Reasonable Doubt: Volume 3 (Reasonable Doubt 3)

Name them.

—Andrew

She sent a new message.

Subject: Date.

I’m allowed to ask you whatever I want and you have to answer truthfully.

—Aubrey

Subject: Re: Date.

I always answer truthfully. Is the word “stipulations” not plural?

—Andrew

Subject: Re: Re: Date.

You have to be a complete gentleman. I don’t want to be f**ked in another bathroom…

What time are you picking me up?

—Aubrey

Subject: Re: Re: Re: Date.

I actually wasn’t planning on f**king you tonight, but since you’ve clearly entertained that possibility, I’ll be sure to send a list of potential locations prior to the date.

Eight o’ clock.

—Andrew

I knocked on her door at 7:58, dressed in a black designer suit I’d purchased hours ago.

There was no answer, and before I could knock again, the door swung open and she stepped out wearing a short black dress that left little to the imagination.

“Are you aware that it’s still winter?” I trailed my finger along her exposed shoulders. “You’re going to need a coat.”

She looked behind me. “You took the subway here?”

“Yes.”

“We’re taking the subway on our date?”

“The car will come later.” I smiled as confusion spread across her face.

She grabbed her coat from inside and shut the door, looking up at me. “Do you even know how to use the subway?”

“Of course I do,” I said, clasping her hand. “I wasn’t always well-off when I lived here…”

A light snow fell as we made our way to the subway tunnel, and she leaned against me—pressing her body closer to mine. Holiday lights were strung about the tallest buildings—sparkling against the night, and a faint sense of excitement swirled through the air.

There weren’t that many people out tonight, and as we boarded a nearly empty train, Aubrey laughed at that fact.

“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a subway like this,” she said. “I usually have to fight for my own tiny space.”