“I get the lubricant, he the prophylactics. Sometimes we’re old-fashioned people doing the best we can.”
Quote from the short story “Business Talk” by Max Apple, which I read in a collection edited by Rob Ford: Blue Collar, White Collar, No Collar. “Business Talk” is about a tired New York couple with a baby. The wife suddenly decides to be an entrepreneur, opening a froyo place with a not-very-close friend. It goes dubiously well and gets kind of absurdist near the end. Recommended, but don’t trip over yourself finding the story. In my opinion that quote is the best part.
Lube and condoms are the accoutrements of a modern relationship. I love the juxtaposition with the tedium of married-with-kids sex—I guess I should say supposed tedium. Putting these clinical matter-of-fact fiddly bits next to the idea of being “old-fashioned people” tickles my fancy. The word “prophylactics” really sells it.
Embroidery by Hey Paul Studios.