Gwen made a face. “What do you mean,what’s up?” She moved to the small bed and sat down. “You’re the one who calledme.”
“I know,” he replied. “I just called to say hi. And ask how you’re doing.”
She ran her finger over the stitching on the bedspread and felt a tugging sensation in her chest, because it was nice to hear his voice—and he didn’t sound like he wanted her to call a lawyer. “I’m fine. How are you doing?”
“I’ve been better,” he replied.
He left it at that, which gave her no choice but to take the bait.
“Why? What’s going on?”
Eric sighed dejectedly into the phone. “I don’t know. Life’s been so weird lately. Do you ever feel like everything is flying off the rails?”
“I’m familiar with the sensation,” she replied. “But you’re being cryptic. You’ve called me twice this week after months of radio silence. Talk to me.”
He was quiet for a moment. “I want to. But could we meet for dinner tonight? I’d rather talk in person.”
A mixture of curiosity and frustration caused a tightening in her belly. For months after he’d walked out on their marriage, she had sat by the phone wishing he would call and apologize and beg to come home. She’d wanted that more than anything in the world and would have taken him back in a heartbeat because he was her best friend and soulmate.
On top of that, she’d been raised to believe that marriage was for life. She’d never imagined herself as a single woman again, not after she’d walked down the aisle and said, “I do.” And she’d loved being married. She and Eric had been happy together. They’d shared all the same dreams. It had been a beautiful life until one of those dreams had suffered a sudden, tragic death.
It wasn’t until Eric had started dating another woman that she’d forced herself to accept their separation and focus on other things, mostly her work. But most days, she still longed for Eric to leave Keri and finally come home to her so that they could work things out.
“I can’t get together tonight,” she told him bluntly. “I’m in Alaska.”
He laughed, as if she were joking. “What?”
“No, seriously. I’m in Juneau.”
Ten full seconds passed before he responded. “What are you doing there?”
Gwen walked to the window and pulled the curtain aside to look down at the street. “I’m helping a friend with research on a book.”
“Who’s the friend?”
Not sure how to answer, Gwen let the curtain fall closed and returned to the bed.
“Is it the same person you were meeting at Le Caveau the other night?” Eric asked.
“Yes, actually,” she told him. “His name is Peter.”
There was another lengthy pause.
“Are you seeing each other?” Eric asked.
There it was. He was jealous. Gwen heard it in his voice.
She couldn’t deny that it was satisfying. At the same time, she was annoyed, because it was none of his business who she was with, and he had no right to act as if she owed him an explanation or confession. Not after the past six months with Keri on the scene.
“I told you he was a friend,” she replied honestly.
“But you flew to Alaska together?”
“Yes, we just arrived.”
“Are you in the same hotel? Is he in the room with you right now?”
Gwen laughed with disbelief. “It’s none of your business, Eric! But no, he’s not here.”
