Page 69 of The Marriage Game

Max

Whoops. Yes, sorry. I must’ve sent that blank text as my phone fell. See, your last text made me drop my phone, and it landed on the foot of the very proper-looking elderly woman standing next to me. She picked it up for me, glanced down at the screen, then muttered something about elevator perverts.

Jill

Elevator perverts? (Crying with laughter emoji)

Max

You’re the only person who I would ever want to earn such a moniker with.

Jill

Such flattery

Max

Don’t worry—there’s plenty more where that came from.

Jill

Ooh la la (dancing lady in a red dress emoji)

Max

Don’t go making outfit changes on me…I believe I requested all black.

Jill

(ninja emoji)

Max

Much better

Max

Now get your ninja self over here. Room 320

Jill

Donning the desired attire now

Max

Desiredattire? No, no, no. Again, I said all black, Jill. All black. I think you’ll be far too conspicuous traipsing naked through the lodge. Donthatdesired attire after you get here. Or should I say un-don?

Jill

You’re incorrigible.

Max

And you’re beautiful.

I’m still smiling as I head for the bedroom in search of an outfit. Max took my suitcase, but luckily I unpacked. I find a pair of leggings and a long-sleeved black shirt I happened to bring, then survey myself in the mirror. It’s amazing how much better I feel about the person looking back at me than I did this morning. Turns out flirting with your husband is good for your self-esteem.

I pull my hair back into a black alligator clip, then head toward the cabin front door.

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