Page 8 of Big Rucking Disaster

“Johnnie—”

“My teammate Isaiah’s gay. And engaged to this awesome guy, Travis. They’re getting married once the season’s over. Only they have to get married twice—once here and once in New Zealand because that’s where most of Isaiah’s family lives.”

“Johnnie.”

“Yes?” He blinked.

“I’m not in a triad relationship.”

“Oh, are you just with Sam, and Steve lives with you, or—”

“Steve and Sam are my tabby cats. I didn’t name them—although I wouldn’t have picked cutesy names anyway. Hey—”

Johnnie had stepped right into my personal space and began palpating the side of my head.

“Fuck, that hurts.”

“Yeah, you’re developing a goose egg. With your skin color, though, it’s hard to see a bruise.”

“Best thing about being Black—no one can see me blush.” Even as I said the words, heat rose to my cheeks. I could name any number of great things about being Black. I’d thought my husband loved medespitebeing Black. I’d been wrong. He’d loved mebecauseI was Black. When I did things that didn’t fit his stereotypical view, he’d get annoyed with me. I hadn’t seen that during our marriage—I sure as shit saw it clearly now.

“That’s true.” He continued to gently probe. “Whereas my lily-white ass can be seen reflecting the sun from a million miles away.”

My mind very much liked the image of his ass. Color didn’t matter—I wasn’t picky. Had I noticed his butt in those khaki pants? I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t. “I’m really okay.”

He held three fingers before me.

“Three. Not blurry or seeing double. Look, I have a hard head—”

“I’d say so.”

“What?”

“You don’t seem to like me very much.”

Ouch. How do I refute that?“Look, I’m incredibly grateful you came today. Louella booked you, so she was disappointed she missed the session.” We hadn’t actually spoken, obviously, but I knew her heart.

“She was very kind when I called. I kind of booked myself, though. I convinced her I could be helpful.”

“Well, you were.”

“Really?” He eyed me. “Why do I get the feeling you’re lying?”

“I don’t lie.”Liar. For years you told everyone you had a great marriage. Note to self—you didn’t.

“Everybody lies.”

“Isn’t that a song lyric?” I wracked my brain, but stopped when the pain increased. “Look, I need to be heading home.”

“No after-school activity?”

“Lacrosse, which Ms. Delmont teaches. She’s brilliant, having been a player herself for years. Now she teaches physics and gets out her pent-up energy by coaching. I’m lucky I get a bit of a break.”

“So, let me drive you home.”

“I’ve got my SUV—”

“You’re not safe to drive.”

---