Page 15 of The Marriage Game

Brooke, do we believe our dear sister?

Brooke

We do not.

Hannah

That’s what I thought.

I hate my sisters.

Jill

It’s just not that easy or simple.

Brooke

Maybe it’s not easy, but that doesn’t change that you need to talk to him, Jill. Good communication is one of the building blocks of a strong marriage.

Irritation flares inside me. What does Brooke know about marriage? She’s been married about five seconds.

Well, four years. But still. Max and I have over a decade on her and Will. It’s nice that she’s still in the honeymoon phase of marriage. How about she talks to me in ten years when her husband no longer worships the ground she walks on, her kids have stopped making her “you’re the best mommy in the whole world” cards, and her boobs have given up their fight to defy gravity.

Yeah, maybe then she can give me marriage advice.

Hannah

Hey, you got that line out of the literature from our retreat!

Brooke

So? It’s still true.

Hannah

Yes, but a footnote or AP style citation would have been nice. Someone wrote those words, Brooke. A real live human. Their hard work should not just be stolen like that.

Brooke

Um, hi, Hannah. This conversation is supposed to be about Jill and Max, remember? So let’s table the whole “AI is ruining the lives of creatives everywhere” speech that I sense is forthcoming and focus on getting Jill to tell Max the truth.

Hannah

Fine. But speaking of the retreat—you should come, Jill! It’s a couples' retreat, after all. There are lots of activities designed to strengthen your marriage. Itsays so right there in the brochure. I know you said that you’re too busy—but the retreat would be the perfect place to talk to Max about all of this.

Brooke

It really would.

Jill

You guys do know that you leave tomorrow, right? And I have kids to think about. I know they’re not as young and cute as yours, but they still require adult supervision for at least part of the day.

Brooke

Yeah, but Mom and Dad are already watching Benson and Lenna while we’re gone. So you know they’re available to help. I’m sure they’d love to have Elle and Liam. Heck, they’d probably appreciate having two additional helpers.

Hannah

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