Page 47 of Dear Debbie

“I’m fine,” I say. “Just wanted to check in.”

“Okay…” He sounds confused, which is reasonable considering I don’t usually call him in the middle of the day to check in. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. Really.”

Under other circumstances, I would think he was being sweet and concerned. Ever since we met, Cooper has worshipped the ground I walk on. He never judged me for the things other people have judged me for.

Although, like him, I have my secrets. There are things I never told him, because I never told anyone. And maybe that’s part of the problem. I never gave myself to him one hundred percent.

I start to mention the news of Coach Pike’s arrest, but then I think better of it. He’ll find out about it sooner or later. Better he doesn’t hear about it from me.

“When will you be home?” I ask him.

“Maybe six? I was planning to hit the gym again today.”

Of course he is. “Okay. Just…be home in time for dinner, all right?”

“I always am.”

“Have you talked to Ken again?” I blurt out, even though I recognize it’s the last thing he wants to talk about. “I mean, maybe you should ask him about…”

“Getting my job back?”

He’s right. That was exactly what I was going to say.

Cooper is quiet for a moment as he absorbs the reality of our situation. Neither of us have jobs, and we’ve got a huge mortgage and a college tuition looming next year. “He’s out of town. Until Monday.”

“Oh. Well, maybe Monday then.”

“Maybe.”

It doesn’t matter. Cooper won’t be talking to Ken Bryant on Monday. Nobody will be talking to Ken on Monday or ever again.

38

HARLEY

I’m glad to see Cooper show up at the gym today.

I wasn’t sure if he’d be here, because he usually only comes three days a week. But when I emerge from my Zumba class, there he is, grunting as he lifts weights in a seated position. I stand in the corner of the room, about ten feet away from him, waiting for him to acknowledge me. When he doesn’t even glance my way, I walk right over to him.

“Harley…” He looks startled to see me. “What are you doing here?”

“I work here.”

His gaze darts around the room anxiously. His friend that he often comes with is on another machine, working out, but he’s not looking at us. “I told you, we can’t talk here. It’s too dangerous.”

Too dangerous. This is a man who is scared shitless of getting caught by his wife. Scared because she’s completely out of her mind? Or scared because he still loves her and doesn’t want to lose her?

“Well, sorry.” I plant one hand on either hip, pushing my breasts forward. Cooper definitely notices. “I’ve just been missing you today.”

Cooper opens his mouth, and at that moment, I am absolutely certain he is about to tell me that we need to cool it. I’ve seen that look before, and that’s always what’s coming. I brace myself, waiting for him to say the words.

But he doesn’t say it. He just reaches out, gives my hand a quick squeeze, then pulls away.

“Not here, okay?” he says. “We have to be careful here.”

My shoulders sag in relief. “Right. I’m sorry.”