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I leave it face down.

He grins. “That’s worse. Now you’re pretending restraint exists.”

I look at him until he stops smiling. For about three seconds.

Then he asks, “How is she?”

I answer because the question is useful. “Scared.”

Marcus nods. “That tracks.”

“She jokes when she’s uncomfortable.”

“I noticed. She also looked like she was trying not to bolt.”

“She has a lot happening.”

Marcus watches me. “And you?”

“What about me?”

“You’re too involved.”

“I’m overseeing care.”

Marcus nods like he has won something.

Another buzz.

I finally turn the phone over.

Maggie: Also this snack bar has chia seeds. Why is pregnancy already punishing me?

The corner of my mouth moves before I can stop it.

Marcus actually laughs. “There. That. That’s the face.”

I type quickly.

Me: Eat it anyway.

Maggie: You eat it.

Me: I’m not pregnant.

Her reply doesn’t come right away.

Marcus’s expression shifts. He doesn’t know what I sent, but he sees my face.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

The phone buzzes.

Maggie: Low blow, doctor.

Me: Accurate.