They were sitting side by side on the couch, fully clothed. “What kind of woman responds to the news of her husband’s infidelity by begging him to make love to her?”

“I don’t think there’s a protocol here.”

“You really cheated on me, didn’t you?” She was numb.

“Yes.”

“Was this the first time?”

“Yes.”

“Why her?”

He hesitated for a long moment. “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I was unfaithful—the details don’t seem important.”

“They’re important to me.”

He got up from the couch and pushed his hands into his pockets, staring down at her. “You want me to tell you what led to me being with someone else?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I want.”

“Jesus Christ.” He shook his head. “It’s a cliché. I was away from home and I called you. We had a fight. I went down to the bar. She was there. I talked. She listened. We fucked. That’s it. I need a drink. Do you want a drink?” he asked over his shoulder as he walked towards the wet bar.

“No.” She slowly followed, crossing her arms over her chest and hugging herself as she watched him pour himself a glass of scotch. “How did it continue for four months? What you just described was a one-night stand.”

“And then it became something more,” he admitted. “She wanted me. You didn’t seem to, and it just happened.”

“I didn’t seem to?” she repeated. “What does that mean?”

“Lina, we were dealing with Katie, and you were mad at me most of the time.”

“So now this is my fault?” she cried.

“No.” He shook his head. “This is my fault. This is one hundred percent my fault. I’m just trying to give you a window into what I was thinking and feeling. Lina, I’m sorry.”

“Somehow those words just don’t seem to cover it.” She suddenly felt tired. “It’ll never be the same, you know. I will never be able to look at you the same again.”

“Lina,” he began as he set his drink on the table. “There’s something else I have to tell you.” He took both her hands in his.

“What else?” Her anger was replaced by an overwhelming sadness.

Phil watched her, his eyes cloudy with regret. “You don’t deserve this. God, I would do anything to save you this pain.” He squeezed her hands. “Lina, she’s pregnant.”

9

“Pregnant? I don’t under—” Her eyes opened wider at the realization of what he was saying. “By you? She’s pregnant with your child?” She took a step back from him, pulling her hands free.

“Yes.”

“Oh my God!” She covered her mouth. “She can’t have your baby.” Her wild eyes flew to his. “Do you want her to have your baby?”

“Of course not.” When he stepped towards her, she held up her hands.

“Don’t touch me,” she whispered as tears continued to fall from her eyes. “Is she…Is she having it?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t—I can’t take any more right now.” She headed for the stairs. “Don’t follow me,” she said when she heard him behind her. “Please don’t follow me.”