Once I settled into Rach’s apartment, we started making plans for our European trip. We decided to go the backpackers’ route, sleeping in hostels and eating cheap local food. The trains also seemed like a great way to travel across borders, so we opted for that as well.

“We’re going to spend Christmas in Europe!” Rach squealed, doing a weird dance in front of the TV.

I laughed and joined her. I’d known Rach since our freshman year in college, and her life hadn’t been easy either. This was the first time we’d be splurging on a vacation and traveling together. I couldn’t wait.

While I waited for school to let out for the break, I still worked part time at the community center teaching ESL students, and it made me wonder if teaching could be a viable path for me. Studying Egyptology was still my main goal, but I’d discovered that I really enjoyed spending time with immigrant students. They were genuinely interested in learning, and they worked damn hard. And along the way, I’d made a few good friends.

Ernest called me out of the blue one day while I was shopping for groceries. “You are a terrible granddaughter-in-law,” he wheezed. “You think just because you left the penthouse, you have no obligations to me now?”

Smiling, I reached for several cans of peaches. “I’ve been meaning to call, but I didn’t want to come across as too desperate. Your advice is what keeps me going, Ernest.”

“Hmm.” He seemed somewhat mollified. “How are you getting along, young girl? Miss Denton already?”

That was an understatement. Lately, I was having trouble falling asleep at night because I’d gotten used to Denton spooning me from behind. My back felt cold and breezy without him to warm me.

“Of course I do,” I said truthfully. “I mean, I did live with him for six months. I’m used to having him around.” After some hesitation, I asked, “What about him? How’s he doing these days?”

“If you were secretly hoping Denton was depressed and sulking around, then sorry to disappoint you, child. He’s a North man. We don’t act out with asinine behavior.”

“Alright. Then what is he doing? Do tell.”

“He’s been busy in the office and filling most of his waking hours with work. And he’s been spending extra time with me. Probably thinks I’m going to keel over any day now.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Never better. Although the chilly weather is making my bones ache like you wouldn’t believe.”

After a few more minutes chatting about the weather and his lovely Go-playing friend, Miriam, I carefully asked if Denton was seeing anyone of the female variety.

Ernest chuckled. “You know Denton, always surrounded by beautiful women. Is he seeing someone exclusively? It’s too early to tell, but I don’t see how. He barely has time for a social life these days.”

His words should have comforted me, but instead, I felt queasy and a little sick.

“Stop worrying, young girl,” Ernest said, quickly picking up on my gloominess. “Have some faith in my grandson.”

When we hung up with promises to talk again soon, I took my shopping cart to the cash register. I was eager to get home and get some couch time. I’d only had two ESL classes today, but for some reason, my body felt tired and a little sore.

Probably that time of the month again. I sighed, irritated.

At least someone was cheerful. Rach had exchanged numbers with the cute guy who’d towed her car, and tonight, they were going out on their first date.

“How do I look?” She twirled in a circle in her black dress and suede fall jacket. With her ruby-red lips and thick sandy hair brushed to a shine, she was a knockout.

“You are so going to get laid tonight,” I said, laughing.

“Nope, not until we reach our third or fourth date. He could turn out to be an ogre, for all I know.” Blowing air kisses at me, she stepped outside and closed the door behind her.

I was alone for the evening.

I’d lived alone since my college years. It was something I’d grown used to. But after living six months with Denton, I found the loneliness crushing. Eating alone, watching TV alone, sleeping alone… I had no idea how I’d survived before.

My fingers reached for my phone, and before I could stop myself, I called Denton.

His voice was like manna from heaven. “Is this Drunk Cute Girl?”

“Hey, Blondie.” I felt happier already. My emotions were like a roller coaster these days.

“I thought we decided not to stay in touch for three months?”

“New plan. Each person is allowed three calls during this period. Emergency calls.”

He instantly grew worried. “Is something wrong? Is there an emergency?”

“No, nothing like that. I… I just wanted to know how you were doing.” Talking about him with Ernest had brought him so close in my mind that I couldn’t hold out any longer.

“I’ve been staying busy and avoiding the penthouse as much as possible. You?”

“Just teaching my ESL classes and getting ready for our European Christmas trip. Why are you avoiding the penthouse?”

“Because it reminds me of you. I can still smell your scent on my pillows.”

“Uh… maybe it’s time you washed them?”

He laughed. “They are freshly laundered. It’s mostly phantom scent, I think.” His tone quickly turned serious. “Tiffany, why did you really call?” When I didn’t reply, he added, “You’re checking up on me, aren’t you? To see if I’ve started dating again.”

“No.” I blinked back tears. “This period is about returning to our single lifestyles, so I don’t have a say in whatever you choose to do.” Damn, I was feeling all emotional again. “I’m sorry if my call burdened you. I’ll leave you alone.”

“Hang on, Tiffany. I wasn’t criticizing you.” His voice softened. “I’ve been tempted to call you numerous times as well, so I’m really glad you reached out.”

We spent the next twenty minutes just catching up and talking about mundane issues, avoiding what we really wanted to talk about, and yet unwilling to be the first to end the call. But eventually, we ran out of trivial things to say.

“I guess I’d better let you get back to work.” I sighed, my heart feeling as heavy as the day I’d left the penthouse.

“Tiffany…” Denton paused, as if unsure of what to say next. “You know I’m glad you called, but you were right about not staying in touch for a while. We’ll just fall back into our old habits and routine, and that’s not going to help us in the long run.”

“I know,” I whispered.

“The emergency call is a good idea, though, so let’s keep that.”

“Okay. Good night, Denton.” I hung up before my voice started trembling.

Right now, being away from Denton felt like trying to get out of an addiction. I craved my fake husband like some might crave salty French fries, steak, a glass of wine—or something stronger. It affected me physically.