Chapter 16 - Natalie, the ex

[Link to Chapter 1 (Beginning of Book)]

[Link to Chapter 15 (Previous Chapter)]

“Have we actually talked since your parents died, Arch?”

She looks good. Same dark hair, now streaked with professional highlights. She’s lost weight, too. Prettier than she used to be. I wouldn’t have risked telling this version of Natalie about killing a bird with my windshield. Or licked a plate in front of her.

“Were we supposed to?” I ask, leaning back against the kitchen counter. The marriage therapist we tried said husbands should show vulnerability during times of emotional stress. I never asked her how much vulnerability ex-husbands are supposed to show after a divorce. Didn’t seem like a good time.

“They were Elizabeth’s grandparents,” she says sharply. “We should have at least talked about how to tell her. How to handle it from a parenting standpoint.”

She’s using her teacher-voice instead of her mean-voice. And using Liz’s full name. That’s how I know she’s serious. And probably angling for something.

She’s mostly-pleasant, or at least tolerable, when she’s right, and mean as hell when she’s unsure of herself. If younger-me had today-me’s dating experience, he’d have noticed things like that and would probably still be married.

“Probably,” I concede. “But it’s been over a year now. No sense worrying about that today.”

It’s a lot easier telling your ex-wife she’s right about something than your wife. Less to lose.

Natalie nods slowly in agreement. Giving up a point when she’s right. That means the real attack is about to come. Just wait for the pivot.

“Elizabeth starts college in a few more years. Do you have any thoughts how we’ll handle that?” she asks.

There it is. Money. But framed as a question about Liz. And right after bringing up my parents. She’s hoping I’ll volunteer something about the inheritance. Excellent strategy, Natalie.