Page 64 of Lucky Night

He’s studying the nutrition facts on a can of nuts. No we shouldn’t.

You don’t want me to explain the orgasm thing? You don’t want me to apologize?

I’m good, he says. Clean slate, remember?

What if I want an apology from you?

I’m sorry, he says automatically.

Nick. We should clear the air. What else are we going todo?

He sets the nuts down and comes back to the bed.

He sits beside her. Puts a hand on her knee.

Smiles.

She stares at him. Are you kiddingme?

What? It would relax us! Not to mention pass the time.

She laughs in disbelief. There’s no way!

Why are you so outraged? This is what we do. It’s what we’re goodat.

Right, she says. It’s all I’m good for.

What? No, that’s—what the hell, Jenny? That’s not what I meant.

She reaches for the remote and unmutes the news.

—and by the time backup units arrived, the wind was blowing in a northerly direction.

The camera is trained on the lobby doors. Still no Edvin, she says.

They sip their wine and watch firefighters amble in and out of the building.

Reports further indicate that after firefighters collapsed the hotel’s revolving doors to facilitate the entry of men and equipment, a gust pushed into the building, which disrupted—

How big do you think Edvin’s dick is?

She tears her eyes away from the television to gape at him.

Gargantuan, right? As a matter of sheer proportion?

What is wrong with you? she demands.

So much, he says. Though at the moment I’m just trying to distract you.

By proposing we discuss a stranger’s dick? A possibly dead stranger’s dick?

You’re right, he says. That’s totally inappropriate. Let’s discuss mine instead.

At which point she bends over, setting her wineglass on the floor.

She stays like that, covering her face with her hands.

She’s trying desperately not to laugh.

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