Page 83 of Friends with Benefits

Witnessing this exchange, Theo’s at a loss. He’s used to dealing with parental bullshit, but at least Jacob’s is direct. With Naomi, it’s not so much what she says, but the way she says it. Her flat, passive-aggressive affect before she pulls Evelyn into another hug, then shifts to embrace Theo. He stiffens at the unsolicited body contact.

“It’s wonderful to see you again.”

Theo lies, “You too.”

“How long are you in town?”

“We fly home tomorrow.”

Naomi sighs. “I wish I knew. You could’ve stayed with us.”

“I texted you—”

“But I’m not surprised. I mean, I found out that my firstborn is married onFacebook.” She chuckles, then raises her glass. “Mazel tov, by the way! I’m happy for you. Of course I am.” Naomi sips. “You look good, Evelyn.” She takes a step backward, her eyes scanning, appraising. “Healthy. Have you been working out?”

Okay.

Nope.

Fuck this.

Theo’s rage is entirely rational. “Evelyn always looks good.”

Naomi looks taken aback. “I didn’t mean—”

“Maman.”

“Let me just…” Relief is palpable in her expression as she’s pulled toward Margot’s voice, emitting a tender sigh. “I have to do the toppings. Jean-Paul always messes up the sprinkles-to-whipped-cream ratio.”

And then she’s at the ice cream station. Evelyn watches Naomi and Margot. Doesn’t react. Performs indifference at Margot’s giggle as Naomiboopswhipped cream on her nose. Theo has an intimate relationship with the particular pain of grieving a relationship with someone who’s still very much alive. Grieving the hope of it all. It’s awful. Theo can’t perform indifference.

Instead, he takes her hand. “Let’s get out of here.”

“I’m sorry.” Evelyn kicks off her shoes as soon as they step foot in Dev’s empty apartment.

On the counter, there’s a note.

ON CALL. ANOTHER OVERNIGHT. BREAKFAST AM?

Evelyn sits on the end of the sofa bed and presses the heels of her hands to her eyes. “I always thought she didn’t want to beamother. But… now I just don’t think she wanted to beourmother. Mine or Imogen’s. I tried so hard to be good for her, Theo.”

“I know.”

“And… I’m here because a part of mewantedto see her. It’s soembarrassing.” Evelyn wipes the tears from her cheeks. “Knowing something is impossible but still wanting it.” She sighs, then tucks her feet up under her. “I’m sorry I dragged you here.”

“At least we got to ‘Cupid Shuffle’?”

Evelyn snorts.

Theo sits next to her, pressing his thumb to her cheek. “It’s not embarrassing to want better from the people who are the only reason we’re even on this fucked-up planet. Also? Don’t be sorry. I’m not. In addition to cupid shuffling, I got to spend time in my favorite place with my favorite person.”

Her smile is small. “You should be here. In New York. Why aren’t you?”

Theo isn’t sure how to respond to such an infuriating question.We don’t have to pretend here, she’d said this morning as she slipped Lori’s wedding band off her finger.I don’twantto pretend here.Right now?

Neither does he.

“You’re seriously asking me that?”

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