Page 70 of Duchess Material

Lucy shrugged.

“You are so peculiar.”

“I am not! Tony, this is a real question.”

“I know. And it’s a real answer. If you are willing to have science kids with me, why wouldn’t we get it over with? As you said, nothing is promised, but I’d like to think we could at least see how silly it is.”

“Science kids?” Lucy giggled.

“Well, I mean, they aren’t people. They are embryos. But they could be people—with science.”

Lucy snickered. “Do you always get so wrapped up in reproductive terms? Are you always so… imaginative, baby?”

“Look, my family breeds racehorses. I think I lost all hope of innocence at a particularly young age. Reproduction is largely mechanical. Embryos are embryos, you know?”

“Okay, fair. But you’d… go for it.”

“We almost did!”

“Okay, well, I can put it off. I’ll give us a year to figure out what we are going to do,” Lucy shrugged. “I’ll call it off again. I doubt they’ll see me.”

“I doubt you’ll need them. I would bet money that in that time you’re already pregnant.”

“Winston, you’re nuts.”

“I know.”

They drank their beer in peace, continuing to throw a treat or two to the dogs. Frida, dumb as a box of rocks, missed most throws. At the last minute, she’d miss and then one of the others would jump in. She had to be handfed. It was hysterical to watch. The dogs could be as good as the telly some nights. It was nice being back together.

“So, is this all a litmus test?” Winston asked.

“What? The eggs thing? I tried to pawn it off as such but… no. I was serious.”

“Hmm…”

“What? Are you walking back on your statement?”

“No! No! I… I didn’t know.”

Lucy nodded. They sat quietly. Winston debated whether they should get another beer or order a late-night pizza. That sounded good. Lucy would approve. Winston looked at her. She was thinking about something. She had this look on her face suggesting her mind was turning.

Lucy finally said what she was thinking. “I have a litmus test for you. It’s cringey stupid.”

“What is cringey stupid, Luce?”

“Just… it’s going to make you laugh and you’re going to feel weird, I’d bet?”

“Does it involve some sort of turkey baster because I’m not—”

“No, God no!”

“So what?”

She blushed and shook her head. Now, she was walking it back.

“Come on, come on. I am dying to know, Luce.”

“You’ll think I’m a child…”

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