Page 84 of First Date: Divorce
“Close observation.”
“Right.You saw a situation that involved someone you know well — say a close relative — interpreted it a certain way to match your preconceived notions, jumped to the conclusion that—”
“I don’t jump to conclusions, either.”
“—impulse always leads to disaster.All from one incident, seen from the outside and—”
“Not from one incident.From a lifetime.And not from the outside.From having a mother who jumped on impulse into a marriage that has made her miserable.”
“Has it?She says she’s not miserable.What if she’s telling the truth?What if your mother loves him?What if their marriage gives them both what they want?Isn’t that what a marriage should be?”
“What if—?”
“Let’s sit with that a moment,” Melody said.“It’s time for the dessert buffet.We’ll take this up tomorrow.”
K.D.closed her mouth, no doubt on words as stormy as her expression.
Eric sat back.
This was nuts.
Hewas nuts.
Yes, he and K.D.had chemistry.Fine.Enjoy it.No need for more.
After his experience with Hilary, he should run as far and fast as he could from the concept of marriage.Why in hell tick off K.D.by trying to persuade her not to run from it?
*
The dessert session took place on the patio, with most of the tables removed, subdued lighting, strictly enforced one glass of wine per person quota, a music sound system tolerable only because it was kept very low, and a spattering of Marriage-Save employees to keep an eye on things.
There were plenty of desserts.Not up to Ellyn’s standards, but passable.
A few couples danced.Most stood around and chatted about almost anything other than why they were here.
That’s what he and K.D.were doing when Izzy and Orion danced past, waving to them and smiling broadly.
K.D.met his eyes for an instant that projected possibilities like a movie played against clouds.
Then she looked away.
That was definitely not what they were here for.
*
They followed the same bedtime routine as the night before.But this time as Eric eased under the sheet, he slid one arm across the mattress and lightly brushed her back.
“You awake?”he asked softly.He sounded as if he’d barely moved his lips.
“Awake.”
She shifted slightly, which broke the contact, whether she meant to or not.
“Realized some gaps today,” he whispered.
“Yeah.”She barely seemed to breathe the word, but she shifted again, onto her back, so they were side by side.
“It’s … weird saying things in those sessions, making things up, mixing in truth.Kind of freeing in a way.Sorry if I hit a nerve.”
