want?

You best be joking

Schlatt
i am i am jeez lmao

I'm just bored waiting on Ted to text me

Schlatt
oh?

Yeah, planning stuff.  He's also supposed to ask if I can go with you guys Friday to Carsons

Schlatt
oh to the boys place, yknow carson noah travis and cooper all live there

I didn't, that's news to me

Schlatt
u could ask cooper urself i'm sure he'll say ok

Okay hold please

Hey Coop, Ted said you guys are hanging Friday night?  Mind if I come?

Cooper
No, do you need a ride?

Ted will most likely bring me, but thanks

Cooper
Ok

He said yes

Schlatt
i'm always right

Idk about that mister

Schlatt
don't doubt me i'm always right period

Don't get too cocky now

Schlatt
did someone say cock

Lmao whyyy

Schlatt
c   o   c   k

No

Schlatt
u don't like cock? ngl kinda gay

Oh shut up you know I'm not

Schlatt
prove it

How????

Schlatt
u a virgin? u need to try some cock if u are

My virginity is none of your business but I'll keep that in mind lmao

Schlatt
waiting til marriage?

No just waiting for a guy ;-;

Schlatt
lmaooooo

Don't laugh, you're still a virgin aren't you?

Schlatt
no lmao, lost that shit at 17

I lost my mouth virginity at seventeen does that count

Ted
Hey Y/n

Hi, what's up?

Schlatt
mouth virginity in what way, kissing or.....

Well both actually

Schlatt
ooh we have a dick sucker on our hands

Oh whatever it was only once

Ted
Just wanted to let you know I'll pick you up Thursday night at 6:30 if that's okay

Yeah, perfect! And I texted Coop about Friday, he said yes and I told him you'd drive me

Ted
Okay, cool, then I'll be there the same time Friday night too lmao

Works for me, see you tomorrow

Ted
Okay can't wait

Me either

Schlatt
only once?

Yeah, you sucked more dick than me?? Lmao

Schlatt
hell nah, idk who u think i am but i aint gay

PrOvE iT

Schlatt
i will you cock sucker

:O

Schlatt
i will don't try me

How???

Schlatt
idk, booty call?

No way lmao

Schlatt
dang so close yet so far

PeRvVvVVVvVVv

Schlatt
no u

Wow okay I see how it is mister booty call

Schlatt
do not ever call me mister booty call

Or what

Schlatt
test me, you'll find out Friday

Okay mister booty call

Schlatt
ur in for it

Can't wait, but I need to get to bed as of now, so smell ya later

Schlatt
ok gn

Goodnight