Chapter 15 - I Dreamt a Dream Tonight

Victor

I re-read Tyler’s text message from earlier. “Hey Nikki. I made reservations at a fancy restaurant. Meet me at my place at 5.” 

I was annoyed at the fancy part. I didn’t need or want fancy food. I didn’t want to dress fancy either. I looked at the time. 3:30. Now I was annoyed at the 5 o’clock part too. Typically as a guy I could get ready and out the door in twenty minutes. He wants me to dress fancy. This is going to take time to look pretty. Especially since I had no idea what I was doing.

If I could get Alexis to help, I can get this done quicker. But - she wasn’t home. I wonder if she was out with Brandon. Just the thought of those two together made me angry. I reminded myself I needed to focus on the task at hand. My date with Tyler. I can deal with the Alexis-Brandon thing later.

I found a good number of nice dresses in Nicole’s closet. She owned much more formal wear than I owned. I pulled a light purple one out of the closet and held it out. It looks nice. Wow, it feels expensive. I walked over to the hanging mirror and examined it up against myself.

It had thicker straps than the sundress I’m currently wearing. The hem of the dress came down to my mid-thigh. I suppose this would work.

I decided to shower because I felt gross. Walking around downtown with Nicole made me sweat. Or maybe it was running from that fountain. 

I giggled at that awesome memory. That was fun.

But anyway- it was a good sweat. I didn’t feel out of shape or anything and I actually felt great... Except for the sweat. I wonder if this body is used to going to the gym often. I bet Nicole used to workout before the body swap because this body ate up all of that physical activity. Speaking of which... You know what I never considered as a male suddenly thrust into a woman’s body? Boob sweat. Yes, that’s right. It was gross and I’m going to need a shower now.

I got naked, tossed my bra into the hamper, and turned on the shower. It just occurred to me that I’m going to eventually need to do laundry soon. Laundry with women’s clothes. I bet Nicole would kill me if I shrank her clothes. 

I stepped into the shower and exhaled as I felt the hot water hit my neck. That felt good.

It was slightly embarrassing the way Nicole and I parted. I hope she doesn’t think any less of me. I was enjoying myself too much. I was enjoying being Nicole. I was enjoying hanging out with Nicole too. In some ways it felt like old times. I had done similar outings with Lindsey. My parents would drop us off at the mall, and we would bounce from store to store just being teenagers. 

I can’t believe I kissed her. It was weird at first kissing myself. But when she kissed back, I felt something come over me. A wave of nostalgia. When we stopped kissing, a wave of regret hit me. Instead of Nicole sitting there, it was Lindsey. She was telling me it was over. I sighed at the memory. I hate having those memories resurface, but I have yet another date today.

I put body wash onto my hands and lathered myself up, and made sure to wash the parts of me that sweat today. I let my hands caress my body as I rinsed off. Once I got to my legs, I felt some stubble. I decided I should shave them. Was I shaving for Tyler or was I shaving for myself? I don’t know the answer to that, but it felt right.

After my shower, I wrapped myself with my towel and walked to Nicole’s room. I opened the underwear drawer and pulled out matching nude bra and panties.

I did a time check then quickly got dressed.

I started to do my makeup. I wanted to do something different than this morning. I went light on the foundation, and decided to go with a purple eyeshadow to match the dress I was wearing. 

My hair was starting to dry, but I felt the straightness of it just wasn’t working for this outfit. I saw a curling iron sitting in the corner. 

I did a quick time-check again and decided to go for it. I picked up my phone and quickly searched how to use a curling iron. I plugged the curling iron in and blow dried my hair.

I limited myself to only ten minutes.  But in those minutes I was able to get the bottom of my hair curly and resting upon my shoulders. Damn, I’m impressed. It’s been rather exciting learning all of this new stuff. What am I going to do when I swap back?

* * *

Nicole

We weren't swapping back today.  That much was obvious as I parted ways with Victor.  My only hope was that one of the things we did today had a delayed effect on the swap.  Or maybe I just needed to have an awesome date with Stephanie to facilitate the swap.

When I got back to Victor’s apartment, my phone dinged. I check the notification to see an alert about my internship application being due.

On no! I forgot about that. Due at 5? I still have time.

I had finished it Wednesday night, but figured I’d have time to send it today.

I opened up the document. Re-read everything I had written. It looked good.

I stopped to stare at the heading of the application. “Collegiate Women in Business Internships.” Then I looked at my name. “Nicole Rouch.” I was on the verge of crying. I closed my eyes, fighting back the tears. What if I don’t get in? Worse. What if I do and can’t go because I’m not Nicole? Don’t cry Nicole. Not now. I then wiped a forming tear away from my eye.

I attached the application to the draft email I had already started and hit send. I can only hope we swap back in time for that to start. No. Not hope. We will. I will be Nicole again in the morning.

OK. That’s taken care of. There’s no need to worry about that anymore. Either I get in or I don’t. Let’s focus on the task at hand. My date with Stephanie. Swapping back could very well hinge on how well this date goes.

I was nervous. No, not nervous. Anxious. Not because this was a date. I was anxious because I did zero preparation for this date. I have no idea where I’m taking her. This is not like me. I’m never this unprepared for anything. I’m usually over prepared. I think I had always assumed we would swap back before this date ever happened. Now I’m on the verge of an anxiety attack for being so unprepared.

I got into the shower and worked on my breathing. I miss being able to talk to Tyler to calm myself down. 

When I was able to refocus myself, I brainstormed where we were going to go. I should take her out to dinner I suppose. Victor was very prepared for today’s date. Maybe I could borrow some of those ideas. Are we going to take the bus again? Victor said he had a car somewhere around here. He said it was a piece of shit. Hopefully it works. Hopefully Stephanie doesn’t judge me on the car.

I felt my face. So rough. I didn’t like it. Maybe I should shave it.

I got out of the shower and wrapped my chest in a towel. I realized after I did that, I didn't need to wrap my chest, so I adjusted the towel to sit on my waist. I’m still not over how weird it is to be topless. Technically I could walk around naked here. Victor lives alone, so I don’t need to worry about any roommates walking by. A cool breeze from the air condition made my nipples perk up. OK, it’s cold in here, I should quickly shave so I can put some clothes on.

I looked at the mirror and examined my face. Yes. I needed to shave. I’m surprised Victor didn’t say anything to me when we kissed. I found the shaving-cream and a razor. This can’t be much different than shaving my legs right?

I lathered up my face and ran through it with the razor. So far so good. The next pass, I nicked my chin. Damn. I went slower, getting the rest of my face. The only other place I nicked was my lip between my nose and upper lip. I rinsed my face to see if I got everywhere. I missed a few spots on my chin and cheekbones, so I quickly touched that up and rinsed again. I dabbed the nicked skin with a tissue.

I saw a bottle of aftershave. Guys use this after shaving right? I opened it up and smelled it. Ugh. Smells like a man. I squirted some liquid into my hands. All I could think about was that scene in Home Alone. As I rubbed it on my face, I started to giggle at that thought.

Then the places I nicked with the razor burned. Yikes. Thankfully the pain went away after a few seconds and my face felt cool again.

I looked in the mirror. I looked better. I felt better too. This is the first time I’ve seen this face clean shaven. I woke up Monday with stubble already. I rubbed my hands over my smooth cheeks and smiled. That’s more like it.

I searched his closet for some nice attire. I found a pair of slacks and a button down shirt. I found dress shoes in the back of the closet.  They were caked with dust bunnies.  Thanks alot, Victor.  I took a wet paper towel and washed them off.

Next step. Car keys. I think I remember seeing a car FOB in a kitchen drawer. For some reason Victor doesn’t seem to keep his car keys with his apartment key.

It was almost 5 PM so I walked outside the apartment and pressed the FOB’s lock button a few times. I heard a few faint beeps in the far end of the parking lot.

I closed the door and was about to lock it when Stephanie appeared.

“Hey, Victor,” she said.

“Hi Stephanie,” I replied. Wait, I should be more gentlemanly. Compliment her. I like when guys do that for me. “Good evening, you’re looking great. I love that dress.” 

She was wearing a strapless black and white low-cut striped dress. I couldn’t help but notice the cleavage. My dick certainly noticed. I did my best to keep my eyes on hers. 

“Thank you” she said, blushing. “So what are we doing tonight?”

“I am going to take you out to dinner first.” I said confidently. “And we’ll see where the night takes us from there.” Nailed it, Nicole!

She smiled.

“But first.” I said. “We’re going to find my piece of shit car.” I laughed and she laughed with me. I figured maybe I should lean into a self-deprecation attitude before she sees the car. I’m making sure her expectations are in place.

As we walked through the apartment complex’s parking lot I kept hitting the FOB’s button.

She looked at me curiously.

“I don’t drive often,” I explained. “Most of everything I need is within walking distance. So I forgot where I last parked my car.”

“Same here.” she said. “My car is parked in some commuter lot. I haven’t seen it since move-in day.”

We got closer to the car. I heard where the beep was coming from. Then I saw it.

I stood there motionless for a bit. No. This can’t be right. I hit the button on the FOB again. The car in front of me beeped and the lights flashed.

It was a new sleek black luxury sports car.

“That’s your piece of shit?” Stephanie asked.

“You know…” I said, letting my voice trail. “It’s um…” Quick. What should I say? “...not this year’s model.”

Stephanie walked around it, mouth agape touching the car with her finger. I noticed her finger was rubbing a trail of dust off the car.  “This is an Audi A5. You must be loaded!” She said in amazement.

I didn’t respond to Stephanie’s comment about money. 

Maybe I’m mistaken, and this isn’t Victor’s car. I pressed the unlock button, I grabbed the handle and successfully opened the door. There goes that idea. I’m going to need to have a few words with Victor on what is and isn’t a piece of shit car. We could’ve been driving this around all afternoon!

I suddenly had a flashback to earlier in the week. Victor clutching his wallet when I suggested we swap identities. I also remember what he told me earlier today. He was taken advantage of. I was still annoyed that he lied to me, but I could almost see why he did.

I just remembered. Right. Be gentlemanly. I ran around to the passenger door, and opened it for my date.

“Thank you, sir.” She smiled and got into the car.

Sir? I hate the constant reminders that I’m not Nicole. I just gotta push through this.

I ran back around and got into the car. It still had that new car smell. I exhaled and started the car. The engine came alive.

“Ooo. That’s got such a nice purr.” Stephanie said. Apparently she’s more into cars than I am.

I checked the mirrors, and the seat. Everything was already set up for this body so I didn’t need to change anything.

“So where are we going?” she asked.

I still hadn’t figured that part out. Plan B: Copy what Victor did today. “I know of a few places downtown we can go.”

“Oh” she said, pushing buttons. “A convertible.”

I was about to say to stop pushing buttons when the top raised up and started pushing back. OK. Top down. I guess we’re doing this.

I pulled out of the parking lot and out into the street. I stopped at the stoplight. My parents didn’t let me bring my car to college. That's why I still live on campus. I drove my car around during the summer, but it’s a 10 year old Toyota. It’s nothing like this car. This car had a lot of power. 

The evening sun was directly in my eyes. I put down the visor, then noticed a pair of sunglasses on the dashboard. I remember what I told myself this afternoon.  Be the guy.  Lean into this and have fun.  If Vic can enjoy being a girl, I should enjoy being a guy. I grabbed the sunglasses, then I paused so that Stephanie saw me, then flicked the glasses open. Then I put them on. So cool. See Nicole, this isn’t hard.  No. This evening I’m Nick.

The light turned green and I stepped on the accelerator and the car jumped quickly into high gear. I could see the smile on Stephanie’s face. OK. I had a smile too. This car was fun.

* * *

Tyler

I got dressed wearing a pair of nice black jeans, and a striped button down shirt. I splashed on some cologne. I typically didn’t wear cologne, but I’m excited to be going out with Nicole this evening. I’m excited to put this week behind me and return to normalcy.

I heard a knock at the door. Josh answered and I heard him greet her. “Hey Nicole! Wow. Look. At. You. Damn, Girl. Hey Ty, I think I’m going to steal your girl here.”

I walked out to greet Nicole and stopped dead in my tracks as I saw her.

Sexy dress. Glowing makeup. Her hair was perfect. Let me back up. Let me describe Nicole’s typical style. Nicole is all business. She has aspirations of going into business, and owning her own business one day. When we typically dress up, she dresses like she’s about to go to a board meeting. Blouse, pencil skirt, and classy accessories. The girl standing in front of me is looking like a runway model modeling as a bridesmaid.

“Oh my God.” she said. “You’re wearing jeans. I overdid it.” She turned to run out the door when I quickly grabbed her arm.

“Whoa wait.” I said. “Nic - you’re gorgeous.”

She blushed. “I am? I’m not overdressed? I can totally go put some jeans on instead.”

“I don’t want to waste your hard work.” I said. “Look at Josh over there. I think you just turned him straight”

Josh snickered. “At least bi. I’m still down for that three-some.” He continued to laugh.  Before I could come up with a snarky come-back, he retreated into his room.

“How about I put some khakis on?” I said. I held her hand as I led her to my room.

I pulled out a pair of black khakis and a belt from my closet. I noticed Nicole was looking around my room, starting at my decorations as if this was the first time she’s been in here. I quickly pulled off my jeans and exchanged them for pants. 

I grabbed a solid lavender tie. It matches some of the colors of the shirt I’m wearing. I hate ties though. I started putting it on, but the tie was too short. I undid it. It was too short again. Why am I so nervous? I started to get frustrated.

“Need help?” she asked.

“I uh.” I stammered. I didn’t want to ask for help from Nicole. “I can get Josh to help. He’s always wearing suits and ties.”

She pulled the tie off of me, then put it around her own neck. I watched her expertly tie it around her neck, adjust it, loosen it up, then take it off. “Come here.”

I walked closer to her as she put the pre-tied tie around my head and over my collar. 

She tightened it and then adjusted the knot. “There” she said smiling. She is full of surprises. I didn’t know she knew how to tie a tie.

I noticed some of her hair was out of place. “Sorry. My tie messed your hair up.” I moved even closer and fixed the few strands that were out of place.

We both stood there, inches apart looking at each other. Her hazel eyes were looking directly into mine. I could feel her breath. My heart was racing. I wanted to embrace her with a kiss right now, but was afraid she'd bolt. I didn’t want our evening to end so soon.

“Ready to go?” I asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” she said. We both started walking to the door. “Why did you pick a fancy restaurant?” 

“I thought after the week we had, you deserved something high-class.” 

“Next time, let’s just stick to beer and wings.” she said.

Beer and wings? Ha. She’s developed a sense of humor.

* * *

I drove to the french restaurant I made the reservation with. I made a point to get the car door for Nicole. She smiled, but I could tell she was a little impatient while waiting for me.

I put out my arm for her to grab onto so I could escort her to the door. She didn’t notice and kept walking towards the restaurant. Damn, I’m getting rusty. I rushed ahead and grabbed the door.

“Tyler” she said. “I appreciate your attempts to woo me, but I am capable of getting my own door.”

I didn't know what to say to that. But I was certainly embarrassed by it. She usually liked when I was all chivalrous. Was this part of the new Nicole?

We stopped at the hostess stand where we were greeted by a high school girl. “Bonjour” she greeted in a forced French accent. “Do you have a reservation?” She said, switching back to an American accent.

“Yes we do.” I proudly said. “Tyler, party of two.”

She looked down at her tablet.

“I don’t have a Tyler.” she said flatly.

“I made an online reservation. For 5:30 PM.” I said, trying to retain my smile.

The hostess humored me and looked at her list again. “Nope.”

“But-” I started, but Nicole stopped me.

“Tyler.” she said. “It’s not a big deal if we have to go somewhere else.”

I pulled out my phone and brought up the reservation app. “See.” I said confidently. “I made a reservation for-” No wait. I looked at it again. “Birdie’s Wings and Golf?”

The hostess rolled her eyes, while Nicole appeared intrigued.

“Well let’s go to our reservation then.” Nicole suggested. “I didn't want French food anyway. Plus her accent sucked.”

I stood there in embarrassment. “But.”

Nicole grabbed my arm and escorted me out of the French restaurant. “Let it go.” she said. I looked behind to see a very not-amused hostess watching us leave.

* * *

Nicole

“Do you want to do valet?” Stephanie asked.

Valet? Despite feeling like I had a million bucks while driving this car, I didn’t actually have a million bucks. Was she expecting a valet? I hate to disappoint her, so I need a good excuse. “Not this time.” I said. “Last time the valet service left a nice dent in the door.”

“Oh that sucks,” she replied.

We parked in the parking garage and made our way to the cafe. I decided to fill my date in on my plans. “So I know this great cafe. I’ve been there before.” This afternoon. “They have nice outdoor seating where you can take in the downtown atmosphere.” Maybe the salsa band will be there again. I can show off my moves.

We arrived at the restaurant. The host seated us at almost the same table Victor and I sat at this afternoon.

Stephanie got up once we were seated. “Excuse me, I’m going to use the restroom real quick.”

I immediately thought about Victor’s story from earlier about his date who ghosted him. I doubt Stephanie would do that. But this did give me an opportunity to message Victor. 

I pulled out my phone and texted him, “Why did you lie to me about your car? We’re sharing our bodies and our lives. I’m trusting you, so you have to trust me.” I’m still pissed about it.

Thankfully Stephanie didn’t ghost me and returned. The waiter also came. I ordered the grapefruit crush. Stephanie was intrigued and ordered the same. 

* * *

Victor

We arrived at Birdies. I’ve never been here before. It was a miniature golf place that had a chicken wing restaurant built on-site as a way to generate more customers.

If I was worried about being overdressed before, both Tyler and I are very overdressed for this now. I figured that as long as we’re seen like this together, I can get over my embarrassment at wearing a dress to a chicken wing joint.  Tyler was going to take his tie off in the car, but I threatened him that I’d take this dress off. He laughed at that and kept his tie on. In hindsight I realized that was not the best threat in the world. Hey - I’m still learning how to be someone’s girlfriend.

The host at Birdies was another high schooler. This time an acne-faced boy. 

“We have a reservation,” Tyler said with much less enthusiasm than he showed at the French restaurant.

 “You made a reservation?” the host said, amazed. “I didn’t know we had that service.”

Tyler was not amused. I wanted to be supportive. I reminded myself that I’m supposed to be his girlfriend, so I held his hand and squeezed it.

Tyler and the host stood there, neither moving. “Are you going to escort us to a table?” he asked.

“It’s “seat yourself.”” the teenager replied pointing at the “Seat yourself” sign.   Maybe this boy wasn’t the host after all.

I could see the disappointment in Tyler’s face. This night was not going the way he envisioned it. He wanted to be all suave and take his girlfriend to a fancy place.  I’m playing a role right? So I’ll continue to be “the supportive girlfriend.”

“Hey Tyler” I whispered into his ear. “I’d love it if you escorted me to the best table in this fine establishment.”

He smiled at my attempt to support him and put his arm out. I took it and we walked to a 4-person table overlooking the 12th hole - an animatronic shark.

He pulled my chair out for me, I smoothed out my dress and sat down. I have to admit, being treated as royalty is kinda nice, once you get over the initial shock of it.  I’ve been an independent loner for all of these years and before that I was the “guy” in my relationships. So it’s a shock to suddenly have let someone else take charge. I bit my lip as Tyler sat down across from me. The reservation drama made me forget for a moment that I was on a date. My stomach went aflutter as our eyes met.

Our staring contest was rudely interrupted by my phone. 

I looked down to see a text from Nicole. 

Shit. She found my car.

“Who’s that?” Tyler asked.

“Lexi.” I replied. “She’s buying new curtains for our apartment. She wanted my opinion.”

I texted back. “I’m sorry for lying about the car. My parents bought it for me. It’s complicated.”

“She’s buying curtains for a dorm apartment?  That’s weird”  Tyler said.  He then got up and came around to sit in the vacant seat next to me. I quickly put the phone into my purse so he couldn't see who I was texting. He put one of his arms around me and held up his phone with the other hand. “Smile Nikki.”

I smiled and he took the selfie. 

He returned back to his seat. “Want me to send that to you?” 

“Sure.” I said. A few seconds my phone buzzed again. This time it was the selfie Tyler just sent me. I looked at it. My jaw dropped at the absolutely gorgeous couple in that picture. Holy shit that’s me. That’s us. I looked at Tyler. “That’s a…” I said, clearing my throat. “... beautiful picture.”

“Yeah.” he said, smiling. “I take pretty good selfies right? At least these long monkey arms are great for something.” He smirked, disappointed at himself.

“You don’t have long monkey arms.” I said, reassuring him. “They look… normal… to me.”

He smiled at my compliment. He then looked down at the menu in front of him.

I followed his lead and did the same. My menu was a little crooked - and stuck to the table - so I peeled it off whatever it was stuck to and straightened it. I scanned the menu. Wings. Burgers. Beer. This is my type of place. I turned back to Tyler. “How many wings can you eat?”

“I’m about a 15 wing guy.”

“So am I.” I said, smiling at how much we have in common. Wait. No. “Girl. 15 wing girl.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m curious.”

“About?” Uh oh. He’s on to me.

“When did you stop being a vegetarian?”

“Um…” I started. This is one of the answers I rehearsed for Wednesday that I never got to use. “This summer. My taste buds changed. I hated meat all through high school and through college, so naturally I gravitated to vegetarian options. But this summer I tried meat again. And damn. I was missing out. I may still go back to being a veggie eater again, but for this week - tonight - i’m a carnivore. Rawr.”

He laughed with a great big smile.

I remember all of the nights I tried to get PurpleMage to notice me.  I got a big smile on my face knowing that I finally succeeded. 

* * *

30 wings and 4 beers later we were stuffed. I’m sure we were a sight to see. Here we were dressed to impress, eating buffalo chicken wings with our fingers. 

Tyler was a riot. We just casually chatted back and forth about games, movies, life and family. We have so many of the same interests, it’s like he was my long lost best friend. I forgot it was a date again. Occasionally he looks at me and smiles that sexy smile and that flutter comes back.

I burped. 

He laughed. 

“Excuse me” I said, embarrassed. I didn’t mean to. It wasn’t very lady-like. Damn these beers are interfering with the role I’m trying to play here. I’m supposed to be a cute girlfriend not a lifelong best bro. I had a flashback to Lexi’s warning on Monday. “Nicole’s a lightweight.” I grinned at that memory. At least I’m safe with my boyfriend. I mean. Nicole’s. Or. Whoever Tyler is to me. I felt safe with him

My lips were burning from the hot sauce, plus I felt another burp coming on, so I excused myself to the ladies room. I washed the remaining sauce off my hands and mouth, then let out a loud burp. An old lady who was in a stall came out and stared daggers at me. What’s up, lady? Haven’t you ever seen a girl in a prom dress downing wings and beer? I shrugged it off, and reapplied the lip gloss from my purse I put on earlier. 

I returned to Tyler, aware of the sounds my heels made on the tile floor. I don’t know what came over me. Maybe it was walking in heels, but I slowed my walk and swayed my hips a little more. I saw Tyler’s eyes go big. I giggled. No really. I giggled. I didn't know I had it in me.

I sat back down and took another sip of beer. “So um… do you wanna… “ I glanced at the mini golf around us.

“Sure.” he said.

While Tyler got our bill and paid for it, I paid for a round of mini-golf and got our clubs and balls.

We got to the first hole. Tyler being the gentleman he is, let me go first. I hit a nice shot where the ball came about 2 inches from the hole. “Awesome sauce.” I cheered. This buzz isn’t affecting my golf game.

Tyler grabbed his club awkwardly and missed the ball. He blushed, looking embarrassed. “Let me try that again.” He swung and knocked the ball too hard and it went flying to the next hole. “I’m sorry.” he said. “I’ve never played this.”

“You’ve never played putt-putt?” I asked, shocked. “I don’t believe it.”

“I remember seeing them when I was a kid, but my parents never took me. I think they were weirded out by the creepy decor.”

“OK, let me help.” I said. I went over to the next green and retrieved his ball and brought it back to him. I dropped it onto the fake grass. “Put your feet this far apart.”

He did as he was told. He was about to swing when I stopped him.

“Wait wait.” I said. “Ty, look at how you’re holding the club.” I found myself walking behind him and putting my arms around him. I adjusted his hands. I could smell his cologne. It was distracting me from this lesson. “Put your hands like this. “ I moved his hands, then put my hands over his. “Then gently swing like this. Let's take a few practice swings.” We swung a few times. “It’s a gentle tap. Now let's do it for real.” Then I guided him to tap the ball. The ball rolled into the hole.

“Hole in one!” he said smiling.

“Three.” I corrected him. “It took you three swings.” I pulled out the game card and pencil and marked the score.

He looked at me surprised, and realized I was serious.

I walked to my ball, and tapped it into the hole. “Two for me.” I reached down, grabbed my ball and did a fake golf wave as if I was a pro-golfer getting cheered by their fans. “I’m winning by a point.”

He looked at me and chuckled. “Game on, then.”

I wonder. Did he really suck at this? Did he want me to show him how to putt? Was that all a ploy to get me to get up close to him? Did he want me to crush on how cute he was being? Whatever he was doing, it was working.

* * *

Nicole

After a few drinks, Stephanie and I were both giggling while talking about the different mixed drinks on the cocktail menu.  She teased me about ordering “girly” drinks so I took the paper umbrella from my empty drink and tucked it behind my ear.

“Very cute!” Stephanie said as she did the same.  “You know, Victor,” she said. “I don't know what it is, but I can’t get a good read on you.”

“Oh?” I said chuckling.

“It’s like you’re two different people. One moment you’re a dashing charming gentleman, the other it feels like you’re my best friend.”

“A guy can’t be both?”

“It’s just refreshing.” she said. 

If I wanted to swap back, I better stick to this landing. I needed this date to be excellent. “Previous girls haven’t appreciated me for my complexity.”

“Oh? So you’re complex?”

“You have no idea.”

She laughed at that. “So the quiet loner I used to see walking from his car straight to his apartment. That was just a facade? You’re really this outgoing guy?”

“Oh I’ve just been burned in the past.” I replied. 

The waiter brought me the bill. I examined it, and pulled out my wallet to pay. 

“So tell me about these anxiety attacks.” Stephanie asked.

Wait. I don’t want to talk about me. I want to talk about Victor. Well, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to talk about me for a little bit. “Well, I’ve been getting them all throughout my adolescence.” I replied. “I’m under a lot of pressure from my parents to be their perfect daugh- son. They’re very set in their ways on how they see the world and how I should act.”

“Oh, are they sexist?  Should the man just provide and the woman just stay home?”

Actually it was them who told me to go to college to get a job to compete with men in the workplace. “Oh nothing like that. They’re actually really supportive of... my… sister. They’re just conservative in other ways.” 

“Oh.” she said. “So they’re bigots.”

That was harsh. I would never admit that about my parents. Yeah, they’re rough around the edges, but they mean well. I didn’t know how to answer that though, so I continued talking about my anxiety.

“So I'm under a lot of pressure, and I find that.. It’s hard to breathe. Not that I can’t breathe, but I forget to breathe.”

“You know how to solve that?” she asked as if she had an answer

“How?” I was intrigued.

“Meditation.” she said. “My best friend has attacks similar to that. She took up yoga and meditates often. When she runs into things she can’t control, she excuses herself and meditates.”

“Interesting” I said, handing my credit card and the bill to the passing waiter.

We left the cafe and strolled down the street. This evening, instead of a salsa band, it was some slow jazz. I almost miss Victor at my side asking to dance.

She held my hand. The date was going all right. I’ve had better dates with Tyler, but this wasn’t anything exciting. No spark. Maybe it’s because I didn’t put enough effort into planning it. I wonder how she thought the date was going. It was hard getting a good read on her too.

Now that I’ve gotten to know Victor better, it occurred to me that Stephanie may not actually be Victor’s type.  If that’s the case, I’m absolutely wasting my time.  I wonder who I should set victor up with?  Lexi?  They seem to get along as roommates this week.  That would certainly provide an interesting dynamic between them.  Mads?  She’s never shown any interest in dating anyone.  Victor has however shown interest in me getting to know Kayla.  Sadly I don’t have many other available friends for Victor to date.

Stephanie stopped across the street from the water fountain. There were colored lights shining in the water. “That’s so romantic,” she said.

The only thing I could think of is that I peed in it earlier. So much for romance.

* * *

Victor

After a round of miniature golf - I won by the way - Tyler drove us back to his place. The night was still young and I think we were both itching to play some video games. Actually, there was something else in the back of my mind. Something reminding me that this was a date and we haven’t really been alone with each other since Wednesday night. 

I was anticipating a kiss. Maybe that’s why I placed some of Nicole’s lip gloss into the purse. I tried to nonchalantly reapply when we walked through the door. When I was done I put my purse down and got out our game controllers. He got 2 beers from the fridge and handed me one. He then turned on the game and looked at me.

I noticed him looking at me and smiled. “What?”

“You have freckles.” he said.

“Yeah so?” I replied with a smirk.

“I never noticed.”

That’s weird. “How long have we been dating?”

“3 years on Halloween.”

“And in those 3 years you never noticed I had freckles?”

“I’ve never seen you with… so little makeup before.”

“Huh” I said. I considered that for a moment. I also considered that Nicole was guilty for caking on the foundation. She kept talking about imperfections. Did she mean the freckles? Maybe she hated them. I think they’re cute. This certainly made me wonder. Nicole and Tyler have spent the nights at their places, right? And Nicole never took her makeup off at night? Unless maybe she turned the lights off so Tyler never saw her without makeup. If that’s true, that's some next-level insecurity I need to talk to her about.  But who am I to lecture about insecurities?

“They’re cute,” he said. “I kinda... like your makeup this way.”

I blushed. I’m excited he likes my makeup. “Thank you. Me too.”  

As we started playing the game, he spoke up again. “When did you learn to play? This summer?”

I’ve been playing games much longer than that, but seeing how the only acceptable lie here is “Yes” I said, “Yes.”

“Did you learn to play for me?”

Geez Tyler, stop trying to ruin this date with your probing questions.  What do I say here? I didn’t know where he was going with this. Maybe he knows I’m Victor. I’m busted.

He didn’t wait for my answer. He paused the game and turned around on the couch to face me. “Nicole, I’m sorry.”

“For what, Tyler?”

“I’m sorry for making you think you had to change yourself to be with me.”

“I didn’t change for you.” I said. I didn't know where I was going with that line of reasoning. I wasn’t thinking straight because of the drinks.

“We don’t have to play video games. We don’t have to go to football games. We don’t have to do elaborate costumes for halloween. I don’t want you to change who you are.”

“But Tyler, I want to do those things.” 

I guess Nicole didn’t.  It was then I recalled the conversation I had with Nicole. About me losing what made me Victor.  I had an epiphany.  I wasn’t turning into Nicole.  I was turning Nicole into me.  Is that why she’s upset?

He looked confused. What am I doing? I’m telling him I want to do these things and yet we may swap back tonight.  Then Tyler is stuck dating someone that doesn’t appreciate him the way I do. Wait. No. That thought didn’t come out right at all. What I meant to think was, what does Tyler and Nicole even see in each other? Clearly I should be the one dating Tyler. No. Stop. 

Why am I thinking these things?  My crush on PurpleMage is feeding into this body's desire to want Tyler.  I’m confusing myself.

He didn’t wait for my response and said, “Nic, these past few days have both been the most stressful, but most enjoyable days in our relationship. It’s hurting me that you’ve pulled away from me, but I’ve had the most fun time we have spent with each other. It feels like we’ve started anew.”

“I’ve had fun too.” I said. It’s not a lie. “Tonight was awesome.”

“Just know I don’t want you to change for me. If you want to do these new things, I’m all for it. I’m excited to do these things with you. But only if you’re excited to do them with me too. I love you.”

“I..” my heart was racing. I was able to casually say I love him back earlier in the week. But that’s why I was pretending to be Nicole. Now I’m… being myself? When did I stop pretending to be Nicole? I’m developing feelings for him, true, but it’s way too early to confess my love to someone I essentially just met. 

He slowly started to lean in. He was going in for the kiss. In slow motion. I would’ve backed away, but I wanted it too. I was prepared for this. I started to lean in too and closed my eyes.

Our lips met. Oh God I think secretly I wanted this all night. It’s why I picked this outfit. It's why I put this makeup on. It’s why I packed and reapplied this lipgloss. I wanted to impress him. I wanted him to kiss me again.

I opened my mouth slightly and our tongues met, I dropped the controller and put my arms around him. He put his arms around me.

Minutes went by before he pulled away from the kiss. I was in a state of shock. My mind was racing and tearing itself apart. 

What was my next move? Should I go home and take a cold shower? Should I tell him the truth that I was a guy a week ago? All I know is I didn’t want this moment to end. So I leaned back and laid down on the couch - inviting him to join me. 

What was I doing?

He leaned over me and we resumed our makeout session. I ran my fingers through his lush shoulder length hair. Embodelen by my lead-taking, he put his hand on my leg. His hands rubbing over my freshly shaved legs was magic. I was getting wet. Last night’s fantasy was coming true.

What are you doing Victor? Get a hold of yourself. I can’t do this. I have to stop. This isn’t me. I’m not gay. This is Nicole’s boyfriend, not mine.

His hands went further up my thighs and under my dress. I let out a needy whimper. I have to stop this now before I can’t - or won’t.

I jumped up from the couch and took a deep breath. “I have to go.”

“Wait.” he said.

I stopped.  Instead of running out of his apartment, I decided to let him say his part.  I owed that much to him.

“Nicole, I love you, I respect you. If you’re not ready for sex this soon after our fight, I understand. We don’t have to have sex. I don’t want to pressure you. I don’t want to do anything to ruin tonight or ruin us.”

Us? I so wish there was an “us.”

“Do you trust me?” he asked.

There it is. Trust. I’ve been closed off for so long. I’ve been burned. I haven’t really been able to trust anyone since Alan and Lindsey. I only partially trust Nicole and Alexis. He’s asking me to trust him. Am I ready to open myself up completely for this guy? He’s only ever shown me love. But at the same time he thinks I’m someone else. I’m the one lying in this relationship.  

I think I’m ready. I have to be ready. Nicole and Lexi are right that I need to get back out there and start trusting people again.

I sat back on the couch and looked Tyler in the eyes. “Yes. I trust you” And then I did something I didn’t expect me to do when I jumped off of the couch, ready to flee. I leaned in and resumed making out with him. 

* * *

Nicole

I drove the car into Victor's apartment complex’s parking lot and found a spot. I let the car idle for a moment before I turned it off. Both Stephanie and I sat there in silence for a few moments. What’s next?

I got out of the car and walked around to open the door for Stephanie. She got out of the car and I closed the door behind her. 

She held my hand as we walked back towards the apartment. I’m not sure where she lives. Where is she going next? Is she following me home? Is she going back to my neighbor's place?

I’m prepared for anything.  I’m prepared for us to go our separate ways.  I’m also prepared for her to want to see me again.

We got to my door and she took my other hand. She looked me in the eyes. I noticed her eyes drift to my lips. I’m no stranger to that sign. I’ve made the sign many times to Tyler. Stephanie wanted me to kiss her. She wanted me to make the first move.  Wait.  I wasn’t prepared for this.

Is this what being the guy is all about? Making the first move and taking these risks?  Am I really ready for this? I decided to try out of curiosity. Plus my male libido is screaming at me to make the first move too.

I leaned in to kiss her as she closed her eyes. As our lips touched, I could taste her. She clearly had prepared for this because her mouth tasted like a mint and her lips were a berry flavor.

She leaned in and kissed me back and our tongue started massaging each other. Oh. I think I found the mint.  That was a little awkward.

I noticed rather quickly that I was getting an erection in my pants. I was trying to push my midsection away from her to not give myself away when she pushed me up against the apartment door

She then leaned into me. I could feel her up against my erection.  My secret was out.

She stopped kissing me, looked me in the eyes with a devilish smile. “Are you going to invite me in?”

* * *

Victor

Hours later I walked into my apartment. The lights were off, and the living room was illuminated only by Alexis watching TV. I put my purse on the counter. I touched my lips with my finger. They were puffy from hours of lip smacking. It made me smile. We made out almost the entire time I was there. Tyler behaved himself after I threatened to leave. How long would I be able to keep his hands at bay?

“Wow” Alexis said, seeing me for the first time tonight. “Look at you, Vic. Was that dress in Nicole’s closet?”

I was silent. I sat down next to her on the couch and turned to her. “Lexi - I’m falling for him.”

“Wait, what?” she said, pausing the show she was watching. “For Tyler?”

“Yeah.” I replied. “We’ve been making out for the past 2 hours.”  I smiled at the memory.

“Wow.” she said. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Me neither.”

“If you were Nicole, I’d say, great - I’m so happy for you.”

“But I’m not Nicole.” I said. “Can you still be happy for me?”

She was shocked. “But Vic. You’re not Nicole.”

I knew it. She’s not really my friend. 

She noticed the grimace on my face. “Sorry, that’s not what I mean. You are Victor. And you’re my friend too. And if you told me you were falling in love, I would still be happy for you. I am, but you’re talking about Tyler. Tyler is Nicole’s boyfriend. And Tyler thinks you’re someone else. Vic, you’re living a lie and playing with fire.”

“I know. I don’t know what to do Lexi. I have these new feelings. Feelings I haven’t had in years. It’s so exciting. It’s so scary.”

“I know, hon.” She put her hand on my shoulder. “You and Nicole are going to need to work this out. Maybe take a break from dating Tyler.”

“But I don’t want to take a break. I don’t want to break up with him. I’m having too much fun. What about Nicole? How can I tell her I want to date her boyfriend? Maybe we swap back tomorrow. Then I don’t have to tell her and the situation resolves itself. What if we don’t? Maybe I can make an excuse.”

“No.” she cut me off. “Please Vic. If you’re going to continue to keep Tyler in the dark, at least be truthful with Nicole. Be yourself. Don’t be her. No lies. No secrets. Tell her.”

* * *

I didn’t sleep well. I tossed and turned. Thoughts of my date with Tyler ran through my head. Thoughts of what I should tell Nicole followed those thoughts. A few times I dreamt I woke up back in my old apartment and everything was back to normal and my life was less complicated. 

Then I woke up for real, with the sun streaming through the window. I took a look at my surroundings. I sat up slowly, realizing I’m still in Nicole’s room. I reached down and felt the breasts I still had. I’m still in Nicole’s body. Nothing we did yesterday worked.  Did I really expect any of that to work?  Did I want any of that to work?

I came to one inescapable conclusion. I needed to go see Nicole. Now.

I quickly put on a t-shirt, shorts and cross trainers and ran out of my apartment. I sped-walked the 10 minutes to my former apartment.

Out of habit I tried the door, and to my surprise the door was unlocked. I walked in and to my former bedroom. 

Nicole was still sleeping, snoring. Half of her chest was exposed through the tangled sheets.

“Nicole, wake up” I said.

As she came to and saw me, she grimaced and put her hands over her face. “It didn’t work.”

“We need to talk” I announced,

She groaned. “Let me just get dressed first.” 

I left my room and sat in my living room, waiting for her to get dressed. I haven’t been here since Sunday, six days ago. It seemed like forever ago. The apartment was cleaner than I remember it. Nicole must’ve tidied those nights she came here to sleep.

She came out to the living room. “So we didn’t swap back. Why are you here so early?”  She was reading a message on her cellphone.

“I came to check on you. What are you reading?” I was stalling. I knew what I wanted to say but I didn’t want to tell her.

“Stephanie said she had a great time last night. Kissy face emoji” She put her phone down. “I don’t get it. We both did selfless acts last night. Why didn’t we swap back?”

I thought about that for a moment. Was my date with Tyler really selfless? Who was I doing that for? I looked up at Nicole. Just rip the Band-aid off, Vic. Cut to the chase. “I made out with Tyler.”

Nicole looked at me, stunned. She sat down and put her hands in her face. “OK. He thinks you’re me. You’re just playing a part…”

“I’m not playing a part.”

“I don’t understand”

“I’m falling for him, Nic.”

She was silent for a second. I could tell as she scrunched her face, that she was upset. “What about us trusting each other?”

“That’s why I told you.”

She was silent for a few moments. “I made out with Stephanie last night. I considered sleeping with her. Hell - I wanted to sleep with her. I felt I’d be cheating on Tyler if I slept with her. I also didn’t want to betray you by using your body to sleep around. I politely declined and said I didn't want to ruin our first date.”

This took me by surprise. “Are you falling for her too?”

“No.” she said. “She’s OK. She’s cute and attractive and a good listener. But she's not….”

“Tyler?”

Nicole stood up and went to the window. She opened the blinds and stared out into the distance. “What happens now?”

“I don’t know.” I stated.

“Are we swapping back? Do you even want to swap back?” She turned to face me. She was crying.

“If we are, it won’t be for a while. I think we should consider this a longer term situation than we were prepared for.”

“Did you have any ideas for that?”

“Yeah” I said. “Thoughts about this kept me up.”

“What's your plan?”

“If we’re going to do this long term. I’d like my art supplies.”

She chuckled and shook her head through her tears. “There's some things back at my place I’d like to bring here too.”

“We could um… go by Vicky and Nick. Maybe change our pronouns. It might alleviate confusion when we talk to Lexi and people overhear us.”

“You’re OK with that? You weren’t earlier in the week.”

“It’s kinda grown on me. I certainly don’t want you or Lexi calling me Nicole.  I tolerate Tyler and Madison calling me that.”

She looked at me and shook her head. “Victor. I mean Vicky. I can’t help but feel like I’m agreeing to you stealing my life.”

“Oh no, Nicole, I don’t want to steal your life. I don't want to be you. I just want to be me.” I made sure I was standing in front of her. I looked at Nicole in the eyes. “This is temporary. I want us to remain friends. Hell - more than friends. So if you ask me to dump Tyler. I…” As much as I was falling for Tyler, maintaining my friendship with Nicole was more important. I swallowed hard. “I’ll do it for you.”

She sat back down on the couch and put her head down again. She was silent, and most likely thinking through my plans for the foreseeable future. “Vicky?”

“Nick?”

Nick looked up and nodded. It wasn’t a smile. But it was a look of reluctant acceptance. “Keep dating Tyler if he makes you happy. He’s gotten me through some bad times too. Please don’t sleep with him. He doesn’t know he’s cheating on me. Vicky, I’m scared. I’m scared of losing everything. My life, my friends, my boyfriend. You. I’m scared that this isn’t temporary. That this is permanent.”

I sat beside him and put my arms around him. “I’m scared too.”

* * *

Tyler

I couldn’t sleep last night. It was such a wonderful date. But It was too good. Nicole was amazing. She was funny, laughed at my jokes, and made sure I felt like the luckiest guy in the world. I have never seen her so happy. In some ways I had looked at our relationship for the past few years as a relationship of convenience. She needed someone to prop her up when she fell down. I craved someone to love me, and I loved her back.

Last night was a completely different level though. The old Nicole would’ve freaked out at the reservation snafu and would’ve had a panic attack right in the restaurant lobby. The old Nicole would’ve scoffed at wings, beer and mini-golf.

This new Nicole was - alive and carefree.  She liked what I liked and seemed to actually enjoy my company.  I noticed how excited she was to be on the date. I noticed her spin her dress often as if she never owned one before. I noticed the way she stared at me smiling. I noticed her trip over her own words to say the perfect thing.

As I woke up and got ready for the day. There were a few things I was certain of. 

One. My wish worked. Nicole is a completely different person than she was on Sunday. 

Two. She is either oblivious to her change, or actually likes it. The fact that she enjoyed herself yesterday, helps me with the third point. I don’t think I could live with myself if she was unhappy with these changes.

Three. I feel like I’m falling in love with her all over again. Is it only temporary or is this permanent? I hope it’s permanent. 

Four.  When am I going to tell her my secret?

END ACT ONE