Page 29 of Gideon's Gratitude

“You want fries or coleslaw?”

“Fries.” A few extra calories wouldn’t hurt.

“And you?”

“The foot-long hot dog with chili and melted cheese. Oh, and French fries as well.”

“You want bacon bits or sour cream?”

The man’s eyes lit. “Both.” As if he’d never been offered such a plain meal before.

Probably hasn’t.

Be nice.

Sarabeth snagged the menus. “Back in a flash.”

“Take your time.” Archer met my gaze. “We’re not in a rush.”

From anyone else, that might’ve been considered a flirtatious thought, but clearly he didn’t mean it that way. The guy’s new SUV wasn’t due for another couple of hours, so we had time. I sipped the shake and let the tartness of the black licorice settle on my tongue.

I’d come in once with Leo and the kids. Melodie had been the one to insist she get the licorice. I’d been the one to finish it when she discovered she didn’t like it. Waste not, want not.

“Is everything okay?” Archer’s brow had a little crease. It didn’t mar the man’s beauty, though.

“Sorry. Just thinking about the last time I was here.”

“Clearly not a pleasant memory. Why did you suggest we come here?”

I rubbed my forehead, as if I could push away the pain. The physical and the emotional. “The memory was wonderful. What came after…yeah, not so much.”

“It’s not my place to pry—and you’re free to tell me to mind my own business—but something’s troubling you. I’m not always themost empathetic person, but I need to know how to read people. Critical skill, in my line of work.”

“Your line of work…” How far down the rabbit hole was I willing to go?

Oh, what difference does it make? You’re never going to see him again.

He’ll be next door. With his fancy friends. Not hanging out with you.

“I, uh, had an awful experience with a divorce lawyer. Well, with two.”

Archer, who had been mid-sip, put the glass down. “I’m presuming you’re divorced. Or about to become—”

“Oh, it’s a done deed. I’m no longer a married man.” I fingered the indentation from the missing wedding band. I’d wanted to keep wearing it, but Leo asked me not to. Said it’d be too hard on the kids. Children of six and four weren’t likely to understand, but I decided argument for its own sake wasn’t worth the hassle. I returned the ring at their final meeting. Leo attempted to do the same, but I’d stopped him. For the children. In case either of them ever wanted them.

“There’s tremendous sadness within you.”

Duh.“I think most divorced people are sad.”

Archer twirled his straw. “No, not all. Plenty of people come to my office seeking release from the shackles of marriage.”

“Like they’ve met someone else.” Leo hadn’t cheated—that I knew about, anyway. No, I was the reason for the divorce, not Leo.

Now a casual shrug. “Do extramarital affairs occur? Of course. Sometimes there are good reasons.”

“There’s never a good reason for cheating.” My gaze had never wandered. No seven-year itch. No reconsiderations. Just fullhearted dedication.

“Perhaps.” Another swirl. “I’ve had clients who are in abusive marriages who need a way out. Men and women,” he was quick toadd.

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