“Just you and Mommy’s wedding pictures,” she replied, pausing on one of me and Lance in our tuxedos. “You look just the same, especially since you lost all that weight. You look really handsome now.”
“So I wasn’t handsome before?” I teased, laughing as she tried to backtrack.
After a few seconds, I let her off the hook. “Just kidding. Thanks for the compliment.”
She smiled and leaned into me, but then her expression turned serious. “Are you and Mommy ever going to get back together?”
I sighed, wishing I could avoid this conversation. “No, sweetie. I don’t think so,” I answered honestly, thinking of the divorce papers on Paige’s bed.
“Why not?” she asked.
“Sometimes adults realize they can’t stay married, but that doesn’t stop us from loving you.”
“So you and Mommy don’t love each other anymore?” she pressed, seeing through my attempt to soften the truth.
“We care about each other, but not like husband and wife. That’s why we have to split up. But we’ll always be friends.”
Ally looked sad and turned away. I kissed her forehead, but it felt like a small gesture against her big questions. Explaining divorce to a nine-year-old is tough. To them, it’s simple: if you love each other, you stay together.
Why can’t life be that straightforward? I used to think it was, but everything changed when Derek entered the picture. I sensed someone behind me and turned to see Paige walking away. As Ally and I continued looking through the album, I wondered how much of our conversation she had overheard.
A few nights later, I decided to attend my weekly biking class. I hadn’t been in a while since starting with Jerry, so there were some unfamiliar faces. I spotted a familiar one and took the bike next to her.
“Hey, Colleen,” I greeted cheerfully.
She turned and smiled when she recognized me.
“Arthur, long time no see. I almost didn’t recognize you. You’ve slimmed down. Too good to work out with us now? Where have you been?” she teased, her eyes scanning me with appreciation.
I blushed. “I’ve been here, just working out at different times. How have we not bumped into each other?”
“Like I said, you’re too good for us now,” she joked, nudging me playfully.
“Trust me, you’re definitely not fat,” I said, glancing over her.
Realizing I was checking her out, I became shy again, unsure whether to apologize or act like it didn’t happen. Luckily, the trainer started class, saving me from further embarrassment. After class, as Colleen walked past me, she brushed my shoulder.
“Don’t be a stranger,” she said with a playful smile as she sashayed out of the room.
I wondered if she was flirting with me. After being married for so long, I wasn’t sure how to recognize the signs anymore. Over the next few weeks, I kept attending the class just to interact with Colleen. Each time, things played out the same way, and I became more convinced she was interested in me.
I wanted to ask her out, but kept hesitating. Every time I saw her, I told myself this was the time, but I always chickened out at the last moment. Jerry noticed me checking her out a few times, but he didn’t say anything. Though I could tell he knew what was going on.