“That’s not true and you know it,” she flared. “It’s not like I’m getting deployed overseas for six months at a stretch. Lots of couples have to deal with commuting between cities. Besides, Walter’s the boss, not me. What am I supposed to do?”

“You could always quit,” I offered. “And maybe get something part-time?”

“I don’t want to quit. I really like what I do and Walter’s a great boss. Not to mention the fact that we can’t afford to give up my salary, can we? Since you only have one client?”

The way she underscored that it was my fault that we’d been thrust into this predicament in the first place upset me. And maybe it was my fault, a thought that only increased my agitation. “When is all this supposed to be happening?”

“Sometime in September. That’s why we’re going to Atlanta this week. To make sure the office will be ready in time.”

September was six weeks away. “I don’t see how it’s possible to move everyone that quickly.”

“It’s really just the executives who will have to move. There will be layoffs in Charlotte, but it’s not like everyone is getting fired. We still have a lot of developments in North Carolina in various stages of construction. As for Atlanta, it’s mainly about hiring more people. From what I’ve heard, the offices already have more than enough room.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“There’s not much to say until I know more.”

“I don’t understand why you didn’t mention all this until now.”

“I didn’t mention it because nothing was certain until today.”

Had someone told me in advance that on a day that I landed my first client, Vivian would have work-related news with even greater potential impact on our lives, I would have said they were crazy. Which shows how much I know.

“All right,” I said. “Keep me informed.”

“I always do,” she said. “On another note, London told me that she had a playdate with Bodhi today?”

“While I was doing my presentation,” I said. “She had a good time. She talked about Noodle the poodle all afternoon.”

“Bodhi’s the son of your ex-girlfriend, right? Emily?”

“Yeah, that’s her.”

“I’ve heard some people in art class talking about her. They said she was pretty bitter about her divorce.”

“Divorce can be hard,” I said, remaining noncommittal.

“London also said that you had lunch with her last week.”

“I took London to Chick-fil-A. But yes, Emily was there, too.”

“You probably shouldn’t have lunch with her again. Or go to her house, even for a playdate. That’s how rumors get started.”

“What kind of rumors?”

“You know exactly what rumors I’m talking about. She’s divorced and you’re married and on top of that, she’s an ex-girlfriend? It doesn’t take Einstein to figure out what people would start saying.”

Yes, I thought, I knew exactly, and as I sat beside my wife, I wondered how such a great day could end with me feeling as bad as I did.

“Emily, huh?” Marge asked over lunch a few days later. We were at my house; Vivian had gone to Atlanta earlier that morning, and I’d picked up the signed contract from Taglieri – and my first check as a business owner! – right after London’s piano lesson. I’d also locked up the phone number, which was critical. Marge, however, had no interest in talking about those things. “How is sweet Emily doing?”

On the back porch, London was making a mess with the finger paints Marge had brought with her.

“Don’t make this into something that it isn’t. London had a playdate.”

“That the two of you set up on an earlier date at Chick-fil-A.”

“It wasn’t a date.”

“Maybe you should be standing in front of the mirror when you say that. But you didn’t answer my question.”

“I already told you. She’s still getting used to being divorced, but other than that she’s doing well.”

“I always liked her.”

“I know. You’ve said that before.”

“And I can’t believe you told Vivian about it.”

“I didn’t. London did.”

“So you weren’t going to tell her?”

“Of course. I don’t have anything to hide.”

“Too bad. Everyone needs some excitement now and then.”

At my expression, she burst out laughing, which led to a coughing fit. I watched as she pulled out an inhaler and took a puff.

“What’s that?”

“My doctor thinks I have asthma, so he prescribed this. I have to puff this stupid thing twice a day now.” She slipped the inhaler back into her pocket.

“Did he prescribe horn-rimmed glasses and a pocket protector, too?”

“Ha, ha. Asthma can be pretty serious, you know.”

“I was kidding,” I said. “If you remember, I had it as a kid. Allergy induced. Whenever I was anywhere near a cat, my chest would lock up like a vise.”

“I remember, but you’re changing the subject. What I was saying is that I know how much you love Vivian. And I’m sure that you’ve already learned your lesson when it comes to the pitfalls of cheating. Who was that with again? Oh, that’s right. Emily. Which, is of course, the subject at hand.”