“I apologized for everything.We came to an understanding.We had sex… five, no six times with penetration,” I say for clarification.“We ended our relationship properly, and he left.”
She looks dumbfounded, like I’ve just told her I’m a flat-earther and don’t believe in global warming.
She gawks.“Six times?”
“With penetration.More if you count individual orgasms.Yes.”
Her wide eyes and agape mouth are almost comical, especially when she says, “Wow!When you guys make up, youreallymake up.Hope you don’t get a UTI.”
I shrug lightly.“It’d be worth it.”
Her surprise morphs into a smile.“The sex wasthatgood?”
“Better than I can possibly describe.We are extremely compatible… sexually.”
“Then, I’m confused.What do you mean you ended it?”
“Our compatibility stops with sex.Our lives are very different, and he expressed a desire to move on from me—that’s what this weekend was about, purging the tension between us to bring closure to our past.”
“Did you find closure?”she asks, brow triangulated on her forehead.
“I found…” My head spins in an exhaustive effort to find the right word, but I only come up with “comfort.And validation.Leaving was best.His life proves it.He has a son now.Did you know?”
She nods, though she still seems confused.“Yeah, but that shouldn’t deter you if you want more?—”
“I don’t want more,” I lie sternly.
She looks unconvinced.“Does he?”
“I didn’t ask.But, yes.He wants a woman who will suit him, his son, and his life.He deserves normality and stability—things I can’t provide.”
“Hesaidthat to you?”
“He didn’t have to.That was our arrangement, regardless.It’s over.”
Her hand goes to my arm.“Are you alright?”
“I’m always alright.”When she doesn’t seem convinced, I offer a redirection.“Have you figured it out yet?My style?”
She smiles lightly, like she understands the need for a subject change.“Boho pro—that’s your new style.I know the perfect boutique to take you to.How about getting dressed while I clean up this mess?”
Ivy reaches for Henry’s shirt, draped over my chair.
“No!”I shout, startling us both.
“What?”
“Just leave that one alone,” I say softly.“Okay?”
“Okay.”A delicate smile crosses her lips as she nods.
I grab clean clothes from the floor and head toward the bathroom.
“Practice your Ins and Outs while you’re in there.Good energy in, and sad things out.Okay?”
I take a deep breath at her suggestion.“Okay.”
When I return, my clothes have been sorted and the room tidied.Ivy sits at my desk, flipping through my field journal.I rush over, closing it in her hands.
