17

Grace: Hey, this is Gracie. Hope you don’t mind that I asked Matt for your number.

Rachel: Of course I don’t mind! What’s up?

Grace: Wondering if I could ask you some random questions for my story.

Rachel: Fire away! (Unless it has to do with jowls)

Grace: Ha! You wish! First question—what’s your favorite scent on a man?

Rachel: Does laundry soap count? Not sure what brand Matt uses, but he always smells good.

Grace: Interesting. Next question—do you think it’s plausible for a woman to recognize a man just by his kiss?

Rachel: Maybe. Does the guy kiss especially weird?

Grace: No. He’s not slobbery or anything. They just have a history of lots of kissing. And now years have gone by, so the woman doesn’t recognize him at first. Maybe she’s blind. Or blindfolded. Or not wearing her glasses. I don’t know why she can’t see him. I don’t even know why they’re kissing in this scene! The question is do you think she’d recognize him just by his kiss?

Rachel: I suppose. Do you think you’d recognize Noah just by his kiss?

Grace: Yes. But only because he’s slobbery.

Rachel: Ha! Somehow I doubt that.

Grace: Is it strange kissing a different guy at first?

Rachel: How would I know? Do I look like some jowl-grabbing serial kisser to you?

Grace: Sorry. Just figured you’ve probably kissed more guys than me. My track record is one.

Rachel: Really? That’s so romantic!

Grace: How is it romantic that the only man I’ve ever kissed is my EX-HUSBAND?!

Rachel: You’re the romance writer. You figure it out.

Grace: If I could figure it out, I wouldn’t be stuck right now.

Rachel: Are we talking about your story or Noah?

Grace: Hey, I’m supposed to be the one asking the questions.

Rachel: Sorry! Got any more?

Grace: Just one. Do you think it ever makes sense for a woman to choose safety over love?

Rachel: Absolutely! But I also think it would make for a dreadfully boring story. (We’re still talking about Noah, aren’t we?)

Grace: SO... Laundry detergent, you say?