“Ummm.” She’s so uncomfortable, eyes darting around and off-the-charts fidgeting, I can’t help but tease her more.

“I know for a fact every girl I’ve ever been with has come. At least twice. I’m a giver.” I wink at her as I pour the water out of the pot and stir in the marinara. “Come on. It can’t be that bad if I’m standing here.”

“They aren’t bad. The girls were very complimentary regarding your…assets…and…skills.” The blush on her cheeks is adorable. No doubt she’s remembering some of the more explicit posts. This girl is so innocent it’s almost intimidating. “Their complaints were more about your hit-it-and-quit-it style.”

“They all knew what they were signing up for,” I say flatly. I have no doubt I was explicit with each and every one of those girls. “I don’t date and I’m always clear about that. You should know that too, I guess. I don’t want a girlfriend. No white picket fences or happily ever afters. I don’t do forever.”

“That’s why I picked you. I’m not asking for forever, just a month. This is about figuring out what I need to know and moving on. No drama. No complications.” Her words are as steady as mine.

Most girls hate it when I’m frank about our lack of a future. Elizabeth is different. She’s like me, happily distant and detached. The only difference is I know how to fake a connection when I need to. I grew up being a chameleon, giving people what they want, hoping to be wanted in return.

“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” I say as I set her bowl of spaghetti in front of her.

“Casablanca,” she says wistfully.

“What’s that?” I ask through a mouthful of food.

She has a reminiscent smile on her lips. “It’s the movie you were quoting. The last line from Casablanca. The beginning of a beautiful friendship…”

“Hmmm. I thought it was just a saying. Like raining cats and dogs. I’ve never seen it. Is it any good?” I manage to ask in between massive mouthfuls.

“One of my favorites. I think I have a copy. If-if you want to, you know, watch it.” Her voice is hesitant.

Is she seriously nervous to ask me to watch a movie with her? After what I’ve already agreed to? I buy a few minutes shoveling spaghetti into my mouth. We eat together in awkward silence and I think about how I want to respond.

“Sure. I’m not going to be getting frisky any time soon after all those carbs.” I drop my empty bowl in her sink, walk around to the couch and throw myself down into the cushions. She finishes her dinner and comes to fuss in front of the TV. She pops the movie in and sits as far away from me as possible while still technically on the couch.

The movie plays, but neither of us is actually watching it. She’s sitting up, her back stick straight, her ass barely on the edge of the cushion. It has to be uncomfortable. I’m staring at her, waiting for her to scoot back and relax. She never does. I grab the remote and pause the movie.