Page 87 of Dirty Husband

I'm sure her reasons are different. I'm sure she wants Nick and I to become best friends again.

Friend is pushing it.

But I do need his cooperation. His agreement. His silence.

I will convince him to keep his mouth shut. Whatever it takes.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jasmine

After a few games of Five Hundred Rummy, our millionth viewing ofThe Da Vinci Code,and Dad shaking his head at my inability to appreciate the brilliance of the movie—how can anyone dislike anything with Tom Hanks?—we take our lunch to the park.

The park. Outside. In the fresh air.

It's something else, seeing Dad walking on the grass. It's been a long time since he's been well enough to come here.

It's a beautiful day. Warm and sunny. I don't even mind my too thick dress. I don't mind overheating as I walk back to our apartment and hug Dad goodbye.

The car is waiting, of course. With the air-conditioning on high. By the time I'm back at Shep's place, I'm freezing.

And there it is. The afternoon tea Key promised, waiting for me. I guess Lock called to announce our ETA.

What's it like, having everyone else handle the logistics?

I guess I should get used to it.

The milk oolong is perfect. Creamy and sweet. With buttery tea cakes and fresh peaches.

It's almost relaxing, sitting on Shep's balcony, taking in the beautiful day.

No, it is, for a while. As I sip another pot and leaf through a play I read in high school. It's funny, looking at things as an adult. There's so much more in it. So much I never understood.

I no longer seeA Midsummer Night's Dreamas a silly romp. It is, but there's more too. After all this debauchery, everyone gets married. They commit to a normal, orderly life.

The characters pay a price for their adventures.

I guess I understand that well.

* * *

I try waitingup for Shep, but I don't make it. In the morning, I wake to an empty apartment. He's already at work.

I enjoy a fancy breakfast—more pancakes, chocolate chip this time—and never-ending cups of tea. Another close look at a famous play.

A Streetcar Named Desirethis time.

God, is all theater this depressing? Why didn't I notice in high school? I guess it fit my mood then. After I lost Mom, it was hard seeing the beauty in the world.

Now—

It's hard to believe I'm better at finding joy, but I am.

I ask Lock to take me to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. No doubt, he checks with Shep for permission, but I push that aside. I walk and talk with him. Ask all about his life, growing up in London, and what made him decide to move to America.

And if the rumors are true, about his more… broad sexuality.

He's a gentleman. Teases me but keeps things professional. Even when he whisks me to a champagne tea. And an evening of shopping—I need something for our engagement party, apparently—he keeps bringing the conversation back to me.