Page 137 of Dirty Husband
"A man your age shouldn't strain himself," I tease back.
He just laughs. Another easy laugh. "That's a low blow."
"Can you reach it? Or do you have back problems? I hear these things happen."
His smile gets knowing. He's only ten years older than I am, but it's enough I can tease him. "Did she pick Rome? Or did you?"
"Marcus."
He nodsof course.
"I'm sure there's some bullshit reason."
"You want me to find out?"
For a moment, I consider it. Ian has his ways. Not all of them are legal.
If Jeff and Marcus are planning to spring a visit from that bastard, I need to know.
But that won't happen. Jeff hates him. Jeff hates playing these little games.
"I realize I'm the last guy you'd ask for advice on marriage," Ian says. "But I do know women. And I can tell Jasmine trusts you."
"I'm aware."
"Whatever you're after… maybe she really wants to give it to you."
"You're right. I'm not looking for your advice."
"Go to London after. There's no good tea in Rome." He nodsgoodbye, turns, leaves.
I guess he's right about that. I can't fill most of Jasmine's needs, but I can make sure she has tea to drink, food to eat, a comfortable place to stay.
I can't do anything for her heart.
But I know how to care for her body.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Jasmine
First class is quite the upgrade. Wide seats. Soft pillows. The friendly skies so many airlines promise.
The flight attendant smiles like she dreams of fulfilling my every desire. She's happy to bring me a sparkling water. My enjoyment of dinner is her only craving. And do I want the ice cream dessert? Vanilla or chocolate? Maybe some coffee or tea to go with it.
She wishes she could be of more help. They only have the one tea. Tea. She understands there are more options out there, but she's not really familiar. In Italy, the culture is all coffee.
It's strange.
Three weeks ago, I was this woman, smiling at strangers, pretending as if I lived to fill their needs.
Don't get me wrong. I like being helpful. I always enjoyed getting things done. Even trivial things, like fetching the Americano atthatcoffee shop instead ofthisone. Because God forbid it's not perfect.
But doing it with a smile, pretending as if it was effortless, as if it was truly fulfilling my deepest desires—
That, I didn't like.
That, I don't like.
