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“What’s she like?”

“Clingy She really threw herself at me”

I laugh “Clingy is not an attractive trait I hope you kicked her out”

“I guess I sort of did”

“That’ll learn her” I begin to gatherdown my dress It’s a fine cream wool knit, stretchy and warm, and I admit I wore it to ot it today

He watches my hands I watch his They’re white-knuckled

“Not sure if I’ll see her again, though” He sounds bored, and he’s clicking his mouse on his computer When his eyes cut sideways to ht and my insides clench

“Maybe take her to your brother’s wedding? Always gratifying to walk into one of those situations with a hot date”

We both look at each other, and I easeGas I look at the caller ID and the word FUCK lights up in neon in my brain

Josh takes one look atto—”

“It’s Julie”

“A bit early for her, isn’t it? You’re going to have to be fir

“I’ll let it go to voice mail I’m too tired to deal with this now”

“You will not” He dials star-nine and answers my extension They teach call center operators to smile when they answer a call People can hear a smile in your voice Joshua needs to learn this

“Lucinda Hutton’s phone Joshua speaking Hold” He hits a button, and points atyou”