Adrift

“I wouldn’t call it duplicitous,Shell. I’d call it a healthy dose of self-preservation.”

“You lied. So we can put that in any box you want since you are just doing what you always do: rationalizing. Its like breathing for you.”

“Maybe you’re mad because I ended up taking home more than you can make in a year, but don’t act like you don’t benefit when I score. Take a look at your bank account, dearest.”

“Money is not everything. I’d like to be able to rely on you like an actual partner and not just end up feeling like something bought and paid for, Bruce.”

“I don’t see you like that. I’ve never said that you are for sale and I sure don’t feel that way. You’re part of me. That’s why I say what is good for me is good for you.”

“But that still just seems like a way for you to go out and do whatever you want so long as I’m warming the duvet when you get home.”

“Don’t make it seem tawdry. I have to earn a living and you know what that entails. I won’t lie: I do hope you’re waiting for me every time I walk in the door. My heart races when I turn the key because I can’t wait to hold you.”

“Now stop with the sweet stuff. This is not a “happily-ever-after” scenario. There is too much of a grey area where our interests do not overlap.”

“Now who is sounding like the selfish one?”

“Wrong, Bruce. You don’t understand the first thing about being a single woman at my age. Particularly with my skill set and obvious desires.”

“Okay. I’m not a female. Shell, I can tell the difference, but it still does not make me the enemy. We have mutual benefits here. A give and take that is natural for two adults. Why rock the boat?”

“Because I’m already drowning and I need to swim.”

© 2021 Jeff E. Brown. All rights reserved.