Evan - Soon

"Well?" Emily asked me.

"Well?" I responded.

"He said he texted you."

"Oh, that," I said. "Um. Yea."

"Well."

"He didn't say anything?"

"Only that he texted," she said, holding out her hand.

I took out my phone, handed it to her. It wasn't too long, so she read quickly.

"I'm looking forward to finally spending time with my girlfriend next week."

"We're looking forward to it, too, Sir."

"Sir. 😀 You're good."

"Just acknowledging reality. Of who is in charge."

"You're 1/4 of the way through the year. Awhile to go. Are you enjoying it?"

"It's different. More permanent."

"Emily is too lenient. As she explains it, it's better this way for both of you."

"We talk about that."

"I'll take good care of her next week."

"I know you do. I know she's safe with you. Will you turn ask her to turn off Find My again?"

"Ha. She mentioned that. Yes. She's my responsibility when she's with me."

"I...how do I say this...she treasures her time with you. It fulfills something she's missing."

"A man."

"Yes."

"You have your role, I have mine. Don't worry, I won't take her from you. Just borrow her."

"Thank you, Sir. For borrowing her. And taking care of her. It frees me to be me."

"I understand."

Emily looked up. "I like having a man in our lives," she said.

"I know, so do I."

"One-fourth of the year. Seams like a long time to go."

"Said the woman who gets the sex she wants," I said.

"Is there something you want?" she asked.

I looked down, pondered. "No," I said, the truth. "No."