On the way to the hospital, I had hoped to engage more, but Caleb was either on the phone or tapping out messages, leaving me no opening for conversation.
"Is your brother seeing anyone?"
Zoe replied, "No girlfriend, but my brother has never been keen on relationships. He's very set in his ways. You might be barking up the wrong tree."
"How can I know unless I try? Maybe I can make him reconsider?" I countered.
Zoe wasn't convinced and made a wager with me. "If I lose, I'll do a handstand and wash my hair."
The challenge was daunting, and it made me a bit anxious. I realized I might have to pull out all the stops to win his favor for the next three years.
...
The first attempt at a dinner date with Caleb fizzled out when he mentioned having to work overtime on the weekend.
The second attempt met a similar fate. He had a client meeting in the evening.
When I suggested a movie date the third time, Zoe doused the idea with a remark, "He'll just fall asleep in the theater."
"..."
I felt disheartened for a bit, then came to a realization. "Your brother is either truly asexual or he just isn't interested in me."