Page 31 of Embers in Our Souls
“Soon-to-be-ex-husband, remember? And Roger is completely fine about it, actually,” I tell her, ignoring the fact my boyfriend seems completely indifferent to the fact Tyler is coming over today.
I even offered for Roger to be here in case he was jealous my husband would be here alone with me. Roger has nothing to be nervous or concerned about, but I thought a little jealousy would be shown. Roger remains unfazed by my revelation.
Tyler is headed over to continue the conversation about our divorce. It’s been two weeks since our disastrous lunch where that woman went into labor. I contemplated another public lunch, but decided against that because I thought some otherissue might arise in such a setting. This time, I’m thinking my house will be easier because there won’t be any interruptions.
“My relationship with Roger is always growing and evolving. We’re in a really great place right now, especially since I came clean about Tyler. It’s infinitely better,” I continue explaining, my smile plastered in place as I move through my living room, assessing what else needs to be put away.
“Yeah, infinitely growing like my iCloud storage. So romantic.” Her eye roll can be felt from a mile away.
“I know you don’t like Roger. I get it.” I look over at her and cross my arms.
“Listen, it’s not that I think he’s a bad guy. He’s actually benign overall. He’s just boring. He lacks personality and you deserve someone with more character than him. When I look at you, I envision a person with some oomph. And Roger ain’t that,” she says.
“Well, he’s what I found for me. And I think he’ll be good for Noah,” I say on a sigh.
Kalli gets up and walks over to me. “Indy, you’ve been through it. I love you, you know that. I will walk whatever path you need me to, always by your side. I’m giving you shit because that’s my job, but no matter what, I’ll support whatever road you choose. I love you so much, and I would walk through fire for Noah. You know that. I might fall asleep on said road though with Roger, but I’ll stand by your side. Please know that.” She winks and grabs the bits of trash I’ve found on my quest to toss in the kitchen.
“Thanks, Kalli. I love you!” I yell as she walks away.
I hesitate and then bring something up before she leaves. “Um, did you see some of the stuff Ty’s followers have said about him?”
That makes Kalli rush back from my kitchen. “Indy, are you stalking your husband on social media?”
Without looking at her, I shrug my shoulders. “I just got curious what videos he posts and I was able to find them. Then I fell upon the SpaceBook group that someone created. They’re, uh, vocal, for lack of a better word.” I school my expression when I turn to face my best friend.
The smile she has plastered across her face is absolutely scandalous. “Oh you dirty little wife. You are so into him.” She points her manicured finger at me. “What did you think of the chat?”
“Oh, I don’t know, ‘momma_2_viv,’” I look over at her and she laughs. She doesn’t even seem embarrassed.
“What, you think I won’t interact with them? I followed him before I knew your connection to him.”
“You are too much.”
She smiles. “Look, I think he’s good for you. And I stand by my claim there’s more to his story regarding that shitty letter he wrote you. I feel it in my bones,” she pleads.
“You’re ridiculous,” I roll my eyes.
“Alright, ignore me, the wisest person you know.”
She scoffs when I yell, “Hardly!”
She continues, “I’m going to get out of here before ‘Fire Hunter’ gets here. That man must know his way around a woman’s body.” She fans her face.
“Kalli! I don’t think your husband would appreciate what you’re saying,” I tell her, even though she’s not wrong.
“Stop being a prude, Indy! Julian wouldn’t mind my words. That’s all they are—words!” Kalli says, grabbing her purse and putting it over her shoulder.
“I hope you enjoyed your few minutes of meeting him when you did, because I will not have him running into us anymore. Tyler Hunter will no longer be a fixture in my life after today,” I tell her.
“Too bad. I think, despite what you think, he’s a better fit for you than Roger.” She pulls her phone out and checks her messages, then looks back at me. “What?”
“Are you going to keep saying this to me?” I say, my mouth agape.
“You know honesty is my thing.”
“To a fault, yes.” I roll my eyes.
“Well, today is no different, Indy.”
