SexDiaries: 'My cousin’s husband and his friends are very typically Boston. They have zero edge. But I bet they all have very dirty minds.'
Photo-Illustration: James Gallagher This week, a woman travels to interview for a new job, sleep with a married man, and flirt with a complete stranger: 34, single, Boston.8 a.m. I’m fed up with New York, the place I aspired to live my entire life. It’s been 15 years here, and I’m wondering if I’ve reached my expiration date. I have a sixth-floor walk-up and very annoying roommates who smoke weed all day.
8 p.m. I swipe around Tinder a bit. My last serious relationship was a few years ago. He was a good guy, but I lost interest and started cheating on him. I’m not sure I’m a relationship person. Maybe someone will turn me on my head someday, but that’s not necessarily what I’m looking for.11 a.m. My train to Boston got in a few minutes ago and I’m on the street, trying to figure out which way to go. Moving to Boston is not my dream, but the job sounds cool and the salary is good. We’ll see.
3 p.m. I’m settled into my hotel. It’s a nice one, since the firm is paying for me. I have three different meetings with three partners this week. Pretty intense. Nothing to do today, though, so I just lounge around and enjoy my fancy hotel. 3 p.m. I have a cousin who lives in a suburb nearby, and we make plans for dinner tonight. She’s married with kids but she knows I like to have fun, so she suggests we meet up with her husband and some of his work friends.
11 p.m. I tell him to go home and fuck off. But I say it with love. We both say good-bye with a smile.10 a.m. I’m hung-over. It’s no fun, but luckily Eric has sent me a great list of restaurants, and one of them is known for great hangover food. I grab my bag and Uber it there. I love eating alone. On the way, I check in with my parents and my sisters. They all live in Philadelphia and we’re very close.
1 p.m. The plan is to have a drink tonight with the person I’d be working closest with at the new firm. I get an email confirming where and when. Since tomorrow is my last night here, I decide to push this drinks thing with Eric a little farther. He’s given me no reason to think he’s into me, but I’m intrigued. He is literally so boring that I’m intrigued. Is that a snapshot of my life here?
9 p.m. Back in my room, taking a bath. I was feeling pretty positive about the job, but now I’m uneasy about all of it. I have no interest in working with someone who makes me feel bad about myself. I want to work with people who inspire me to thrive. Ahhhhhhh. Maybe Boston was a big mistake.9 a.m. I wake up to what I think is a job offer from them. They say I have a few days to think about it. They told me they’d love to have me work for them but to take my time. It’s a big decision.