“I’ve let Jolene control my life for far too long. I’ve set some rules for her. Dr. Jenner calls them boundaries, although they sound like plain old rules to me. Saying Jolene doesn’t like it is putting it mildly.” He gave a quick shake of his head. “Ever since I’ve started seeing Dr. Jenner, she’s gotten more rebellious.”
Rachel didn’t know what to say. Depressed, she felt as if they’d never find a solution. The one suggestion she had was that they live apart until Jolene left for college. Then and only then would she and their baby move in with Bruce.
“Let’s talk about more pleasant subjects,” Bruce said.
“Like what?”
“Christie and James. And their wedding.”
Caught up in her own personal crisis, Rachel hadn’t thought about her best friend’s sister in weeks.
Christie and James, Bobby Polgar’s chauffeur and close friend, had gone to Vegas for the ceremony. Bobby and Teri had been married in Vegas, too, Rachel remembered fondly. On the surface those two were an unlikely couple; Teri was practical and emotionally astute, while Bobby, a professional chess player, lived—or used to live—an entirely cerebral life. His approach was logical rather than instinctive. Maybe because of that, they fit together perfectly, each respecting the other’s skills and talents. If only her own marriage was as uncomplicated.
“Did you hear about the chess game?” Bruce asked.
“Bobby was in another tournament?”
“No, the video chess game.”
“What about it?” The last time she spoke to Teri, her friend had said something about Bobby and James having developed some sort of computer game. It involved chess and a parallel universe. That was all she knew. Teri wasn’t sure how it worked so she hadn’t explained it too clearly. She was far too busy caring for their triplets to worry about chess or gaming.
Bruce smiled. “They sold it to a major gaming company. The deal’s worth a whole lot of money and there’s the potential for more games in the future. James has a real talent for this.”
“Who would’ve guessed James had it in him? He’s always been so quiet and content to remain in the background.”
“Apparently all the paperwork’s signed and the game’s gone into production. It’s going to be the biggest thing since World of Warcraft.”
“World of what?”
“Never mind.”
“So, how are Christie and James doing?”
His smile widened. “Well…”
“What?” Seeing him so amused made her want to smile, too.
“Christie’s decided to fatten him up.”
She did smile now. James was tall and rail-thin, always had been as far as she knew. She remembered the first time she’d seen him. He’d come to the salon on an errand for Bobby. He’d looked so uncomfortable and out of place she was torn between sympathy and laughter. “I doubt it’ll work. He’s got one of those superefficient metabolisms.”
“In any case, Christie is cooking day and night. Teri said she’s become more domesticated than a house cat. James wanted her to quit her job at Wal-Mart, which she did.”
“What about her classes at the community college?” They’d been so important to Christie when she’d enrolled, and Rachel hated the thought of her dropping out.
“She’s more determined to finish those than ever.”
“Good. She needs to do that for herself.”
“Whatever she wants, James is supporting her and eating well at the same time.” He paused, grinning. “Even if he stays exactly the same weight.”
Clearly Bruce had been to see Teri. “How are the triplets?”
“Growing like grass in August.”
“And Teri?”
“Great. The boys are sleeping better now and she looks like she’s getting more rest. Bobby, too.”
They’d hired a nanny, whom Rachel had met, but Teri kept a close eye on her sons.
“She said you hadn’t come over or called her in a while.” This sounded a bit accusatory.
Rachel knew that the instant she saw Teri she’d tell her about living with Nate. Teri was her best friend in all the world, but she couldn’t keep her mouth shut. The only solution, really, had been to avoid her altogether. Rachel missed her desperately, so she’d give her friend a call or visit soon. She was feeling stronger and it no longer needed to be such a secret that she was living and working in Bremerton.
“James and Christie are happy, then?”
“Sure seem to be.”
If he noticed the abrupt change of subject, he didn’t comment. Instead, he squeezed her hand and looked directly into her eyes. “Let me come home with you.”
“Bruce.”
“I won’t spend more than a couple of hours.”
She knew what her husband wanted and, frankly, she was tempted. Very tempted. It was too dangerous, though. She was afraid that they’d walk into the house and Nate would be there. And she wasn’t ready for that… .
“I can’t… . I have a roommate, don’t forget.” That probably wouldn’t matter to Bruce, so she decided to elaborate on the truth. Okay, she’d lie. “My roommate’s having a big party tonight… .”
“Oh.”
“So let me go home with you,” she said quickly.
Bruce hesitated.
“I won’t stay longer than…necessary,” she said, and then because it sounded so calculating, she started to giggle.
“What’s so funny?”
“Us. We’re married and we can’t find a place to be alone. This is ridiculous.”
“Jolene’s still at the house,” Bruce said.
“Oh, right. That won’t work, then.”
“It’s my house. I don’t care what my daughter thinks. You’re my wife.”
“Let’s not pick a fight with her now, especially if she isn’t feeling well.”
Neither said anything for several seconds.
“We could always get a hotel room,” Bruce said under his breath.
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
He grinned sheepishly. “I’m not.”