Chapter 12 - Gabriel Asked Permission to Date Me
It happened in kitchen while boys built volcano for school.
“Claire.”
“Yes?”
“Can I ask you something humiliating?”
“Please.”
“Would you go to dinner with me?”
I looked up.
“We eat together constantly.”
“No. Date.”
I laughed.
Gabriel Cross looked nervous.
Actual nervous.
“You’re asking ex-wife on date?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because therapist says assumption is enemy of consent.”
I nearly applauded therapist.
“And if I say no?”
“I make volcano and survive.”
I looked at him.
Gray-green eyes sons inherited.
Older.
Softer.
Still dangerous maybe, but now to pancakes mainly.
“Yes.”
Dinner at small Italian place.
No security visible.
No chandeliers.
We talked like strangers who knew too much.
He asked about company.
I asked about photography hobby he started.
No past for first hour.
Then dessert.
“I still love you,” he said.
“I know.”
“But I don’t expect marriage.”
“Good.”
“I expect nothing.”
“Better.”
“I hope.”
“That’s allowed.”
We kissed outside restaurant.
First kiss since divorce.
Slow.
May you like
Nothing exploded.
Improvement.
