“No idea,” I shrug. “His attorney showed up at the condo with papers. I signed them. He told me I had fifteen days to vacate the premises, so I called an emergency meeting of the Palmer sisters. Keely offered me her spare room which I gladly accepted and moved out the next weekend. I started writing the day after I unpacked.”
“I know this isn’t my business, but I need to ask. Why didn’t you ask for anything in the divorce? He knew you didn’t have a job, hadn’t worked in ten years, and he left you nothing. That’s not cool.”
I place my hand on his chest and rub it gently. “I didn’t want anything from him, Keeton. I was so relieved it was over. I’ve got a solid family behind me in every way. If I needed help, they would have given it to me. They were all so relieved I was out too. Privately, they all offered to help me financially. But, I was okay with the portfolio I’d been nurturing for a while.”
“So, now are you going to tell me it’s too soon?”
I nod and smile. “It’s too soon, Keeton. I’m not ready to move in with you. I like you, a lot. I want to see where this goes, but I need to take it slow to figure things out. I want to see if I can write a book.”
“Alright. And for the record, I like you a lot too.” He kisses me with fervor. “A lot, a lot.”
Giggling, I nuzzle my head beneath his chin. “Good to know.”
Keeton dropped me off at my apartment at the ass-crack of dawn. I’m a morning person but being woken up at five in the morning to be kissed, licked, and loved has given morning person a whole new meaning. As quietly as possible, I unlock the door to our apartment. Shutting it behind me, I step into our small galley kitchen and start a pot of coffee. Opening the refrigerator, I scan the shelves for the cream. Spotting it in the back, I pull it out along with a container of yogurt. “Healthy,” I mumble to myself. “Rather have a donut.” But that’s not smart.
As I stand waiting for the coffee to brew, I close my eyes and think about, well, everything. The sex, in particular. This morning he was gentle and slow, like he was making love to me rather than just having sex. I know, you don’t have to say it. I’m just imagining that things with Keeton are real and forever. I know it’s preposterous, but it’s alright. I’m a writer; I’m allowed some creative license.
Coffee finally brewed, I pour some of the nectar of life into my favorite mug. It was my mom’s from way back when––it’s blue on the outside and yellow in the inside. There are flowers that look like they’re growing up from the bottom of the cup and the words, World’s Best Mom, running along the top edge. I gave her the cup for Mother’s Day one year. I remember picking it out. I thought it was almost as pretty as she was. So, yeah, Dad thought it was fitting I should have it. I feel a hot tear reach the corner of my eye and shake it off. “Not this morning, Lainie. This is going to be a great day.”
Stepping past our small dining area—Keely calls it a niche—I step into the living area when I hear a knock on my front door. A chill runs through me thinking of Keeton coming by because he can’t stop thinking about me. “You live in a fantasy world,” I mutter to myself.
At the door, I look through the peephole and freeze. “Lewis? What are you doing here?”
“Open the door, Lainie. We need to talk.”
No, we don’t. “I need to get ready for work.”
“That’s one reason I’m here. Please open the door. Just for a minute.”
Resigned, I open the door and step out onto the walkway. “What?” I say with hands on my hips.
“I’m concerned about you, Elaine.”
“Lainie.”
“Lainie.” He rolls his eyes. “I’m very concerned.”
“There’s no reason for concern. I’m fine.”
“But, you’re working for a mechanic. A grease-monkey for Christ’s sake, Lainie.”
I scoff. “He’s not a grease—”
“Donotinterrupt me, young lady.”
Young lady? We’re the same age, practically. He’s a few years older. Not old enough for this crap.
“Where were you last night?”
“Uh, what?”
“I asked where were you last night.”
“That’s none of your business, Lewis.”
“Of course it’s my business. You’re my wife.”
“Ex-wife.”
