Page 68 of Marriage and the Midlife Crisis

Chapter 23

Melanie

Before we left, we arranged for our next sessions. Grief counseling again on Monday, and Tuesday’s appointment would be split. I would start with an individual session for the first half, then Ryan would join us for the remainder of the time.

“We’re going to work on finding your voice, Melanie. That will be the first step to improving communication on your end. Then, we’ll work with Ryan to ensure that he is open and receptive to what you have to say.”

Just as Ryan started to open the door for me, Kim said, “Oh, one more thing. If you two feel up to it, I would encourage you to spend time together. Maybe share a meal or even just grab coffee together. Enjoy each other’s company without heavy discussions or any expectations. It may help you reconnect a bit and foster a level of comfort and companionship that’s been missing from your relationship for a while. Just something to think about.”

We were silent as we walked out of the therapy offices and started down the hall. When we reached the lobby, Ryan pulled me aside just before we reached the exit.

“Would you be open to that? We could go to Alfredo’s for an early dinner, then maybe grab dessert from that pie place next door?”

I looked up to find him staring at me with an expression full of hope. Before I could talk myself out of it, I agreed to meet him there. He smiled then, and his dimples were out on full display underneath the scruff of his goatee. He hadn’t shaved in a few days, so it was on the verge of becoming a full-blown beard. His blue eyes twinkled as he looked down at me and thanked me for agreeing to go.

“Drive safely, sweetness. I’ll be right behind you.”

True to his word, Ryan’s black Corvette was in my rear view mirror for the ten minutes or so that it took to get to the restaurant. Since we were dining so early, we had our pick of tables, and Ryan requested one in the back corner, near the fireplace. It was a gas unit, so it was more for show than anything, but I was still grateful for the small bit of heat it produced as I took my seat next to it.

Our server arrived almost immediately to take our drink order, and since we had been frequent patrons over the years, we placed our meal orders at the same time. After he left the table, silence reigned for a moment. Just as it verged on becoming awkward, Ryan asked me about my work.

“How is your new contract going?” I told him that Jen and I had begun working on the initial planning phase with our liaison at Godwin.

“Congratulations, Mel,” he said, smiling widely. “I know how hard you all worked for that, and I’m glad they recognized your talent. Will you still have to put in such long hours?”

“Not at this stage, but probably when we get closer to the opening deadline. That’s a long way away though.”

I asked about his work in turn, and he made me laugh as he told me about the Epperson house and all the headaches they were causing at the office. “So, we had to tell her that no, we couldn’t give her a retractable roof over the primary suite, despite what she saw on that bullshit celebrity housewife show. That might work in Malibu or wherever, but it won’t work with an Indiana winter. I swear, if she keeps up with that fuckery, Dave’s going to tell them to take their business elsewhere.”

Our meal came, and we chatted about Garrett and Tanner, and how their classes were going. Neither one had settled on a major yet, although Garrett had an interest in physical therapy after a shoulder injury playing baseball had necessitated a month of therapy last year.

Both of us deliberately steered the conversation away from any potential landmines, and by the end of the meal, I discovered that I’d actually enjoyed myself. After paying the bill, Ryan escorted me next door to A Slice of Heaven, and I ordered a piece of my favorite cherry pie, while Ryan selected banana cream.

We settled into one of the few tables they had in the small space and continued our conversation as he asked me about my parents’ visit to Florida. I regaled him with their beachside yoga activities, and Mom’s concern for Fernando.

“Do they know about us? That you’re staying there?”

I paused with my fork midway to my mouth, then carefully set it back down on my plate. “No,” I admitted. “I didn’t see the need to tell them anything, at least for now.”

Ryan’s fork landed on his plate with a muted clank. “Hell, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that.”

“It’s OK. It was a valid question, and probably something we should have already discussed. Jen, Mark, Cody, and the boys are the only ones who know, unless you’ve told someone.”

“Aside from Mitch, no, I haven’t told anyone.”

I tried not to react to his name, but I must not have been very successful because Ryan added, “And he’s out of our lives, so he doesn’t count anymore.”

I nodded, then slowly ate the last bite of my pie. Ryan finished his and then helped my into my coat. The silence between us wasn’t awkward this time. It was contemplative, as if he, too, were reflecting on the evening we’d had.

When he walked me back to my car, he surprised me by dipping his head to drop a quick kiss on my cheek before reaching around to open my car door for me. “Goodnight, sweets. Thank you for tonight. Drive safely, and please text me when you get back to the condo.”

“I will, and you be careful, too.”

He started to walk away, then turned back to say a quick, “I love you.” Without waiting for a reply, he strode across the parking lot to his car. He waited until I turned out of the parking lot before he pulled out of his spot, and I glanced in the rear view mirror to see his taillights as he turned in the opposite direction to head toward our house.

I texted him after I arrived back at my parents’ place, and he responded almost immediately.

Ryan: Thank you again for tonight. I’ve missed that more than I realized.