“Of course not!” I shout, offended that he would think Florian would harm me, or that I would stay with someone who physically harmed me. “He wouldn’t hurt me, Dale. Not intentionally anyway.”
Dale rests his elbows on his knees and exhales. “Arabelle, why did you come here? To me, it seems as though you have developed feelings for him, and he hasn’t hurt you. So, why are you not with your husband?”
“I gave him an ultimatum, and I thought he’d choose me.”
“And he didn’t?”
I let out a sigh. “He didn’t.”
Dale leans back in the chair. “And what ultimatum did you give him?”
“Stop fighting with his father, or give me some time to sort out what I need to do.”
“And he gave you time?”
“He did. But I thought he would pick me and stop this shit with his father.”
“You don’t know what’s actually transpired between them?”
“I don’t, but it still stings that the man I married let me walk out the door. He didn’t even try to stop me, Dale.”
“Men don’t do well with ultimatums, love. Maybe what he’s trying to handle with his father, he needs to do not only for you, but for him. I know very little about Florian and his father, but from what I hear, his father is a real piece of work.”
“I don’t know anything about his father, either. Florian refuses to talk about him, but I believe he’s not a nice man because of how Florian reacts anytime Olan’s name is mentioned.”
“And there has to be a reason for that,” Dale reasoned.
“I jumped the gun, didn’t I?”
Dale laughs. “I would say so, but I think you expected what anyone would in your position. You expected your spouse to put you first, and that’s okay, Belle. Don’t beat yourself up over it. But you also have to remember your relationship is very different from most people’s. It’s not the typical relationship. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not a fan of Florian’s for reasonsyou already know, but I want you to be happy, and even though you had this little misstep, you seem to be very happy with him.”
I understand that completely. This is a marriage with no love involved, even though I can admit things are rapidly changing between us, at least on my end. I have to give him some grace. I can’t have things the way I want them immediately.
“You’re right.”
“I am most of the time,” he says, and I nudge him.
“Thank you for meeting with me,” I say, and he smiles. “I hope I didn’t ruin any plans you have.”
“Anytime, sweetheart. Anytime.”
“So, what’s been up with you?” I ask, changing the subject.
I have to stop thinking about Florian. Nothing is going to change when it comes to him and his father. So, there’s no use in my dwelling over it. I’ll make things right between us once I go back home.
The moment Dale’s face lights up with a smile, I immediately know why.
“You met someone, didn’t you?” I ask, and he nods. “Oh my god, Dale! That’s wonderful.”
It makes me happy that my friend found someone who will treat him like he deserves.
“She’s wonderful, Belle.”
“Tell me all about her, then.”
“First, thank you for not letting me confuse my love for you with true love.”
My smile is uncontrollable.
