We walked toward Lainey’s office where Ruthie was sleeping, and he explained, “It’s for sale, but the realtor said the owner would entertain a lease offer.”
“That’s good. I would hate for you to buy something and not be able to resell it in three years.”
“I’m not worried about that. I was thinking we should lease because we might want to move to Lancastle someday.”
Lancastle?!
“But you said you only wanted us to visit occasionally—for publicity purposes.”
“It’s good to keep our options open.”
I blurted out, “Why?”
****
Alan
Did she just ask why?
“Well, that’s where my house and my business are. Plus, it’s close to the beach house.”
“I thought you didn’t want me and Ruthie to move?”
“You don’thaveto move. I was just saying we should keep our options open.”
She looked like she wanted to say more, but instead mumbled, “Okay.”
I wished she’d argue with me and pressed her a little.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.”
Her candid response surprised me—in a good way. “I’m thinking I don’t understand why you’d expect me to leave my family and friends if we’re just going to get divorced in three years.”
“Maybe I’m hoping you won’t want to end things.”
****
Jessica
I didn’t know what to say.
IthoughtI understood what he was suggesting, but I was scared to say it out loud because if I was wrong, I’d die from humiliation.
So, I mumbled, “You’re right, we should keep our options open.”
Chapter Forty-Three
Alan
Jessica didn’t exactly leap at the idea of this being a real marriage.
But then again, why would she? She hadn’tchosento be with me. Marrying me was just a better option than marrying Kevin.
I wanted to believe that had we had enough time to properly date, she would have. But that wasn’t our situation, and I had no idea what the hell the best course of action was. That was unfamiliar territory for a guy like me. I prided myself in knowing what to do in every situation.
But I’d never met a girl like Jessica.
And I’d never had so much to lose.
