Of Vice and Men

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.

  -William James

    Time has a funny way of passing us by without our acknowledgement or consent.  The middle of July was well underway as well as my final days with Connor.  The three-week deadline was fast approaching and it was almost time for me to gently break the news to him.  It made me a little sad; he was a nice enough guy.  He made me laugh, took me on dates, and was polite to my parents and friends.  He was everything a perfect boyfriend should be.  In other words, he was safe.

    Both Logan and James would have translated that to "he's a boring asshole" but I was content.  However, all good things had to come to an end.  The rules of the pact were there for a reason.  I was about to start my senior year.  Any kind of commitment would just be a distraction.  I was on the fast track out of there.  I was a party of one, no strings attached, solo.  That was the only way.

    "So this is one last date to remember me by," I was in my room with Ryan, getting ready for my final date with Connor.  "I figure tonight we have a great time then tomorrow I call him up and we part ways.  Bing, bang, it's that simple."

    "Isn't that a little harsh, dumping him over the phone?"  Ryan asked. 

    "Well it would be if this were a real relationship but its not." I reasoned.  "It's a fling!  We both knew it had to end eventually."

    "But he didn't have a time limit." Ryan pointed out. 

    I shrugged.  "It'll be fine."

    "Have you seen Brisa lately?"  she asked suddenly.

    "I've texted her once or twice," I replied.  "Why?"

    "She just hasn't been around much."

    Again, I shrugged.  "She's been really busy with her tutoring and everything.  I'm sure she's fine."

    "You're probably right," Ryan agreed, but she didn't look entirely convinced.

    "So what do you think?" I asked, holding up two shirts.  "Blue or black?"

    "Blue," Ryan said.  "You can never go wrong with a little color."

    I nodded.  She was right of course.  She was always right. 

    Connor picked me up twenty or so minutes later.  Along with my blue blouse, I was wearing black slacks and black flats.  My hair was pulled back in a bun and matching blue earrings and a necklace accented the whole outfit.  It was rather tasteful last date attire in my opinion. 

    "So where are we going?" I asked once in the car.

    "To this club in Princeton," Connor replied.  "It's fantastic!"

    "A club?" I was skeptical. 

    "You'll love it!" he promised.  I wasn't so sure.

    When we arrived, the club seemed to already be in full swing.  The sign on the door said eighteen and over but no one was checking for IDs.  Instinctively I looked around for an empty table but Connor seemed to have other plans. 

    "Over here, babe." he said gesturing to a booth in the back corner.  I followed his gaze to find a group of half drunk young guys laughing and waving.  "I invited some of the mates I've made this summer.  Sons of my dad's co-workers.  Hope you don't mind?"

    "Rich boys looking to get drunk and burn some cash?" I raised an eyebrow.  "No problem."

    As we got closer, I counted four boys around the table.  The one on the end-a dark haired prep-school type in a polo and jeans- gave a whistle as I sat down.  "Shakespeare, you've got yourself a hottie here!"