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But was I happy? That was the question I’d been asking myself for years. When Jeff told me he’d been seeing someone and wanted a divorce, I’d been so cordial, because deep down it was a relief. It was a relief to know I didn’t have to keep being unhappy with him.

The longer I sat with my decision to tell the board about our relationship, the more right it felt, even though I still had a thousand concerns.

“He is really talented,” I said softly. “My record label will be perfect for his music. He’ll go places.”

“I know,” she said. “And I also know nothing’s stopping you from going along with him. Just like nothing stopped me from coming to live here with Beth.”

We were both silent, and then she shrugged her shoulders again.

“Alternatively, he could just be a fling for you.”

I bristled. “I…”

“I wouldn’t judge you if that were the case. But I know Salt thinks of you as more than that, if he brought you here. So if you don’t want to hurt him, you should break things off sooner than later. Don’t string him along. He doesn’t deserve that, after everything he’s gone through.”

Don’t string him along.

That was the last thing I wanted to do.

“As far as your age gap goes, I’m not the right person to ask. Beth is almost twenty years younger than me and a Mom of two grown kids who are out living their lives. We’ve been together for a few years now. She’s the absolute love of my life. If you’re both able to communicate and create a healthy relationship, then really, age is just a number. Right?”

“Yeah,” I said, relaxing a fraction. “I’m glad that he has you and Beth. I’m glad we met like this instead of…” I trailed off, my face warming.

Nancy grinned. “I caught a glimpse of the two of you that night and went on my merry way.”

“Oh god.” I hid my face in my hands, but Nancy didn’t seem to care. She just winked and gestured at the food.

“Let’s take everything to the table. I think we’ve let Simon sweat enough. He’s never brought someone to meet us before, and he’s probably thinking I’m either embarrassing him or trying to scare you off. Have I scared you off?”

“No,” I laughed. “No you haven’t scared me off.”

“Good. Let’s eat and celebrate the weekend.”

THIRTY-SIX

SALT

Dinner wasn’t a disaster.In fact, by the time it was time for us to go, I had to practically cart Pepper out the front door. I knew Beth would love her, but even Nancy was a goner.

It wasn’t a surprise, though.

“Drive safe,” Nancy said as she walked me to the car. Pepper was already in the front seat of my Honda, being cute and tipsy. “Text us when you get home.”

“I will,” I said. “Thank you for dinner.”

“Of course. Come over again soon,” she said. She lingered for a moment and then drew in a deep breath. “You’re both diving in headfirst.”

“We are,” I agreed.

“Just make sure you take care of yourself. It’s easy to make a lot of stupid decisions when you love someone.”

“We’re being careful,” I murmured, glancing back at the car.

“She’s risking a lot. So are you.”

“It’ll be worth it.”

Nancy nodded, and I knew there was more she wanted to say. But she didn’t. Instead, she gave me a quick hug and started toward the front door where Beth waited. “Night,” she called.

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