Don’t Negotiate Love with a Hard-On: The Ember Files - Log 12
Wyatt Wants Commitment. Mara Just Wants Him Honest.
To read previous log - Log 11 - click here.
Case Subject: Vega, Wyatt
Filed from: Palm Springs HQ
Classification: Emotional Volatility | Observer/Subject: Mara Luz Analysis
Date of Occurrence: December 8, 2023
Editor's Note:
We’re back on Mara’s couch in Palm Springs, December 8th. This is the same night Wyatt showed up drunk, filthy from the road, and said, “I need to talk to you.”
They didn’t get to that talk immediately. Mara was the one who started undressing him. They began making out, aggression and desire crashing into years of shared history.
But this wasn’t just a hookup. Wyatt came with an agenda. And it showed as soon as things got heated.
I pulled his t-shirt over his head. It was damp with sweat. His chest hair had started going gray. That actually turned me on more.
Wyatt: Did you fuck that bass player?
Mara: (pulling back) No. I haven’t hooked up with him. But… we’ve been texting.
Wyatt: How did he get your number?
Mara: Instagram.
Wyatt: And?
Mara: And nothing. He wanted to know what my situation was.
Wyatt: Your situation?
Mara: Yeah. Like if I’m seeing anyone.
Wyatt: And what did you tell him?
Mara: That’s none of your business.
Wyatt: How is that not my business? We’re together.
Mara: We’re not a couple. You’re married. I’m not defining this for you.
Wyatt: I think it counts. And yes, I’m married. But I love you.
Mara: We’re together in some way. That’s all I’ll say.
Wyatt: And that’s the problem.
Mara: Meaning?
Wyatt: You won’t give me more. You won’t commit. We’re stuck. I can’t move forward unless you do. I can’t leave unless I know you’re all in.
Mara: Oh no. Hell no. You don’t get to lay that on me. That’s not on me.
Wyatt: Are you going to see him?
Mara: No. I’m not interested in him. I’m interested in you. I’m just… having fun.
Wyatt: (grabs her wrist)
Mara: Stop that shit.
Wyatt: (holds on) I need you to give me more. I want you to commit more. Then I can go deeper. The only reason I’m not is because you’re not. You’re holding this up. I keep thinking if we fuck enough, you’ll get there. But you’re still pulling away.
Mara: You can’t fuck me into loving you, dumbass.
Wyatt: (flinches)
Mara: Look. You’re not wrong. I am pulling away. Because you’re married. I’m not risking myself on the hope you’ll leave her. That’s insane. And yes - if you weren’t married, I’d give you more. That might sound like an ultimatum. It’s just the truth.
Wyatt: (silent)
Mara: God, I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Why do people stay married so long when they don’t love each other?
Wyatt: It’s easier to stay if you don’t have a compelling reason to leave.
Mara: Like leaving for another piece of ass?
Wyatt: No. A piece of ass is easy to get. I need a real reason to rip the bandage off.
Mara: So I’m supposed to be your what? Your impetus?
Wyatt: Vaginas are compelling.
Mara: (laughs) Yeah, wet ones, anyway. What if mine dries up?
Wyatt: That won’t happen.
Mara: It could. Menopause is around the corner, baby.
Wyatt: That’s not what I want to talk about.
Mara: Then what?
Wyatt: This. Us. I have an idea about how we can really be together.
Mara: Okay. Let’s hear it.
END LOG 12
For the link to the next log, Log 13, click here.
