Page 45 of Lust in Translation

“You’re going to have to spell this out a little clearer for me.” I cross my leg on the other side, uneasy with the direction the conversation is taking. I knew to expect something awful where he put me on the spot, but we’ve bulldozed over that and entered uncharted, fucked-up territory.

He slinks into his desk chair and rolls over to face me. “Do you know what an asshole I’d look like if I left her beforeshe’sready? After what she’s been through? I’m not an evil person. I want what’s best for her. I love her. I don’t love us together, though. She doesn’t either. All I’m asking is that you keep being her friend. I think that’s all it will take for her to gain the courage to take the next step in her life.”

“Be her friend?” I narrow my eyes, cocking my head. It can’t be that simple. Not when everything pertaining to her is so complicated.

He runs a finger across his lips. “I already thought you were fucking her, honestly. This makes it easier. She won’t feel guilty when she finally sees the light.”

“This whole thing is fucked up. Most people just sit down, have a conversation, and file paperwork.”

He shakes his head. “This is different. The situation is completely in no man’s land. No one knows what’s right or wrong or what timeframe we need to adhere to. It’s fucking dreadful. I’ll know without a shadow of a doubt that I’ve given all I can to this marriage when it ends.”

Not if. When.“You’ll let her go so easily,” I say, choking up a bit. “Wouldn’t a husband fight for his wife? This isn’t natural.”

“I fought. I did. Now that I realize I’m not fighting against her depression, or her grief, I’m fightingagainsther love. That has to be the end. It’s the only way either of us can move on.”

Pressing my lips together, I say, “I can be her friend. Just that.”

“That’s all I’m asking. Everything will work out then. Try not to annoy me too much in the meantime, yeah? My manhood is the size of your dick at the moment.”

I smirk. “Ten inches and stronger than steel?”

He chuckles sadly. “No, the size of a dust mite, asshole. Get out of here. I need to use the bathroom before I go back out there.” Adam waves an arm to the door, and Juliet and Kendall’s voices continue echoing from the kitchen.

I nod. I’m confused. I’m also happy as fuck. “Why though? I still don’t understand why you don’t try to keep her?” I would. She’s everything. Everything good and right in my life.

Adam’s eyes turn down the corner. “Ah, you might have a bit to learn about Kendall yet.” He places both hands in his pockets and shrugs, closing his eyes. “That’s how you lose her.”

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