Page 2 of By the Book

“What are you writing today?”

I blame my brain, which was still playing dead, because I take zero responsibility for what came out of my mouth: “A sex scene.”

Bobby’s eyebrows wentup.

“Uh,” I said.

He changed stretches. He started pulling one knee up toward his chest.

“Not—I mean, it’s notreallya sex scene.”

Bobby switched knees.

“It’s more, um, romantic. Tasteful. That’s the key word. Tasteful. It’s all very tasteful. Plus they’re wearing clothes.”

He seemed to consider this as he put both feet on the floor again. And then, eyebrows arching once more, he pulled the tank up to mop his face—in the process, exposing his tightly defined abs.

I mean, he was my boyfriend. I was legally obligated to look.

I was looking (and admiring) when my phone buzzed.

I jumped. I said some words that would never have made it into a romantic, tasteful, fully clothed sex scene (whatever that was). My phone buzzed again. I tried to grab it, but apparently all my blood had gone, um, elsewhere, and my hands weren’t working, and my phone wasstillbuzzing.

Finally, I got hold of it and dismissed the call.

“Was that your parents?” Bobby asked.

“Unfortunately.”

“They’ve been calling all week.”

It was a question, even if he was too polite to frame it as one. And unfortunately, after four calls in one day, I was ready to let loose—which was why my response came pouring out.

“Yeah, they’ve been calling all week because they’re trying to make a power play, and they’re not happy that I won’t go along with it like I usually do.”

“What—”

“They just won’t—” I said over him.

And right then, my phone began to vibrate.

“—stop calling.”

Bobby came across the room as I dismissed the call. “What do you mean, a power play?”

“Nothing. Never mind.”

“But you’re upset.”

“I appreciate the concern, but Bobby, I promise, this is a blip. I’ve got everything under control—”

My phone buzzed again.

At the same time, the front door crashed open. Millie’s voice rang out through the house. “DASH, KASSANDRA AND ANGELINE ARE HOGGING THE BATHROOM, SO I’M GOING TO GET READY HERE.” Pause. “DID YOU KNOW THE CHIMNEY LOOKS REALLY SLANTY?”

“What about the chimney?” Bobby asked. “Which chimney?”

“I have no idea,” I said as I wriggled past him to make my escape.

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