Page 71 of August
“I love you, too, honey. So much.”
CHAPTER 23
“So, how did it go?” Melinda asked.
“It went great,” Myra said. “She loved the tour, and we had dinner after.”
“And…”
“And nothing. We kissed goodnight.”
“That’s all?”
“That’s all.” Myra chuckled. “Remember the part about her being very new to dating a woman?”
“I do. But you also told me how she invited you in after the first date and that it was pretty clear what she meant by that,” Melinda reminded.
“She did, yes. But we’re good. Well, we’re okay, I think.” Myra tilted her head as she stared out of the window in the upstairs apartment above NOLA Guides.
“Why are you only okay?”
“It’s not a big deal, but there’s a chance she might have to spend the school breaks the kids get back at her ex-husband’s place.”
“What? Why?”
“Because the kids want to hang with their friends, who are not in New Orleans. He’s offered his guest house to her.”
“Is that weird? I feel like that’s weird, but every divorce is different, I suppose. I know some people are mortal enemies with their exes, and others are still friends.”
“They’re not friends,” Myra replied, turning to her. “He told her that she could stay there but that she couldn’t bring anyone over, meaning me or any other woman. He doesn’t want the twins to see it. But he can bring in random women all the time withoutthatbeing a problem.”
“Shit,” Melinda replied, shaking her head. “And Elisa is just okay with this?”
“Not really. She doesn’t want to do it; I can tell. But they are her kids. She’s not going tonotspend time with them.”
“Of course not,” Melinda said. “So, you’re worried that you two will be together but that she’ll have to stay over for a week or something?”
“No, I’m worried that she’ll give in to him and just remain there.” Myra sighed loudly. “It’s unfair of me to worry. I know. And if I truly believed it was what she really wanted, I’d suggest we still try to date. Two hours away is hard, but I’d figure out a way to make it work.”
“You’re worried she’ll just what, go back to her old life or something?”
“Wouldn’t it be easier? She tried to make a life for them here, but the kids are resisting it. They’re great, though. I went over for dinner last night, and it was fun. I like them. I just also wish they could go easy on their mother, who has done everything for the past two decades for them.”
“But it’s her decision, right?”
“Yeah, of course. I just want to be part of it. Does that make sense? It’s only been two dates officially. I don’t exactly expect her to make a decision because of me. I have no right to ask anything of her or even suggest anything. I just don’t like him showing up and essentially trying to control her by suggesting that her own children don’t want to see her because they want to see their friends more.”
“He sounds like a real dick,” Melinda noted.
“He’s a piece of work, yeah.”
“Babe?”
“Shit. Hide everything,” Melinda told her when Kyle’s voice rang out into the apartment.
“We don’t have–”
“Shh!” Melinda stood up and turned. “Hey, babe. What are you doing here?”
