Page 62 of Absolute Certainty
Listening now. It really does.
SAHAR
I don’t want to blow my own trumpet, but you’re about to find out that I’m quite gifted when it comes to making playlists.
JAY
I’m already thoroughly impressed.
She kicked her blanket off one leg. Heat and desires, continuing to battle inside of her.
SAHAR
Okay, but we’ve got to backpedal. I didn't ask you my question. I just kept piggybacking off you.
JAY
Ask away.
SAHAR
I actually don’t really have one, but I want to ask something, so give me a second. Need to think.
JAY
Make it a good one. I’m in an obliging mood.
Well, fuck, if you weren’t literally taking care of a child, I’d ask you to come over. Spend the night. Maybe that way, I’d get you out of my system.
She tried to think of Martin’s flaws. How she was certain that he’d never be excited to share the spotlight in the way Ethan was with Willa. How he’d never admit to being better because of his partner, the way Sam always beamed when talking about Priya's influence on him.
Martin wanted to shine on his own. He wanted the sole spotlight.
But if she wanted to know how Jay would be in such situations, she needed to be subtle. She needed to phrase it correctly. She couldn’t outright ask him, so she typed and retyped a few variations before settling on,Whatdo you think is the most important characteristic in a person?
JAY
Honesty and empathy. I grew up with a selfish, heartless dad who lied through his teeth. There are few things that make me angrier than finding out someone’s belittling someone or lying about something.
SAHAR
I wholeheartedly agree. This might be way too personal, but have you ever talked to someone about your dad?
JAY
Like a therapist?
SAHAR
Yeah.
JAY
When I was a teenager, yeah. But not as an adult.
She felt like she’d just crossed a line.
SAHAR
