Page 89
“Rosie, I know we’re friends with benefits, and the sex is amazing, but this is about more than sex. It’s about getting my nonprofit up and running, and it’s about us supporting each other and being there for each other. When we first started this whole thing and you wanted my help and you were trying to, well, seduce me—”
“I was not trying to seduce you, Brett.”
“Okay. When you were trying to get my attention.”
I glare at him, and he laughs.
“Anyway, do you remember what you said to me?”
“Not really. What did I say?”
“You said maybe we’d be best friends. And while I laughed at the time, it strikes me that our relationship is one of support and caring. You’ve been here for me, and I want to be here for you. And part of being here for you is cooking you dinner.”
“But I know you wanted—”
“You don’t know anything, Rosie. Stop putting words in my mouth. I wanted to spend time with you, and whether or not we make love tonight, I’m not going to regret it. Now, do you have any jokes written?”
“Yeah. They’re not that good though.”
“I’d love to hear them.”
“Okay. But you have to be honest with me, okay?”
“Always.”
“Okay. So, I thought I’d start off with a story sort of joke. I don’t know if it’s going to work, but …”
“Rosie, are you nervous?”
“Yes, I’m nervous.”
“Pretend I’m Sage.”
“What? What do you mean?”
“I have a feeling that when you tell jokes to Sage, you don’t care what her reaction is, right?”
“I mean, I care, but you’re right. If she doesn’t laugh, I don’t feel super embarrassed. But if you don’t laugh, I’m going to feel bad.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Because I want you to think I’m funny.”
“I think you’re an amazing comedian. Even Marcus thinks you’re an amazing comedian.”
“Why are you making that face?”
“Because I don’t want to bring up Marcus. But the fact of the matter is, he recommended you for the audition, so obviously, he thinks you’re funny.”
“Okay. Let’s start with the first joke.” I stand up and clear my throat.
“I’m waiting.”
“I know. I just hope it doesn’t suck.”
“Nothing you do could ever suck.”
“Aside from my lips,” I say, winking at him.
