My husband's ex-girlfriend calls. She needs friends, as is indeed the case when you're a recent divorcee. She simply must see people, the poor thing.
I'd keep her company, perhaps invite her over. Oh, but she calls him, not me. Naturally, when you need a friend, you don't necessarily need his spouse, that being me.
"She doesn't immediately reveal her suffering," a friend, Lillian, told us earlier. "No, she is strong. She takes care of her kids while still dancing for that famous dance company."
"Hmmm," my husband said.
"Oh, I completely forgot you were romantically involved," she laughed.
Interesting, I did not forget.
"She only tells how hurt she is to intimate friends," Lillian completed.
"Well," my husband says after the telephone call, "her divorce has nothing to do with me."
Up 'til now I follow and agree.
"She wants us to meet," he continues.
Why not? "Monday?"
"Will you stay with the kids?" he asks.
"What?" I guess I missed his train of thought.
"What's the problem? It's me, her and Lillian.
They all lived together in a small town.
"I see!" I say. A happy reunion. And what if Lillian didn't show up?
"Sure, I'll stay with the kids," I declare. "You go and meet your ex-girlfriend, and I'll stay here."
He studies my eyes. He knows me too well.
"You can't be jealous." He widens his sincere, pretty eyes.
"Nah…."
"I'll think you don't trust me!"
Oh, he is hurt now.
"And if Ron divorced and called me?" I happen to mention a lovable friend. One whom I could have, but….That sort of thing.
"Depends," he says.
"On?" I ask.
"OK. You could go."
"Didn't you have a doubt?" I ask.
"No, no. I trust you," he says.
I am moved. "Fine, I trust you too. Only let's check the limits…" I suggest.
"Hey, we will be three. You're exaggerating." His eyebrows twist.
"Let's say it's only the two of you," I say.
"Do you think I've ever betrayed you?"
"No," I say. It's true. But really, should he start?
When he left his ex-girlfriend, they were in their early twenties. During their two-year affair, they had lived next room to each other, and she had stayed a virgin. In spite of her hot temper, she maintained her conservative principles.
Which I respect.
Is there something missing to complete their goodbye, I wonder.
"OK," I say. "What if she cried? Hugged? Touched? Unbuttoned her shirt?"
Lillian, while forgetting the old romance, did not forget to mention that as a dancer the ex-girlfriend maintained a wonderful body.
He laughs.
"You really think she would do it?"
Very funny.
I look at him. In fifteen years, he has changed little, having that boyish look.
"Maybe."
"I'll invite her here, OK?"
"Sure."
"But I am hurt you don't trust me."
I can live with that.

I do not dress up.
She calls. She has forgotten her tonight's show. Wouldn't he come and see her?
He raises his eyebrows, listening. A hint of a smile touches his lips. "I don't think so."