Earlier today, I golfed with the boys, then left them with Dani so I could do some damage control with Kate before leaving for Vail later tonight.
Kate is currently perusing a glass display housing a vast selection of Italian chocolate truffles. “Do you see something you want?” I ask.
“No, I’m just looking.”
“Let’s get some truffles. Pick out a few,” I say.
“Am I getting apology chocolates?” Kate and I have never really argued.
She’s very easy to get along with, not dramatic and overall low maintenance. However, sheisirritated that I’m flying to Vail with Dani and the boys and not her and Tristan, and I’m not tolerating her silent tantrum well.
“Do I need to apologize for wanting to fly to my sister’s wedding with my own children?”
She’s not looking up at me as she talks. She’s still bent over the display case. “I just don’t understand why we couldn’t all fly together.”
“I already told you, Kate. Because I told my sister I would be out there first thing in the morning tomorrow to help Josh set up the ceremony area. Dani promised to help my mom with the flowers. It’s not my fault you have to work.”
“I just thought you’d wait.”
Now I’m really losing my patience. “You were invited to the wedding,” I say in a tone that makes it sound like I’m telling her she should be grateful.
She stands up straight and faces me. We’re just inches apart. I’m looking into her narrowed eyes. “Do you not want me and Tristan there?”
“I didn’t say that. Can we please not fight about this?”
“Is this our first fight, Alex?”
“I don’t think it warrants a fight, but yes, I guess we are fighting.” Neither one of us is moving, we’re just staring at each other. “I want you there, Kate.”
“I personally would go for the hazelnut truffles,” comes a man’s voice from behind us. I recognize it immediately.
I look behind me to see Lars standing there. I haven’t seen him in years. Long before all the rumors about him and Dani started flying, he and I actually got along. “Lars,” I say, without emotion.
“Hello, Alex.”
“Lars, this is Kate, my girlfriend. I’m sure Dani told you that we’re divorced now.”
He nods. “She did.”
“Kate,” I say, “This is Lars, Dani’s ex…colleague.” Kate and Lars shake hands.
“Dani and I are actually working together again,” Lars says.
The fucking nerve of this guy. “Of course you are,” I say.
“Hello,” comes another man’s voice from behind Lars. He peeks his head around and waves to Kate and me. He’s younger than Lars, attractive, and smiling widely. “I’m Neal.” He reaches his hand out to Kate first, then me.
“This is my husband, Neal,” Lars says.
I stand there trying to put together the events of my life over the past five years. “Nice to meet you,” I say quietly. “Lars, were you always…”
“Gay?” Lars says. “Yes. I was always gay, Alex.” He chuckles and glances over to Neal.
“But why—”
“Alex, can I have a word with you?” Lars says.
I look over at Kate, who doesn’t seem fazed. “Sure.”
