Rome tookthe first opportunity to get me alone when we were outside. “So, big news.”
I glanced back to see if Mara was nearby. Through the patio doors, I spotted her on the couch, talking to Jessie and looking like she was doing just fine. “Big news.”
“Congratulations,” he said carefully, snipping the end of a cigar and handing it to me.
“Just go ahead and say it,” I said, running a hand over my face.
He put a hand on my shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Truly.”
“But?” I asked.
“Mara is really great. I think she’s been good for you.”
“But,” I pushed him again.
“But it really is fast. And your last marriage . . .”
“Was also fast. I know,” I lowered my voice. “But it’s not quite how it looks on the surface.”
“How so?”
“You know how she was in the hospital last week?”
Rome nodded. “Yeah. She looks good today, by the way.”
Obi appeared at my side, butting into the conversation. I tried giving him a death glare, but he just stayed. Like he does.
“Thanks, yeah. She’s doing a lot better,” I said. “But she also lost her job the day of the emergency.”
“Oh, shit,” Rome said, putting his head back. “That’s awful.”
“And you know how I don’t have a nanny now . . .”
“No.” Rome’s eyes got big. “This is?—”
“An arrangement,” I sighed.
Obi’s eyes rounded. “Are you not in love with her?”
“I mean, we like each other,” I said, fidgeting with the cigar in my hand. “But love’s not really an option. We’re doing this so it’s not weird for our kids.”
Obi looked deeply offended. “You don’t love her?”
“It’s like . . . dating while married. To each other.” I shrugged. I didn’t feel as casual as a shrug. My stomach twisted thinkingof how many ways this could go wrong. “But we both decided we can quit whenever. We’re helping each other out.”
Rome swallowed hard and looked at me with moisture shining in his eyes. “Jack, I’ve gotta say, this is one of the most selfless things you’ve ever done.”
“Selfless? I’m getting childcare out of it.”
He shook his head and looked away. “Well, yeah, but you’re really helping her.”
I scrunched my brow. “It’s not some pity party thing.”
“No, but . . . I think you actually care about her. Not just how she makes you feel, but just her.”
I let that hit me. There was some truth in that statement. I married Sydney because she made me feel a certain way. I was marrying Mara because I liked her as a person, who she was.
I nodded and struck a match to light my cigar. “About time, I guess.”
