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Once a month, we sit down together and go over everything. We talk through it like adults. He pays more child support than he technically has to, especially with 50/50 custody. I argued at first, but he insisted.

I love my job, but teaching at a public school doesn’t exactly fund luxury living. Because of Simon’s help, I get to provide Theo with a good life and don’t have to panic every time an unexpected bill pops up.

Simon’s argument when he first offered the amount was simple: he didn’t want Theo’s lifestyle to feel different depending on which parent he was with, and he didn’t want the mother of his child struggling financially.

I appreciate that more than I ever managed to say out loud.

It’s a large part of why I swallow my irritation when small things happen. Like this weekend with the hickies.

Did I want to tear into him about how trashy it looked? Yes.

Did I want to point out that our son is getting older and will eventually ask questions? Absolutely.

But what good would that do?

“Apparently he’s serious about this one,” I say, keeping my tone casual.

Jamie’s head snaps up. “Really?”

I shrug like I didn’t replay those words in my head the entire drive home Sunday.

“He said he missed calling because he was out with someone for their anniversary.”

Jamie’s eyebrows shoot up. “Anniversary? As in… plural dates and emotional attachment?”

“Apparently.”

“And you’re just… fine with that?”

“We’re not together. He’s allowed to date.”

“That wasn’t my question.”

I exhale slowly. “He said it’s not serious enough for introductions.”

Jamie studies me carefully. “But serious enough for anniversaries.”

“He’s dated people before.” I say quickly. “It’s no big deal.”

Jamie tilts her head. “He’s never put someone else before his time with Theo. Even when he had that couple months with Nichole.”

“It was one call.” I say, sharper than I mean to. “It’s unrealistic to think we’re both going to call every single night for the next eighteen years. Eventually we’ll both move on. We’ll have other kids to juggle. Life will get complicated.”

The thought of Simon having a child with someone else makes my stomach twist. It’s irrational. He’s never said he wants more kids. Then again, he never said he wanted one the first time either, but the way he looks at Theo makes it hard to believe he hasn’t at least thought about having another.

I shove the thought down.

“And how’s moving on going for you?” Jamie asks lightly. “Still on the apps? Any big dates this week?”

She knows the answer. I barely check the app, and when I do, I scroll for five minutes and close it. My childfree nights are usually spent in pajamas, grading papers and watching reruns of Grey’s Anatomy until I fall asleep on the couch.

“I’ve been busy.” I say weakly.

Jamie snorts. “Uh-huh.”

“It’s not that I’m not open to it.” I add, defensive. “I just… haven’t met the right person.”

The bell rings, cutting through the conversation. The hallway fills with noise—lockers slamming, kids and hall monitors shouting.