The Do-Over

by Lynn Painter

I’d wanted love that was better than my parents’ love, something that was built to last.

“I don’t know what the terrible thing is that you’re dealing with and can’t talk about, but when all else fails, I say fuck ’em.”

“Snatch. Ever seen it?” “I don’t watch porn.”

I laughed

“I didn’t know you this morning, and now I know the feel of your hand in mine, the sound of your voice when you’re trying not to cry, and the taste of your mouth. I know that you hate potato salad and love that video with the cat that dings the dinner bell.”

“And I know that the scar above your eyebrow was from the time Eric chased you into a heating vent; I know that you scream obscenities when a cool girl is beating you in a scooter race; and I know that you kiss with teeth. In a good way.”