In this excerpt from "Perfect Chemistry" by Simone Elkeles, a conversation unfolds between two characters regarding their past relationships and health concerns related to sexually transmitted diseases. One character expresses a desire for reassurance about the other's sexual history before becoming intimate. The dialogue captures the tension and vulnerability that accompany discussions of personal safety and trust in relationships.

As the conversation progresses, the characters become more open with each other, with one person confirming their health status after a recent medical check-up. This exchange reveals a deeper layer of their connection, highlighting the importance of transparency in romantic situations. The shifting dynamics of their interaction also suggest an underlying attraction, as they both contemplate the possibility of taking their relationship to a more intimate level.