Page 41 of Josephine and Clay

Josie: You’re alone.

Clay: Yeah.

Josie: I knew it.

Clay: You sound pleased with yourself.

Josie: I usually am.

That one feels true enough that I grin into the screen.

Clay: What are you wearing?

Josie: A full suit of armor.

Clay: Liar.

Josie: Flannel shorts and a tank top.

My mouth goes dry a little at how fast that image lands.

Clay: You say that like you’re trying to be nice to me.

Josie: I’m not. I’m trying to remind you how far away you are.

I shift against the pillows.

Clay: That’s just mean.

Josie: You started this.

Clay: Keep going.

The dots blink.

Josie: Why?

Clay: Because I asked nicely.

Josie: That’s debatable.

Clay: You in bed?

Josie: Yes.

Clay: Hair down?

Josie: Maybe.

Clay: Thinking about me?

A pause.

Long enough to feel planned.

Josie: I was trying not to.

That does it more than if she’d said yes right away.