Page 60 of First Date: Divorce
He turned his back.
Pretending to be estranged, so not being cozy in bed made sense.But …in bed.And, what about casual, everyday intimacies?
She swallowed a curse and took her toiletries into the compact bathroom.
Surely they didn’t wire the bathroom.But cameras in the bedroom could catch activity and probably sound, especially with the door open, as it was now.
He entered the bathroom with his dopp kit.Without knocking.
It felt more closed-in than their encounter in the bathroom on the first morning at his house.
“I could use privacy,” she said sharply.
He stepped close and spoke right into her ear.“Good.We can’t be sure in here, either.The only place large enough to talk without being seen or overheard is the shower.”
That wasnothappening.
He backed away and said in a normal voice, “Besides, K.D., I’ve seen it all when it comes to you.”
*
The counselor named Melody Samelson was calm and pleasant.The room where they met her was calm and pleasant.
It had the same nearly floor-to-ceiling windows as along the front porch, though these faced the back garden.Despite the windows being closed — presumably for privacy — they let in appreciable late afternoon light through sheer curtains.
“This is simply a get-acquainted session.A chance for us to meet before the hard work starts tomorrow.We’ll go over the schedule for your stay, including available activities.First, however, I understand you expressed issues with the sleeping arrangements,” Melody said with warm concern.
Or possibly concerned warmth.
So Ms.Smiley was a snitch.Yes, the receptionist’s name was Lily, but Ms.Smiley fit.
K.D.said to Melody, “I wouldn’t sayissues.Displeasure.”
Melody didn’t blink.“Howisyour sexual relationship?”
“Nonexistent,” Eric murmured.
Despite herself, K.D.felt a chuckle rising up her throat, along with warmth in her cheeks.Neither suited her role.She said, “Whose fault is that?”
The counselor intervened.“Now, now there’s no fault here.All of Marriage-Save is a no-fault zone.We must adhere to that the entire time we’re here.”
K.D.barely withstood the temptation to ask if Melody was also going through counseling, what with thewe’s she tossed around.
“But there’s no need to feel any pressure about physical intimacy during your stay at Marriage-Save.We strongly —strongly— encourage our guests to refrain from such activity here.”
“That won’t be a problem,” K.D.said firmly.
Melody flicked a look at her, softened with another smile.
“I see from your material that you’re both runners.But we ask that you not run together.If you’re on solo time and want to run, that’s fine.But when you’re sent on an activity together, we’ve found running far less conducive to conversation.We will ask you to walk together at specific times.We also have movies and dancing for all our guests.Of course, you are welcome to use the facilities — the pool, the hot tub, massages — whenever you have an open spot on your schedule.
“Here’s our list of the approved activities.I will assign some or give you a choice between two, while other times are free.In addition, you each will select an activity for you both to pursue.Don’t share what you’ve picked.I’ll tell you when it’s time to do the activity.No thinking, no debating, you’ll just do it.”Her smile seemed to say they’d have a great time, too.“Both of you doing one person’s choice, then both doing the other person’s choice.”
With less enthusiasm than their counselor, each checked a box and handed the slips to Melody.
None of the items on the list included investigating.
Tucking away their slips, Melody said, “Now, let’s talk about what brought you to Marriage-Save — your marriage.
