Head Over Feels

Marlow says, “There’s nothing to see but the driveway and cars.”

I rush into the bathroom, leaving the door open just enough to have a crack to spy on them through. I should have escaped, but I’m not ready for my night with Tealey to end, so I’m willing to wait Marlow out.

“I know. That’s my point,” Tealey replies enthusiastically. “There are no trash bags piled at the curb or broken bottles smashed in the street. Look, there’s no twenty-four-hour laundromat sign shining into my room or people lined up down the street to get into the after-hours club. There are only two cars and a front lawn.”

Marlow turns to her. “How much did you have to drink tonight?”

“Not much.”

Sitting on the bed, Marlow says, “My dad is getting a divorce. Again.”

I’m surprised she hasn’t told Tealey. And maybe I should feel bad for eavesdropping, but I’m stuck regardless.

Tealey says, “I’m sorry. I know you’ve struggled with his patterns for a long time.”

“My whole life.” She pulls a pillow to her chest, and I’ve never seen Marlow look more vulnerable than she is now. “I think he’s the reason I have no desire to settle down. What’s the point if we’re just being set up for a messy divorce?”

“Not all marriages end in divorce, Marlow.”

Yeah. That’s my girl. Keeping the faith.

Wait a second. I stop myself from banging my head against the door. Barely. How can I support that side of the defense when my whole career is built on the opposite argument? More importantly, when did I become an optimist? All the kissing we did must have shorted my oxygen supply.

Tealey says, “My parents have been married for almost thirty years.”

“They’re the exception.” Marlow sighs, lying down. “But I have a feeling that I’m going to follow in my parents’ footsteps. “One day, my looks might fade, and then my husband will be looking for my replacement. I’m going to be old and alone—”

“When you love someone, you see their beauty is deeper than the surface. My mom always told me it’s a blessing to age.”

“Why?”

I lean back against the shower, listening. Tealey pauses, and then says, “Because then you have lived a long life and can appreciate the beauty of your journey.” The silence stretches between them, and then Tealey sighs thoughtfully. When I peek out, she’s lying next to Marlow, and they’re both staring at the ceiling. “If someone falls in love with your soul, the outside doesn’t matter so much, does it?”

I kneel, thinking this might be a while, and I’m not in such a hurry to leave anymore when I’m learning so much about Tealey.

Marlow says, “I don’t know anymore.”

“You’re beautiful, Marlow, but you're more than your looks. You have this great way of convincing anybody to get what you want. Look at your gallery. You put it on the map by talking reclusive artists into showing their work. You have incredible style and fantastic taste in friends. If I do say so myself.” I can just make out Tealey through the crack of the door. “But you’re smart, so clever, and funny. And though you don’t often show it, you have a big heart for those you care about. You’re always there for me, and I can tell you anything.”

“Tealey?” Marlow starts and then goes quiet. I hear a pillow being tossed to the floor, and she sits up. “I’ve been keeping a secret from you, and I feel awful about it. It’s not even that big of a deal, so I don’t know why I’ve been mum.”

Tealey sits up, resting her hand on the bed. “What is it?” I hear the worry in her tone, and I can’t help but feel somewhat sick to my stomach as well. What is she going to tell her? Now I feel bad for staying. Should I cover my ears? Thinking Marlow deserves the respect of privacy, I raise my hands.

“I’m dating Rad.”

I freeze—my hands not having a chance to reach my ears.

What the fuck?

I get to my feet, ready to explain, but stop and still again when I see Tealey stand and cross her arms over her chest. Shit. Shit. Shit.

I absolutely hate the pain I can see in her eyes. She believes Marlow. Fuck. Glaring at Marlow, Tealey grits her teeth. “What do you mean you’re dating Rad?”

22

Rad

“For my father,” Marlow says, like everyone should know what the hell she’s talking about.

Fucking hell.

I knew this arrangement would come back to bite me in the ass. I just thought it would be professionally. Meanwhile, Tealey appears rather calm after this bombshell was just dropped on her. Still, not moving a muscle, except her eyes, she shoots me a hard glare, and then she says, “Explain. In detail.”

The woman’s got the patience of an angel.

Marlow stands and starts pacing, making this worse by dragging this out. Fucking tell her, Marlow! She finally speaks. “I asked Rad to come with me to dinner with my dad.”