Page 20 of Sleepless Nights and Hockey Fights

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Sometimes I wish I didn’t, but I kind of can’t help speaking my mind most of the time.

@singlemomcatlady: You’ll probably live longer not bottling things up.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Tell that to my boss. And my therapist.

@singlemomcatlady: Therapy? That’s very evolved of you.

And so is admitting it freely to a stranger. I’m kind of impressed.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: What can I say? I’m trying.

If he’s being an open book, I suppose there’s no harm in reciprocating.

@singlemomcatlady: My ex and I did therapy. It was really helpful.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Not to be rude, but the word ex implies your therapist might not be so great at their job.

@singlemomcatlady: Haha. My ex and I are still good friends, and I think therapy made that possible.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Talk about evolved. A healthy relationship with an ex sounds like the height of maturity.

@singlemomcatlady: Well, we share a child, so there’s that. Also, neither of us cheated or anything.

I pause before deciding to hell with it and resuming typing.

@singlemomcatlady: He’s actually gay. That was the nail in the coffin.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: The therapist or the ex? Just kidding. That’ll do it almost every time.

That makes me laugh out loud, and I push my lunch aside so I can use both hands freely.

@singlemomcatlady: Right?

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: I think it’s cool, though, that you’re able to co-parent peacefully and still like each other.

@singlemomcatlady: Yeah. But it’s hard sometimes. You know, not having a partner anymore? We were together for fifteen years. Things started to get strained, and I had no idea what had changed. Then one day, I walked in the door from work and there he was at the kitchen table with a bouquet of flowers in his hands. I thought for a second that he was going to say we should clear the slate and start over, but as soon as I saw the look on his face, I knew it was over. Learning the reason why was almost a relief, you know?

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: I can see that for sure. I mean, knowing that you didn’t do anything wrong and there was nothing you could have done to save the relationship had to help.

@singlemomcatlady: Exactly. But he tortured himself for a long time, and I hated that.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Sounds difficult all around. I can see why you’re not ready to jump into another relationship.

@singlemomcatlady: I’m trying to get there, but I’m afraid of getting the rug pulled out from under me again, you know?

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Makes perfect sense to me. You’ll get there someday, though.

As strange as it may sound, having validation from a stranger outside the situation makes me feel a little lighter.

@singlemomcatlady: Enough about me. How are things with your coworker crush? Did she survive the boss’s murder spree?

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: She doesn’t work for him—she and I collaborate on more of a side project. I did make her laugh this morning, so that’s good, right?

@singlemomcatlady: Definitely. Women love it when guys make them laugh. Sometimes, it can be the most attractive trait in a man, but don’t tell anyone I clued you in. It’s one of our secrets.

@PitterPatterLetsGetAtHer: Taking notes. What else?

I grin down at the screen while I type. I know Ramona would say I should flirt instead of helping him woo another woman, but I don’t care. I like talking to him.

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