"That sounds like terrible life choices," I say.
"Exactly," he says. "Come sit."
He shifts slightly so there is room.
I sit beside him.
Our shoulders almost touch.
On the screen a man painted like a zebra is attempting to flirt.
"No," I say immediately.
"Absolutely not," Gabriel agrees.
"That woman deserves hazard pay."
"He neighed at her," Gabriel says.
I bury my face in my hands.
"This is the worst show ever."
"I know, but I can't look away," he says.
"You're right."
We watch for another minute before I glance at him.
"You have been weirdly calm lately," I say.
"That's suspicious?"
"Extremely."
He laughs softly.
Then his gaze drifts around the living room.
"The house feels different," he says.
"Different good or different terrifying?"
"Both."
He leans back against the couch.
"It used to feel like Maddie and me against the world," he says quietly.
Then he looks at me.
"Now it feels like a team."
My throat tightens.
"I was terrified," he continues. "About the custody stuff. About everything."
"I know," I say.
