Page 50 of Midlife Crisis

“I know.”

Midge continues. “She was a superstar, Hank. If you loved her, no matter what way, how could I possibly be enough for you? You’re sitting here at my son’s baseball game on a Sunday. You don’t get any more mundane than that. And I wouldn’t trade it for me.” She pauses, swallowing. “But I’m not flashy, or fashionable, or famous. I can’t…” She hesitates but doesn’t add what she wishes to say.

“I don’t want you to be famous. You’re plenty flashy, lady, and I know nothing about fashion, so what do I care? Go naked.” I stop. “Wait, not in front of others because I want you all for me. I want you, Midge.”

She nods slowly, but her eyes remain sad.

“Middy?” I question, but Edie’s voice interrupts us.

“That’s it, girls’ night out.”

“Darlin’,” Tommy asks, holding Emaline on his hip and Ava’s hand beside him.

“We need some girl time—Ivy, Midge, and me. Call Gage and tell him tough shit, he’s getting his kids. You can help him. Maybe Hank wants to hang as well.”

“Darlin’, it’s pasta night.” I’m sensing a ritual, and Tommy doesn’t look too pleased.

“Not tonight, baby. Us girls need each other.” Edie smiles weakly at Midge, and Midge nods in return.

“Want to come over for a bit?” Tommy addresses me as way of giving in. Maybe he does want to be friends again.

I cup Midge’s face, turning her to look at me. She’s trembling, and I reach for my shirt draped over the arm rest of a chair. Slipping it over her, I say, “Damn, I knew I’d like you in my clothing, but not when you look so sad.”

She lifts the cuff and inhales while I watch her wrap her arms around herself.

“I think I need to go with them,” she says, and my heart plops to my gut. She’s going to walk away from me. And somehow, losing Midge seems worse than ever being rejected by Kit.

21

Girls Night Out and Hangover Sex

[Midge]

A break follows Liam’s first game, and after the men leave, I help another mom distribute watermelon and juice boxes for a snack. Returning to the blankets, I find Edie and Ivy in a serious conversation.

“I think Gage is having an affair.” I gasp at Ivy’s revelation.

“How can you say such a thing?” Edie asks. I agree. I’ve seen Gage Everly kiss his wife. It’s a porn scene. He couldn’t possibly want someone else.

“It’s bound to happen, right? I mean, he’s a rock star,” Ivy says sadly, shrugging in dismissal.

“That’s not an excuse,” Edie snips. Our eyes meet, and I see the sisterhood. We’ve both been cheated on. What is it with men? Can they not keep it contained? Committed?

“I don’t believe it.” I try to reassure her with a smile and a rub of her arm. She shrugs under my touch, not pulling away but resolved to a sad reality.

“He’s been acting so strange. Late-night phone calls. The other night, he completely forgot he had to watch the kids, or so he says. He had Petty set to watch them after I left, only I was running late and Petty arrived early.”

“Not Petty,” Edie shrieks with a sharp laugh. She covers her mouth in horror.

“Why? What’s wrong with him?” I question.

“He redefines man whore. He can’t take care of himself, let alone three children,” Edie clarifies.

“I don’t know what to do. I don’t know what to think. Gage pursued me so hard when we were younger, and he promised me so many things. Maybe he’s had a change of heart.”

“No,” I say, holding her upper arm, hoping to comfort her. “I’ve seen him with you. The way he looks at you. The way he kisses you.” I blush, but Ivy doesn’t bat a lash. “He loves you.”

“It has to be something else, honey,” Edie adds. “Maybe he’s planning a surprise for you.”