But maybe you will someday, or maybe I’ll want to end things. If either of us wants to, the other has to accept it. This is a problem I’ve had with Michael, and I kept going back time and time again, and you know why?”

I shook my head. I’ve never understood that. Maybe she just can’t say no.

She said, “It’s because of you. I felt you were worth fighting for. And believe me, Michael and I fought a lot.”

“Are you saying you stayed with him to—”

“That’s right. Just to get you. I knew I wanted you the moment we met. And I hung in there, month after month, waiting for my next opportunity to try to get you interested in me.”

“That’s why you kept hoping I’d call.”

“Exactly. And that’s why I was angry when you didn’t. Because I had to stay with him until the next chance to be around you. It was torture, David.”

“I can see that now. I’m so sorry.”

“Third,” she said, “I’m going to do things with you sexually that I’ve never done with anyone else. Things I’ve never wanted to do with anyone else. But as they happen, I don’t want you to ask if I’ve ever done these things before, and especially with Michael, because I did not. I’ll tell you more about that when we talk about him.”

“I’m very excited about everything you’ve said, Nicki. I can’t wait.”

“Good. Me either. Fourth: we can never text each other. We’ll set up a specific time each week, and you’ll call me as close to that time as you can. If for some reason you can’t call, do not leave a message. This is for your protection more than mine. Fifth: I will never call you. There are too many things that could go wrong in your life if I do.”

“What if I call at the appointed time and you don’t answer? Should I wait a few minutes and call back?”

“No. If I don’t answer the first time you call, it’s because I can’t. We’ll just have to miss that week.”

“That would be awful.”

“I agree. So let’s both do our best.”

“Sounds good.”

“I only have one more, and it’s different than the others. I want to ask you a question, and I want you to answer it as honestly as you can.”

“Ask it.”

“How does it make you feel to know you’re gonna get in my pants?”

I closed my eyes. “Like I’m in heaven.