This week, The Cut’s Sex Diaries roams into the life of a 23-year-old PR account coordinator who just moved to San Diego. With no friends in town, she's found herself entangled in a flirtatious dance with one of her two male roommates, Carson, an ex-Mormon with a mysterious past. It's a tale of humor, awkwardness, and the complexities of living with the one you fancy.
As the week unfolds, the narrator finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of flirtation and confusion. Carson, who's only recently left the church, carries an air of mystery. Though the chemistry between them sizzles, their first night together doesn't quite go as planned. Despite their mutual attraction, the night ends in a fumbling mishap that leaves both parties questioning where they stand.
“Despite all this weirdness, I like him. I definitely still have a big crush,” she admits, hinting at the persistent allure Carson holds.
While the initial encounter may have been a letdown, the narrator finds herself navigating a complex emotional landscape. She shares her concerns with a friend, sparking a conversation around the age-old advice to avoid mixing living and loving arrangements. The prospect of living with someone she’s entangled with looms large, and the tension between them grows palpable.
The pair attempts to find their rhythm, but Carson's religious background and recent embrace of secular life create tension. His request to "slow things down" is met with confusion, as the narrator struggles to align her desires with Carson’s more cautious approach.
As the week progresses, the duo’s dynamic shifts from flirtation to frustration. Conversations that should be cathartic instead widen the gap between them, leading to the revelation that Carson has rekindled a relationship with someone from his past. It's a bittersweet end to an unconsummated romance that leaves the narrator questioning both her feelings and her living situation.
In the wake of Carson's revelation, she decides to move on and re-downloads Hinge, determined to find new beginnings. The realization that Carson and his past might not align with her aspirations is a turning point, leaving her ready to embrace the single life once more.