Chapter Two
Morgan
We finally make it inside the Convention Center when I'm able to actually process what Ruby meant. I love Ruby. Like my roommate Gia, she dates a lot. I wouldn't describe Ruby as a serial dater like Gia, but they both have plenty of experience in the dating scene while I've only dated a handful of guys since moving to Chicago.
The girls say I’m too picky when it comes to dating. They both agree that your twenties are made for dating and having fun. Ruby truly believes that you won't know you've found “the one” until it just happens. That dating (a lot) is the only way you will ever find “the one.” Gia, on the other hand, is convinced that there is no such a thing as “the one” and plans on dating until she's ninety. As for me, I know my soul mate is out there, but finding him will take time. I know I can find him without dating every single guy I cross paths with.
"Ruby, I didn't come here so you can pimp me out to the first nerd that meets your 'perfect for Morgan' criteria. I came here because I wanted to spend time with you and gain some new experiences—not hook up," I tell her, honestly convinced this might have been the only reason she brought me with her.
Instead of taking back what she said, she replies with a bemused smile. "No, Gia and I discussed this in-depth. You need to hook up with at least two guys this week. We've decided that you need to get some action, and that is my goal for the week, well…besides getting as many celebrity autographs as I can.”
What? They know I can't just "hook" up. They know this…right?
After a long sigh, she retorts, "Mo, I'm joking. I didn't bring you here to get laid. Come on, you know I'd never push you to hook up with someone—unless it were Justin Timberlake. I would always support a JT hook up."
I let out a shaky laugh and realize how dumb it was to think she'd really bring me here to try to force me into a hookup. She and Gia tease me sometimes about my "pickiness" when it comes to dating, but they never push me to date. I take that back, I let Ruby set me up on a blind date once, and it was horrible. But because I let Ruby set up a date, Gia threw a fit about how she wanted the chance to do the same. Tad and Brady were both really nice guys, but neither of them were the "I can see myself with him forever" kind of guys. Honestly, I don't even remember why I never called either of them for a second date. I know both Gia and Ruby were sorta bummed, but I don't think they were surprised.
I’ve had only two serious boyfriends: one in high school and the other in college. Ryan, my high school sweetheart, cheated on me. I know high school relationships don’t usually last and in the grand scheme of things don’t really matter. How can you have a real “relationship” with someone when you’re not adults yet? But like most teenage girls, I thought I was in love with Ryan. And so when we broke up, so did my heart.
In college, Dylan, my boyfriend of eighteen months, decided that he wanted to transfer to a university in upstate New York, a “measly” ten hours away. That was more important than our relationship. He didn’t even offer me transferring with him as a viable option. I’m not saying I would have moved with him, but I would have liked to have had the chance to consider it.
Nevertheless, I cared for both ex-boyfriends deeply, and both let me down. In retrospect though, my life was better without them. Those relationships weren’t meant to be, but break-ups are hard, and I didn't want to get hurt again, so I made it a rule not to give out my heart so easily in the future.
Because of that, I limit my dating. I haven’t had a boyfriend since Dylan, and the most dates I've gone on with the same guy was two. I maybe go on one or two dates a month. It’s not normally a top priority for me. Don't get me wrong, I want to be in love, but I don't want to rush into anything. I need to know that I've found the right person. I can't—I won't have my heart broken again. The next relationship I have will go nice and slow.
I have to get Ruby past this topic.
"So, what's on our agenda for today? I forgot the plan," I ask in an attempt to move on. I just wanted to have fun with one of my besties. We were on vacation. I don't want to dwell, or have Ruby dwell, on my lack of love life.
"Well, we've got The Hunger Games panel, Doctor Who panel, and a few comic book panels we need to attend. Since there is so much going on, I've already outlined what events and activities we can do in our downtime. But then you already knew that, so nice change of subject there, Morgan," she replies.
Dang it. She knows me too well. I did know the plan since she created detailed schedules for each day. We’ve actually gone over them several times. I'm not sure I'm going to have any time to really catch my breath and reflect on what's going on here, but we are only here for a few days, and Ruby wants to make the most of the trip and see as much as we can.
"Great! You know how I love Katniss. I can't wait to see the cast in person! How much shorter do you think Josh Hutcherson is than J-Law in real life?" I ask excitedly. I read all The Hunger Games books on the day of their release and absolutely love the movies.
"Oh, good question. He is super short. Like, I bet you're taller than him, Morgan," Ruby replies.
"Yeah, thanks," I say sarcastically. I’m a whopping 5'3” on a good day. I'm used to the short jokes. I only wear heels sometimes—plus I can’t even walk in anything taller than two inches, so I’m still short when I wear them. Despite my height or lack thereof, I have other things going for me, like my eyes, hair, and boobs. In that order.
I've been told I have beautiful blue-gray eyes. I got them from my dad. I'm almost a spitting image of my mom, except for the color of my eyes. Next comes my hair, which I love. It is currently shoulder length, and it has always been thick but never unmanageable. It’s a lovely dark brown that tends to pull a hint of red. So on occasion, I let my stylist highlight shades of red in the fall. I don’t ever admit this out loud, but I have a really nice pair of breasts. I know that sounds vain, but it’s the truth. There is nothing worse than not being able to fill out that killer halter top you're dying to buy. I like my body and looks in general, but I, of course, have my problem areas. Doesn't everyone? I have some curves, and I’m not overweight, but I’m not super skinny either.
As Ruby chuckles, I ask, "Oh, what about that show starring Evan from GREEK? We have to make that event. Is it on our list!?"
"Yup! Oh, and there is that signing we have to go to, remember? That pro gaming team? Jake wanted me to get a Call of Battle shirt from the Visionwave booth and have the team sign it. You know he's obsessed with that game, and I guess now that professional video gaming is a real thing these days, he's all into it. I doubt the signing will take very long," she says as she pulls out the convention center map and we head to our first panel.