I had the whole day off after my sail with Blake and I took full advantage. I napped for most of the day and spent the rest in my pajamas, binge watching Outlander. I went to sleep early and woke up late. Now, it is mid-morning and I’m lying in bed, stretching out my sore muscles. I didn’t realize how much sailing takes out of you. All of the little muscles, the ones that help keep you stable, were working overtime the whole time I was on the water. Of course, I am sore elsewhere, too, but that has nothing to do with sailing.

I haven’t heard from Blake since I left the dock. I already miss him. I know I wanted to take it slow, but at the same time, I am drawn to him like an iron filing to a magnet. Did I make the right decision to not go on the trip with him? Yes, I am sure I did. When he comes back, we can start building something real, something solid. Starting a relationship with such a breakneck pace is not the way to something that lasts. I don’t know if Blake is the kind of guy to have that kind of long-lasting relationship. Will he just get bored or distracted the way that Trevor said he would? I am going to find out, I guess.

I am working this afternoon, so I can’t stay in bed forever. I get up and hop in the shower, taking an extra-long, extra-hot one. After just one night on the yacht, I feel like I could very easily get used to a life of luxury. But I have to be careful. It’s like flying first class – I don’t want to do it unless I can do it all the time. Because you don’t want to go back to coach once you have experienced life up at the front.

As I am getting dressed, I hear a knock at the door. With a towel still wrapped around my head, I walk out to the main room. I don’t remember ordering anything and I’m not expecting any guests. Maybe Blake has sent another bouquet of flowers?

I open the door to find Trevor standing in the hallway. He looks bedraggled, ragged. His hair is a mess. It looks like he has been swimming and hasn’t bothered to fix himself up.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, too surprised to be polite.

“You know, I really don’t see it.”

“I’m sorry?”

“I don’t see what he sees in you.” He runs his eyes up and down my body. I recoil slightly, as if I can feel his gaze on my skin. “I guess you are ok, but…I just don’t get it.”

“Why are you here?” I ask again.

“You know, your boyfriend almost killed me today. Knocked me off a boat.” Trevor gives a short, ugly laugh. “He was defending your honor or some such bullshit. As if a whore like you would have honor.”

I move to close the door on him, but he sticks his foot in before I can get it closed. Then he slams his shoulder into the door, knocking me backward, and steps into my apartment.

“I get it, of course, from your perspective. I mean, look at this place.”

I back away, trying to keep large pieces of furniture between us as he wanders around my apartment.

“Blake has been my friend since we were little, you know. Best friends. And today, he attacks me over some little piece of ass. I don’t understand.” He leans onto the kitchen counter. He seems unsteady, like he is drunk. “I only got you the invitation to the auction because he looked like he wanted to fuck you. I wanted to do something nice for him.”

“Trevor, I would like you to leave, please.” I try to be as polite and non-confrontational as I can. He is clearly upset and unstable, I don’t want to do anything to set him off.

He acts like he doesn’t hear me, walks over to the couch, and flops down. He looks like he might start crying. I can’t help but start to feel a little sorry for him, he seems so pathetic.

“I don’t know what has gotten into him recently. He’s changed. I feel like I don’t even know him anymore.”

Trevor just sits there, leaning back on my couch. I circle back around to the kitchen, again, trying to keep as much space between him and me as possible. Suddenly, he slaps both hands on the couch and stands up.

“I got it,” he says. “I figured it out. You’ve got Blake so riled up, maybe there is something about you. Maybe I should give it a shot.”

He takes a few steps toward me. His eyes have a feverish gleam in them. For the first time, I get really scared.

“Tell you what,” he says, taking on an affected casualness. “I will make you a deal. I understand you have a student loan to pay off? Well, I will take care of the balance, whatever your deal with Blake didn’t cover.” He takes out his phone and waves it at me. “I can do it right now, if you want. I just want a taste of what has Blake so fucking nuts.”

“Look, Trevor, I am…”

“I promise, you’ll enjoy it.”

“I’m sorry, no, I can’t.” I don’t want to upset him, but I can’t say yes. I just want him to leave, but he doesn’t seem to be interested in going anywhere. I circle around the kitchen, keeping the sofa between us.

“Why are you running away from me? What are you, scared? You think I’m some kind of monster? Come here.”

“Trevor, I want you to go.”

“You slut! Who do you think you are? You think you can just say no to me? You let yourself be bought by the highest bidder and you are refusing me?” His voice keeps rising in pitch and intensity. I back away into my bedroom and try to close the door. Trevor is too fast. He knocks the door open. I let out a little scream as I trip backward onto the bed.

Trevor is looming over me. I try to prepare myself for what is about to happen when I hear the front door to my apartment open. Trevor looks over his shoulder and I crane my head to see who is there. My heart jumps. It is Blake.