Page 74 of Soft Rebound

Jesus Joe

Joe: Just making sure you’re not forgetting what we are beneath all this slowness

Liz: I’m not forgetting

I promise

I just don’t want to feel like I want to flee again

I don’t want to do that to you or to myself

Joe: So we continue keeping things G-rated

Liz: I’ve loved spending time with you

And I haven’t felt pressured or like I want to flee

Joe: Do you just want to be friends?

I would hate it, but if that’s what you want, let me know

Liz: No

I mean, yes, but not just friends

I’ve never been with someone where I had a lot of agency

I feel that I need this

The agency

The ability to set the pace

Joe: As long as I know you really want me

And are not just saying it to placate me

I have no problem waiting as long as you need

Feel free to set the pace

But if you don’t honestly want this, I beg you to let me know

I can’t deal with being strung along if you don’t really want this

So please please be sure you want this

Liz: Okay

Why don’t you talk about yourself much?

Joe: What do you mean? We talk all the time

Liz: About your marriage. Your wife

Joe: Ugh. I mean, you know most of the pertinent facts. How long it lasted, when it ended

I don’t really like to think about it or talk about it

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