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“Was.In the past. Did you meet Tracy? Are you dating her?”
“Yes, she’s a wonderful woman. I’ve taken her out twice, and we talked at length. She said you dated her, broke up with her, then got back together, and broke it off again. Do you miss her?”
“No. You’re welcome to date her, if that’s what you want.”
“Why did you leave her, twice?”
“Call it a conflict of personality.”
“Does she know you got married?”
“I didn’t tell her anything.” Damn the phony marriage.
“So you’re lying to her and to your wife.”
Royce huffed, hating being dragged into this crazy discussion.
“Did you tell Tracy you’re engaged and getting married in… Is it in a week or when?”
“Susan isn’t in a rush to set a date. We talked on the phone yesterday and decided to delay the wedding for another two months. We’re both too busy starting our careers.”
“But you’re still engaged. Did you tell Tracy?”
“Of course not. I don’t want to lose her to a cold fish like Susan.”
Struggling not to jump down his throat, Royce fisted his hands at his side. “I think Tracy has the right to know… I mean if it gets serious between you.”
“That’s what I’m waiting for. If it gets serious, I’ll have a lot of thinking to do.”
“I understand. You can count on me not to tell Tracy anything. In fact I don’t plan to see her again.”
“Thank you.”
The doorbell announced the delivery man. Kasem took the food boxes and paid the man.
“I ordered Mexican. I had it once at work and liked it. Is it okay with you?”
“Great . I love Mexican food.”
They helped themselves and had beer to drink with the meal.
“Why did you marry, Royce?”
“Huh…” Royce choked on his food, coughed, and managed to grumble, “What do you mean?”
“You don’t seem to miss your wife, and yet you don’t cheat on her.”
“Huh…” He rubbed his forehead, desperately thinking of something to say… something to get out of this imbroglio without dredging up more lies. “It’s a complicated situation. I would rather not talk about it.”
“Was the marriage imposed on you by your family?” Peering at him curiously, Kasem raised his eyebrows.
Royce fidgeted with his fork. “Imposed, yes… Not by the family… By circumstances,” he added on a sudden inspiration.
“And your wife didn’t mind?”
“Huh… She didn’t get a chance to protest.” The collar of his shirt felt too tight. Couldn’t they change the subject? “This tortilla’s delicious. Getting Mexican food was a good idea.”
“I still don’t understand.”
