Page 73 of I'm Not in Love

“Uh, how does Christmas Eve sound? School will be over for the kids, and Tara won’t be working.” His reply gives me no clue as to how his eyes look right now. Are they narrow with disdain? Wide with hope? Damp with regret?

“Will you be there?” I ask.

“I don’t need a gift, Remi.” He sighs. “And I have nothing for you.”

You are all I want.“No worries—Christmas is for kids, right?”

“It is.”

“I’ll drop by at about four. How’s that?”

“Sounds good.”

I wait for him to say more—and am disappointed. “It’s great to hear your voice, Tristan.”

He’s quiet but doesn’t hang up.

“I miss you.”

“I… I miss you too.” His voice is soft. “See you Friday.”