Page 32 of Two Friends in Marriage
When I return to the living room, she’s dressed in shorts and a T-shirt, and she has our next episode ready to go.
“I had a gummy,” I tell her.“You want one?”
“No, I think the wine was enough.”
She curls up against me, and I start the third episode of a contemporary K-drama.Throughout the entire episode, I’m conscious of her closeness, but at least my earlier lust has faded.Somewhat.
Just before eleven, I pat Watson on the head before Jane and I go upstairs together.Outside her bedroom door, I give her a lingering hug.
“Thanks for tonight,” I say.
As she heads into her room without me, it feels so wrong.I want to go with her.I want to fall asleep next to her and wake up next to her.We’re a little affectionate with each other, and we cuddle while we watch TV and movies, but somehow, that’s not enough.
I want to touch her even more.
But I don’t tell her any of that, just retreat to my bedroom.
Chapter 11
Jane
Idon’tworkouton the weekends.I let myself to sleep in, although lately, I’ve only been able to sleep until eight.When I was younger, I could sleep until at least ten if I didn’t set an alarm, but those days have passed.
I get dressed and pad downstairs.I’m the first one up today—often the case on Saturdays—so I make the morning coffee.When it’s ready, I pour mine into one of Evan’s mugs.It says “caffeine” and “chaos” on it, and the latter is not a word I’d ever use to describe myself, but I delight in the inappropriateness of it.
I’ve been sitting outside, enjoying the quiet grayness of the day, for ten minutes when Evan emerges.He takes a seat beside me.Neither of us immediately speaks, but that doesn’t seem weird.We see each other all the time; sometimes we have no words to say.
His phone buzzes, and he takes a look.“My parents are going to a restaurant near us for lunch.They’ll stop by afterward with some food, if that’s okay?”
“Sure,” I say.
“I’m planning on running some errands and visiting Isobel later.You’re welcome to come, but you don’t need to.”
“I’ll stay home.”
I like the idea of having some space, truth be told.I wouldn’t say I’m getting sick of Evan, but I lived alone for so long, and I crave some time by myself.
He squeezes my hand before sipping his coffee.
Much of our morning is spent on chores, but that’s okay.It’s nice to have a place that’s ours to care for.It’s also nice to have someone else do the laundry.Laundry is my least favorite chore, but Evan doesn’t mind it, and as long as he uses the right detergent—I have sensitive skin—I’m not too picky.
The doorbell rings at one thirty.Since Evan is upstairs, I open the door.
“Hi,” I say to Lynne and Howie.“Come in.”
They step into the front hall, and I’m reminded of the fact that the last time I saw them, Lynne tried to convince me to go on a honeymoon.
Fortunately, there’s no mention of that now.
“Don’t worry, we won’t stay long,” Howie says jovially.He doesn’t take off his shoes; he just stands on the front mat.“I’m sure you two newlyweds have lots of plans.”He holds a large reusable bag toward me.When I grasp it, I’m momentarily caught off guard by how heavy it is.
“You shouldn’t have,” I say, just as Evan appears at my side.
He greets his parents with hugs.His mother hands him another bag, which looks like it’s as heavy as the one in my hands.
After they leave, Evan and I unload the food in the kitchen.In addition to the containers from the restaurant, there’s fruit and numerous nonperishables, almost as if they think there are no Asian grocery stores in Richmond Hill.
Ha!There’s a T&T less than a ten-minute drive away, just for starters.
