Page 238 of Josephine and Clay

I turn slightly away from him, still smiling.

Josie: We talked about internet articles.

Clay: This one was educational.

Josie: Did it have pictures?

Clay: Several.

Josie: Then clearly it was peer-reviewed.

Clay: I knew you’d be proud.

I shake my head and fail completely at suppressing my smile.

Clay: Apparently twins can hear sounds earlier than you think.

My smile softens.

Josie: That part is true.

Clay: So I should start saying impressive things now.

Josie: Is that something you’re capable of doing on command?

Clay: Woman, I am full of impressive things.

Josie: Name one.

A pause follows.

Clay: I can stay on an angry bull for eight seconds.

Josie: The babies are going to need more than that.

Clay: Good thing I’m charming.

Josie: That remains under review.

Clay: You wound me.

Josie: You’ll survive.

Clay: Only if you let me take you out tonight.

I stare at the message longer than necessary.

The clinic noise fades a little around me. Somewhere down the hall, a dog barks, and Dr. Harris moves back toward the front desk, giving me privacy without making a show of it.

A date. An actual planned date, with a time and a question mark attached to it.

The idea shouldn’t make me nervous, but it does. It also makes me happier than I know what to do with.

Josie: You’re asking?

Clay: I’m trying to. Is it working?

Josie: It needs improvement.