Hannah was happy to be able to help Jackie, and happier that Jackie and Keith were obviously getting along just fine, but she wished the question had come at a different time. For some time, she and Sam stared past each other, neither quite sure how to resume the conversation.
"So," Sam said at last, "this contraceptive berry...did someone else find that out, or...?"
Hannah knew that wasn't what the question really was. "One of the other girls figured it out," she said. "I've never gotten involved with someone enough to have a chance to test it, but the girls I know who are active all say it's pretty effective. We've only had a few pregnancies in the park so far."
He nodded. "So you've been here six months and never been in a relationship? I've noticed a number of pretty handsome stags just in the day I've been here."
Hannah rolled her eyes. "Problem is, they're either taken or not interested in the 'relationship' part of a relationship."
"Really?"
She sighed. "A few of the deer, you and I, for example, got this way randomly, but the rest...this form is about the number one choice for flabby, balding middle-aged men and too-sexy-for-my-shirt ladykiller frat boys."
Sam shook his head, drawing Hannah's attention to his lovely rack. "That must suck."
She laughed out loud. "You would not believe. For six months I've gotten propositioned almost on a daily basis. If I could just get in a relationship with someone who's not a use-'em-and-dump-'em type, I think that would make it visibly clear that I'm not interested, but right now they're all thinking I just need a little more schmoozing." She scooted a little closer to Sam. "And you just know that if the berries failed they'd be gone like a bat outta Hell."
"So you're worried about getting dumped with a baby, then?" Sam asked. Hannah shrugged. "I'd get by fine, I think; I just don't like the idea of someone like that getting away from the consequences of their actions. Besides, I don't like guys like that anyway. If I were going to have a mate I'd want someone who was ready to be a father if I did wind up pregnant." She moved still closer, placing her hand down by his.