Page 21 of Seasoned
“So what went wrong?”
“Different problems with each man. They changed. Or maybe I ignored who they really were until I had to face the truth in our marriage. My first husband was a professor and cheated with one of his students. My second husband was also a professor. He wanted kids even though I was clear that I didn’t want children before we got married. The third—I’m not sure what happened, but I desperately wanted that marriage to work because it was my third marriage and frankly, I was embarrassed.”
“What type of work did he do?”
“He was an attorney. We drifted apart. A few years into the marriage, he became obsessed with his collection of cars and paid more attention to them than he did to me. By the time he lost his job, we were already teetering on the edge of divorce, barely speaking to each other. That pushed him over the edge. He couldn’t handle me being the sole breadwinner, so to speak. We split shortly after that.” Sadness filled her voice.
“Who initiated each divorce?”
“I did.”
“I see,” Clive said slowly.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Renee asked.
“Don’t get offended, but what you said has me thinking that maybe all along you were looking for something each time you got married.”
“Aren’t we all?”
“I suppose…to some degree, but you clearly didn’t find what you were looking for. In all honesty, I’m doing some looking myself.”
“I’ll be candid with you, the way you were with me. I’m set in my ways, and I’m not going to change. I’m not looking for another husband, either.”
Clive laughed and shook his head.
“Why are you laughing?”
“I was thinking about how much I enjoy your honesty. It makes it easier for me to be forthright. I’m stuck in my ways too, and I’ve had my kids—three total and my granddaughter. You’ve met Chelsea. My oldest son is in Japan, madly in love with a co-worker and planning an elaborate proposal. My younger son plays minor league baseball in Florida. I’m certainly not looking for more children. I don’t work anymore, but I have a nice retirement, so I won’t feel threatened by the nice retirement I’m sure you have. Most of all, I’m not interested in turning someone into something they’re not.”
“Good. As long as you’re clear on that.”
“Something else I should make clear, is that everything about you drives me crazy. Your lips especially, when you’re angry.”
“You like to see me angry?”
“Absolutely.”
Renee angled her body toward his. “What else?”
“Fishing for compliments?”
“A little.”
His forefinger traced a line from the bottom of her jaw, over her neck to her shoulder. “This spot right here has been causing me problems. This collarbone. These cheekbones. These eyes.”
She breathed slowly as his hands caressed her skin after each accusation.
“Any other parts of me you find intriguing?”
“I’m trying to be polite.”
“Don’t be polite,” she said quietly.
He silently assessed her. “Where do we go from here, neighbor?”
“I don’t know. What do you want to do?”
“We could order dinner and watch a little TV. Then have some more sex.”
