Every now and again, Tania would broach the subject by suggesting counselling, books, or whatever it would take. Unable to explain, Jacky walked away from the conversation, and Tania would feel guilty for pushing. For a few days, things would be awkward between them, but eventually it smoothed out. They repeated this cycle every few weeks.

To say it was causing a rift in their relationship was overstating it. But it was always present. The elephant in the room.

Tania flopped down on the bed after riding out the aftershocks of her orgasm, panting heavily. Jacky lay down beside her, draped an arm over her rounded belly, and pulled her in for a tender kiss. Tania’s body was luscious and beautifully curvy, and the soft glow of the bedside lamp accentuated all those curves. Tania complained about being at least ten pounds overweight; Jacky said she was perfect just the way she was.

“Okay, babe?”

Tania nodded and smiled and kissed her again. All was good, this week.

* * *

Jacky walked into the pub, clapping her hands together to take the chill out of them. October was kicking in with a definite bite. The Soldier’s Arms was quiet tonight, and she nodded a hello to Tim, the barman, as she walked further into the main room. This place had been her favourite haunt for many years. It was a good old-fashioned pub that had a few tasteful modernisations in place that didn’t detract from the original character. The old wooden floor, polished smooth from years of workmen’s boots clumping over it each day, was paired with modern comfy chairs and tables. Plus, it was close to her work and was convenient as a meeting point for her regular—or, lately, not so regular—catch-ups with Kath.

Kath was already there, leaning against the far end of the curved bar, wearing her trademark long leather coat, and nursing a pint of lager. Jacky strolled over and slugged Kath in the arm.

“Hey, what’s that for?” asked Kath with a smile. She had dark circles under her eyes.

“That’s for not calling me in forever,” replied Jacky, slugging her again, but gentler this time. She ordered herself a pint of Guinness and then demanded, “Where the fuck have you been?”

“Yeah, I know, sorry about that. It’s been a bit of a crazy time.” Kath’s face clouded over, and Jacky cringed at her insensitivity.

“Shit, your mum again?”

Kath nodded and took a big gulp of her beer.

“Sorry, I suppose I should have realised that.”

“Hey, don’t worry. You weren’t to know. How’s the lovely Tania?”

Jacky couldn’t help it—her eyes glazed over as she thought about her beautiful wife, and Kath chuckled.

“Oh my, what a softie,” she said, laughing as Jacky made to slug her again.