Page 36 of The Close-Up
“Really. Most of my Saturday nights were spent lounging at home with my ex bickering over what show we should watch on Netflix.”
Just saying that out loud colors my good mood with a tinge of sadness.
“I guess that should have been a sign. We argued about so much, even little things like what to watch together. And even when we weren’t fighting, being together wasn’t really that fun. Just, ‘meh.’” I tuck the wrapper around the last third of my burrito and shove it into my purse.
Simon finishes the last bite of his quesadilla, then pivots to face me. “The end of relationships are rough. That moment when you know it’s not going to work out anymore—even though you know it’s for the best—it can be really painful. You’re separating from a person you’ve bonded with, who you’ve built memories with.”
“I guess we both just got complacent. Well, Brody got a bit restless too, given he started screwing someone else behind my back.”
Simon’s expression turns sad as he gazes at me, then pats my hand. It’s the perfect comfort.
“It’s okay. I’m happier now. Doing this—random fun things with a friend—is a million times better than being in a dead-end relationship.”
Simon murmurs a “yes” as he downs the last of his horchata.
“So. I feel like I’ve given you a thorough workup of my relationship history. What’s yours?”
He looks down at the ground and rubs the back of his neck. Before he can say anything, a tall guy in a suit and a woman in a cobalt blue party dress walk by us.
“Hey! Simply Simon!” The guy flashes a thumbs-up at him, which makes Simon chuckle.
“We love your show, man,” the guy says.
Simon flashes a shy smile. “Oh. Thanks.”
“And the show you just put on at Bangerz.” The woman wags her eyebrow at Simon. Suit guy rolls his eyes as he smiles.
Simon full-on beams and thanks her. Suit guy introduces himself as Paul and tells Simon that because of the series, he and his girlfriend, Anna, the woman he’s with, started to see a therapist.
“Gotta admit, I wasn’t crazy about the idea of counseling,” he says. “But I figure if the camming legend himself is a therapist now, I should give it a try.”
Simon blushes before reeling in his expression. “Well, I’m glad that you reconsidered. How are things going for you two?”
They explain their arguments are improving. Specifically they’re not yelling and name-calling as much anymore.
Paul shuffles back a step. “Didn’t mean to interrupt your night. Just wanted to say a quick ‘hey.’ We’re big fans.”
As Simon thanks him, Anna leans toward me. “You’re a lucky lady.”
It takes a second before I realize what she’s implied. “Oh! No, we’re not... I’m actually the creator of theSimply Simonseries. We’re just colleagues. And friends.”
“Oh! Sorry!” She chuckles.
Paul looks between us before his gaze lands on Simon. “So you’re single?”
“Yup,” Simon says, his expression the slightest bit strained.
“A single relationship therapist? Really?”
The way Paul says it sounds like he’s joking, but I don’t miss the way Simon flinches at the comment.
Anna frowns at Paul, clearly annoyed. And really, it’s a pretty ignorant remark. I can’t let it slide.
“Actually, the relationship status of a therapist is pretty irrelevant. Simon has more than ten years of education and training in therapy, psychology, and counseling. There are thousands of people and couples who can attest to what a brilliant therapist he is and how he helped save their relationships and marriages. Do you have to have children to be a good pediatrician?”
Paul stares at me wide-eyed. “Um, I guess not...”
“Exactly. So why would you hold up such an arbitrary standard for a relationship therapist? His work speaks for itself.”
