As Graham walked home that night he knew Aubrey was special. Their shared passion had stayed less intimate than he was sure she'd wanted to be but he knew she was being considerate of him. And that made him want to give his all to her. But he wanted it to be special, as special as Aubrey was.
After he arrived home he went to his room and pulled out his laptop. He pulled up info on vacation packages and places to stay in surrounding areas. Definitely avoiding Milwaukee since her parents live there. Once he found his top two choices he decided he needed to ask Aubrey if she was okay with his plan and her preference before he booked anything. While he would prefer doing this over text as it would make him feel less awkward. He knew this exchange would be better actually talking, and he'd get to hear her angelic voice. Graham called her number hoping she wasn't already asleep.
She answered on the second ring.
"Hi Graham. Missing me already?"
"As soon as I left." Graham answered.
"So why did you wait so long to call?"
"Didn't want to seem desperate? And I wanted to figure something out before I called you."
"That sounds a bit ominous."
"Hopefully not - let me explain. I first want to say I appreciate your patience with me and not pushing me. It really made me realize how special you are and I was wondering if you wanted to explore a more intimate relationship by going away with me this weekend. It may be another crazy thing about me but I'd rather our first time be special and away from thin walls and gossiping roommates. If this weekend doesn't work for you we can do it a different time." He gushed out.
Time passed slowly as he waited for her reply.
"So that wasn't what I was expecting. But I think it sounds amazing and I am free this weekend. What are you thinking?"
"We'd leave Friday afternoon, there are two places I was thinking about - I'll text you the info about them. But roughly one is just a more us inside most of the time and the other has an hour massage and a restaurant voucher that goes with it. But that's where I need your input. I'd like you to look over the info and then let me know which you'd like better."
"Off hand I'd say the massage, but send the info and I'll let you know tomorrow at lunch." Aubrey said.
They talked for a few more minutes before they hung up. Graham sent a few texts of information to her as he didn't want her to base her decision on price. He left out specific details and identifying information so it would be harder for her to look it up as well. He may not be adding to his investment portfolio this month but he felt okay about that, especially since he had a decent one for someone about to graduate. Graham realized he may not be adding to it until he moved and started his new job as he'd need to find housing and all that. He decided to put his monthly contributions on hold before going to sleep that night.
The next day Graham met Aubrey for lunch on campus. After getting their food and exchanging how their day had gone so far, Graham asked if she'd looked over the info he'd sent.
"Graham, I just worry about how much this is going to cost you. I know places like these aren't cheap." Aubrey said.
"Aubrey, I have enough to cover it or I wouldn't have asked you. And I want you to know that I think you're more than worth it. So don't worry, we'll be staying in the state, it's not like I'm paying to fly to Hawaii and stay there. Although that does sound fun." He winked.
"If you're sure…" Aubrey hesitated.
"More than sure. But I don't want to push you to do something you aren't comfortable doing. If you're a bit worried that I'm going to end up being some serial killer I promise that once I make the reservation I will email you the info so you can give it to a roommate or friend so someone knows where you are."
Aubrey laughed and then teased, "Well I wasn't worried, but maybe I should be." Then she leaned over to kiss him. "Graham I think you're amazing and I'd love to go to either place with you. They both sound perfect."
"So which would you like more?" Graham asked.
"Honestly the inclusive package sounds good." Aubrey said. "My parents go on two weekends like that a year and I've always wanted to do it"
"We'll do that then. I really will send you the info so you can let someone you trust know where you are in case of an emergency."
"If you insist. When do you want to leave for this trip?"
"I do insist, plus the details may help you know what to pack. You don't have to give all the details to your friend, just the basics - place and such. I was thinking about picking you up at 4ish? I will pick up the car and then come pick you up and that will give me enough time."
"Works for me." Aubrey said.
A few minutes later Aubrey checked the time and said she had to run to her next class. Graham told her he'd clean up and kissed her bye.
After she left, he pulled out his laptop, reserved the room, car, and the restaurants for Friday and Saturday nights. Then he cleaned up and went to meet with his advisor. He needed to confirm about an interview scheduled the next week with a CEO alumni who was coming to find new hires from his graduating class. He really wanted Friday afternoon to come and then the weekend to last forever so he didn't have to worry about anything beyond that.