Pillow Talk

Jane: Well, in the privacy of our bedroom, I can say "who." It's colloquial.

Jack: Hugh Hefner. Who else?

Jane: Who is he making love to?

Jack: More than one 25-year-old at a time. Let's say three. That gives each one a chance to take a break. What about you?

Jane: The Godolphin Arabian and the mare Roxana. I would have him tell us where he actually came from. He preferred her, you know. Stallions do have preferences.

Jack: ( changing the subject) Is it erotic?

Jane: Not at all, really. In fact, most of the time it's anti-erotic. It's about the things you were thinking about when you should have been paying attention. Personally, I would think that at least one of these couples might be portrayed as actually communicating and enjoying themselves. But that's not the point he's making.

Jack: How can you call it Intercourse if it's not erotic?

Jane: I suppose he means that other sort of intercourse: conversation.

Jack: ( losing interest) Oh.

Pause.

Jane: Are you asleep?

Jack: Not if you turn out the light. ·

Jane Smiley's most recent novel is "Ten Days in the Hills."