Page 70 of Seale the Deal

I like that she’s building a life here, I say finally. We have our whole lives for me to ‘trip over myself getting home.’

Walter chuckles softly, then studies me for a second. You look… content, he says. Like you’re sure of your choice.

In a lot of ways, I am. Especially after hearing the full story of Wrenley’s ex. I want to see her stand back up after what that motherfucker put her through. Just taking this chance, coming here, starting over, she already is.

I nod. I am.

At least I’m not fully lying to Walter when I say that. I do want to help Wrenley rebuild her life. The only part that isn’t true is that the rebuilding doesn’t involve me further than a marriage certificate and eventual divorce papers.

But I can’t put Walter through that. I can’t put him in a position where he has to decide whether to stay quiet or report us. It wouldn’t be fair. And I can see on his face how much it means to him to think I’m happy and building the kind of life he has with his wife. When you have a marriage like theirs, it’s no surprise he wants the same thing for the people he cares about. Which is why this whole thing needs to stay between me, Wrenley, and Remi.

Don’t let regular life creep in too quickly, he says. These early days are limited. You blink, and it’s ten years down the road—maybe with kids, maybe not—but either way, it gets easy to start feeling more like roommates than lovers.

He points at me with the rag in his hand.

Use this time to build a solid foundation so you can always find your way back to each other.

Thanks, Walter.

No problem, he says, dumping an old coffee filter into the garbage.

I take a sip of my coffee.

Personally, he adds, I’m a big fan of toys.

I drop my head because of course this conversation can’t end on an actual meaningful moment between friends.

Hear me out, he continues. They really spice things up. You can use them on each other. Together. Mutually. He leans across the counter. Want me to send you some links?

You know, Walt, I really don’t.

He shrugs. Your loss.

The door to the coffee shop opens just as I say, I’m going to go home and plan a delicious dinner for Wrenley, but I’ll keep what you said in mind.

I wouldn’t get too excited about planning dinner.

Walter and I both turn our heads to see Audrey walking toward the counter.

Why not? I ask.

Remi dropped by earlier and invited me and Wrenley over for dinner, she says. Something about famous veggie burgers.

Disappointment washes over me, which is ridiculous.

That sounds fun, I say, trying to keep my tone even.

Did you want me to tell Wrenley you were hoping she’d go home?

No, I say quickly. I want her to spend time with friends. I’ll just miss her.

If you’re sure, Audrey says slowly.

I’m sure.

Walter looks weirdly disappointed on my behalf. Like he genuinely thought after the sex-toy conversation, I’d be rushing home to spend the evening with my fiancée. It’s not particularly an expression I enjoy seeing directed at me.

Audrey turns to Walter. Can I get one small black coffee and another with lots of cream, please?