Page 61 of Together

I sit down on the edge of my bed, wondering why she’s being this way and how to answer her. Technically, she’s right. We haven’t made it clear that we’re a couple but that’s just what I said, right? A technicality?

“He’s going to be around, Grace. He’s the father of this baby.”

She’s quiet for a bit then she makes a weird noise. “I know he is, but that doesn’t meanIhave to get to know him. What would we have in common, anyway? Samuel certainly doesn’t need to be there. Can you imagine?” she scoffs. “Samuel shows up in a suit and tie to dinner with this guy and he’s wearing work boots and jeans?”

“Well, that’s incredibly uncalled for. First of all, when have we all ever gone to dinner somewhere that required a suit and tie? Second of all, he wears work boots because he makes sure that people have electricity. Like what you’re using right now at the office you’re so proud of. How do you think those outlets and lights and a bunch of other stuff got there? Stop being such a snob, Grace. You’re not better than anyone else.”

She blows out a breath, “I know. I know. I’m just in a shitty mood and took it out on you. You’re right, it was uncalled for and rude. That’s not how I think, I promise. It’s just been a long couple of weeks is all.”

“What’s going on? Is it work?”

She hesitates and then I hear her office door shutting. “No, work is fine. As always. That I can handle.”

“Samuel?”

“How’d you guess?”

“Just a hunch. He was weird at Christmas and you’ve just said a few things lately that made me wonder.”

“He’s been having an affair.”

I gasp. “That fucker!”

She laughs a little. “Yeah, that’s kind of what I thought, too.”

“How long has that been going on?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. My guess? Our entire marriage, just with different women.”

“Nooooo!”

“Oh yeah. I’m pretty sure of it. There’s just been signs, I guess. Plus, who could blame him? I work a million hours a week and am never in the mood for sex.”

“Uhh, I can blame him. Screw that, Idoblame him! He knew about how much you would be working when he married you. That’s not an excuse.”

On the other line, I think I hear her sniffle, which breaks my heart. I hate the thought of her crying over someone who’s not worth her tears.

“How’d you find out?”

“This is the best part. He was fired because he was sending dick pics to his assistant. The same one he’s been sleeping with for the past year. His company has a no-fraternization policy but he was always dumb enough to use his company cell phone to send the picture to her. On company time. So yeah, he was fired for being an idiot, basically.”

“That’s it. He’s getting his wiener cut off.”

She laughs again. “Yeah, I’ve had the same thought, too.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Well, he was fired so he’s no longer working there. The temptation is gone.”

Is she saying that it’s the other woman’s fault? Surely not, right? “What do you mean, the temptation is gone?”

“He’s no longer there so the problem won’t be a problem anymore. I’m still mad about it, but I’m not going to end a marriage just because he has a wandering eye.”

“Wait… I’m confused. Did he have a wandering eye and have an emotional affair only? Like he had the hots for her but never did anything physical? Which isn’t okay, either. Or did he have sex with his assistant? Or did he just send her a picture of his wanger?”

“Wanger? Really?”

“Well, pardon me but saying the word dick or penis gets boring after a while.”

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