Author note: All characters are over 18 years of age. For the purposes of this story, the words "boy" and "girl" indicates an 18+ year old character who is easily subject to female manipulation or overt dominance. Put another way, a "boy" is a submissive or beta male who is an adult.
The Set Up
"If I say he's cute, then he's cute."
"Okay then, if he's such a nice guy, why don't you date him?"
"He's more your type."
Just what she meant by this was unclear since Claudia's last relationship had been with a woman.
"I'm not even sure what that means, Elle. What do you think my type is?"
"I just want my sister back, okay? You've been dark for like, ever since you and Missy split and I think you need a little pick me up. You need some fun. He's your sort of boy. Trust me, he's a prince." With her coy smile, "And he's a virgin."
This caught Claudias attention. Looking at her sister square in the face and with a trace of a smile, "For real?"
Smiling back, "Yeah...for reals."
*
"Oh, by the way, I got an A on my paper. You are so good to me and I am so lucky to have you as a friend. God, if only I could find a guy like you...you know, who was not already like, just a friend."
Setting up her sister with Tim was a sacrifice but getting her sister back was worth it. Elle loved being gorgeous and learned early on that it could be used to her benefit. At a very early age, she'd learned to appreciate having a boy at her beck and call, a boy in her thrall and a boy who sacrifice to make her feel special and pampered. While she greatly appreciated admiring her own beauty while looking in the mirror, nothing made her feel prettier than being stared at and admired by a boy in her friendzone. It made her feel pretty and entitled because it was objective and to her, it was free. She enjoyed being adored and she appreciated devotion. All she had to do was to be charming and maintain the necessary boundaries. While she did not want to lose Tim, boys followed her like puppy dogs and finding a boy to replace him would be easy.
He'd written her paper as a favor so that she could spend the weekend in Mexico with her latest boyfriend. "No big deal." He smiled, happy to have pleased her.
As long as he got to be near her, keep looking at her.
Her regard made him melt. In addition to her perfect beauty, she had a way of looking out at the world with a sense of joyous wonder that one often saw only on little girls. Her eyes went big and she smiled with her whole face. It undid him every single time.
She linked arms with Tim and they made their way toward the parking lot with nothing but miles of smiles on a sunny, California blue sky day.
In her desultory way, "You two will have fun. She's a little edgy, but I kinda think that will be good for you. Don't let her intimidate you," her eyes went big for emphasis.
"Oh my goodness, Elle, who do you think I am? I am not going to be intimidated by your sister. I think I can handle myself, thank you very much."
"Oh...I know. I care a great deal about you both and just want it to work out, is all. You are both coming out of something and I think you might be good for each other. And she has an intense side. That's all."
"That's all?"
"Now Timothy," she said affecting her serious mother tone, "When we first started hanging out, you were broken hearted and you've not dated since." She enjoyed this game because she knew she was the reason he did not date anybody. He had eyes only for her.
"I'm so beyond over that whole thing." He was over it as soon as he entered Elle's gravity.
"But you were!"
"Over it."
But not over you.
"Okay, good."
"So, like, what's the story with your sister? What's the deal? Why are you worried?"
"I'm not worried and I think you two are like perfect for each other. Claudia is just a little tuffy. She's the most honest person you will ever meet. She can be...sometimes she can be a little bit of a bitch is all. No big."
"And you can't?" As far as Tim was concerned, every woman he knew could be a bitch. "Honey, as far as I'm concerned, a bitch is just a woman who says what she thinks. At least that's what Ellen says."
They laughed.
"Oh my, now you go to the Ellen show to get your insights on the world."
Before he could respond, "That's not so bad, actually. I think I agree." She smiled and it took Tim's breath away. "Maybe we can start watching together."
Oh my god, she's like...perfect. Physical perfection. God, I so wish... Stop it! Stop it right now. She's not into me. Accept it and keep your best friend.
"Never mind. You two will get along just fine."
"I keep telling you, I'm a big boy now."
They smiled into possibility.
"I'm so excited, Greg is coming over tonight!"
He was sure she had no idea she stabbed him in the heart with these sorts of declarations so he tried to hide the pain. Elle was half way through her new relationship. She was the charter member of the Guy of the Month Club in which she was the only stable member. As amazing as they all were, none of them proved good enough in the end. Yet the relationships were always hot and Tim knew because she told him all about them. Every single passionate detail.
Tying not to sound his disappointment, "Have fun."
"More like try not to burn the house down," she laughed.
Elle had a powerful sex drive and Tim got to hear all about it.
God, I wish she'd pick me!
He'd been in love with her since the moment they'd met. Her winning beauty, vivacity and engaging charm absolutely undid him.
"Yoga on Saturday?"
"Duh, like of course!"
"Oh, and one more thing. If it somehow does not work out, I want you back at my side as my good, little bestie. Deal?"