“I get Ham,” I say, joking, until I realize what this means. “Never mind. Troy, you’re with me.”
* * *
Anna:I received notice you signed the papers.
Me:Right.
Anna:Don’t you think we should talk?
Me:About what?
Anna:I don’t know, Warner. Everything.
Me:We should’ve talked at some point in the last two years.
Anna:Warner, don’t. You know I couldn’t.
Me:Clearly I didn’t know anything, Anna.
Anna:I’m sorry.
Me:I know.
Is this how it’s supposed to go? Shouldn’t there be epic screaming matches or stubborn showdowns? Apparently not for us. We’re ending on a whisper. Maybe divorces are like snowflakes, each one unique.
The kids are asleep now. I’m sitting on my front porch in the dark, my phone balanced on my leg, nursing my second beer. Across the quarter mile separating us, I see lights on in Wyatt’s place. Or in Tenley’s place, I suppose. For a little while.
Instead of stewing over the fact that my marriage is over, I grab my phone and type Tenley’s name into the internet search bar.
The first result, and the dozen following, tell me nearly all I need to know. Tenley was cheated on. I click the first link and read the story.
Ouch. It was recent.
At least my divorce isn’t splashed all over the place for people to read about, and then also comment on. I read the first three comments, then stop.What the fuck is wrong with people?
All three comments are from people saying Tenley is stupid to break up with Tate, even if he did cheat on her. I don’t know how she does it, living in the public eye the way she does. She has people opining on her choice to expect fidelity from her relationship, and then some other crazy person stealing her underwear.
No wonder she didn’t want to tell me her real name.
I look over to Wyatt’s cabin just as the back porch light flickers on and Tenley steps out. From this distance I can’t see any details, only movement. She walks the length of the cabin, as if checking something. Picking up my phone, I type out a quick message.All good out here. I’m keeping watch.
Tenley looks this way, but without a porch light on, I know she won’t be able to see me. A message pops up.
Are you watching me?
I sip my beer and respond.Not on purpose, but yes. I’m sitting on my porch.
Tenley settles into one of Wyatt’s patio chairs and bubbles appear on my screen.How are you?
I got divorced today.
I was cheated on recently.
I know. I just finished reading about it.
I’m rolling my eyes right now.
I chuckle quietly, picturing her making a face.So am I.
