Chapter Six: 3/3

Shay:

She made a face while she tried to decide if it was a yes or a no.

“I mean,” she said, drawing out her words, “He wasn’t ugly.”

“But?” I asked.

“But,” she said, “He lied, and it didn’t matter how cute he was. That shit pisses me off.”

“All I’m hearing,” I said, “Is that you would smash if he didn’t lie.”

She nodded, “Correct.”

We shared a small laugh before returning our attention to the papers in front of us.

It felt like we’ve been here filling this packet out for hours.

I just wanted it to be over already.

I turned the page, and I felt excited to see that it was the last page, and only half of the page had questions on it.

Do you know what this trial is for? Nope, not even a little. A simple no would suffice.

How did you hear about the trial/program?

A friend told me.

After I wrote it, I glanced over at Jody.

She was done with her packet. She was looking at me expectantly.

“Finally done?” she asked.

I held up my index finger, “Almost.”

My attention went back to the questionnaire.

Have you ever heard the term “Devil’ when referred to a person?

I had to read that question a few times.

Yes, I have.

I think my hand started to shake.

Do you know what a ‘Devil’ is?

Honestly? I had no idea.

Are you open to the possibility of being paired with an individual for a trial ‘date?’

Was I?

I read the last question before answering.

Are you open to the possibility of coming back for additional trials and follow-ups?

Again, was I?

My gaze went to Jody again, she was drawing on the back of the packet.

“What did you put for the last two?” I asked her.

“Just put yes,” she said, not even looking at me “If they call us back cool, if not, oh well.”

I guess.

I took her advice and wrote yes to the last two.

Relief swept over me now that the dreaded packet was no longer waiting to be filled out.

“Now what?” I asked her.

She looked a little confused before smiling lightly, “I guess we give them to Mr. Baird.”

I followed her as she got up and made her way over to the man in charge of this trial.

“Are you both finished?” he asked, looking up at us.

“Yes,” Jody said before handing the packet to him.

I gave him mine as well.

Noah:

I was disappointed.

We had barely been here for an hour before Griff got called back in.

So, I was sitting and drinking alone.

Did it get much worse than this?

The buzzing of my phone answered that for me. Yes, it could.

From: Baird – ‘You could always change your mind and come back in.’

Damn it.

He was the one that gave me the day off, and now here he was pestering me.

To: Baird – ‘You’re right, I could.’

I would leave it at that.

The device buzzed in my hand again. Really? Didn’t Baird know how to take a hint?

I took another drink of the vodka in my hand before reading the message.

From: Baird – ‘Well, it would be a shame if you didn’t, there is a good-looking group of girls here today.’

Why did I not believe him?

Though I did wonder what kind of girl Baird thought was attractive. He didn’t really tell us about girls he’s dated. He didn’t even tell us if he was into girls at all.

Was it really worth running over there to see?

Hell no. It was probably just a trick to get me back there today.

I don’t think so, Baird, but nice try.

I just ignored his message and laid back to hear the sound of the wind through the tall grass, and enjoy the view of the water in front of me.

Even though in the back of my mind, I kept hearing, ‘what if?’