“That doesn’t sound healthy.”

“It’s not. I’m attempting to chill the hell out, but anytime I think about what’s going on, there’s this inner rage that I can’t seem to tamp down.”

“I guess that makes sense, though,” she says. “You were blindsided, and you love her. You’ve worked hard in this relationship. Seeing it all tumble apart can’t be easy.”

“It’s not,” I reply. “But I do have a plan.” Even if it might be a stupid plan, at least it’s something.

“A plan?”

“Yeah, Penn and Banner helped me figure it all out.”

“Penn and Banner?” she deadpans. “The two men who wouldn’t be able to have a steady relationship even if it smacked them in the head?”

“Yes, but it’s an idea. The only idea I have.”

“Uh-huh, let me hear it.”

I explain the plan to her, including my approach for the wedding week, and once I’m done, she doesn’t say anything. Not a word. To the point that I’m worried that she hung up or lost service.

“Hello? Nola, are you still there?”

“Yes, I’m here.”

“So what do you think?” I roll back on my bed, pinching my brow, knowing exactly what she’s going to say.

“Well, if my silence wasn’t telling enough, I guess I have to say that’s the stupidest plan I think I’ve ever heard.”

Yeah, I know, but I’m also attached to the plan because it’s helping me breathe. It’s giving me minuscule hope.

“How so?” I ask, preparing myself for a lecture.

“For one, you’re only going to piss her off even more. She’s also already dead set on this divorce, so your mind trickery won’t do anything other than reinforce her decision. And if you think a week away in a romantic location will solve all of your problems, you really are freaking delusional.”

“Wow, tell me how you really feel.”

“I’m just trying to bring everything into perspective for you, Ryot.”

“Yeah, I get that, but Myla is so unreceptive to talking. I don’t know any other way to reach her.”

“But how have you approached her? Have you been angry?”

“Well, the night she told me, yeah, I was angry. How could I not be? And then the other night when I asked her to pretend to be my wife at the wedding, I was angry as well, but that’s because I’m so fucking . . . ugh, I’m pissed. I can’t seem to control it when I’m around her even though I need to.”

“I know. I can’t imagine what both of you are feeling right now.” Nola’s calming voice eases some of the tension I’ve been feeling, but only some. “So you already asked her to do the wedding thing? Honestly, Ryot, why didn’t you come to me in the beginning?”

“I don’t know. I was embarrassed,” I answer. “The last thing I want is to tell people that the love of my life wants to be rid of me. Doesn’t feel too great.”