Eligible Ex-husband - Marie Johnston Page 0,58

to throw on a suit and grab some oatmeal instead.

“Thanks for the goodies. I’ll need it to fuel me through all the interviews this afternoon.”

Natalie grimaced. “Those are today?”

Helena gives her an apologetic smile, but I don’t blame my assistant. If I had to, I’d do it again. We signed on a few new clients and inquiries come in every week.

Doesn’t mean other parts of it aren’t a pain in the ass.

Abby rounds the desk and pushes her way onto my lap. “What are you working on?”

“Abs, we have to go,” Natalie says. “Dad’s got a busy day.”

I gently set Abby down and stand. “I do have to get to work, but you guys come by any time.”

The outer door opens and a young woman enters, holding the door for a guy with a camera. Dammit.

“I’m running while I can,” Natalie whispers, giving me a wink, and herds the girls out of the office, nodding politely to the TV crew.

I hate to see them go, but if I can get through these interviews, I’ll be done forever.

Helena greets the woman and shakes the man’s hand before ushering them into the office. “This is Hailey and Carlton.”

As the cameraman sets up, Hailey arranges the chair Helena vacated so she’ll be out of view while peppering me with questions. “So, were those your kids?”

“Yes. Abby’s the older one. Maddy’s my youngest.”

She sits and crosses a leg, a pleasant smile on her face. “That’s so nice their nanny can bring them by when you’re working. Makes the day shorter.”

Awkward has already started. “Actually, that was my ex-wife.” My throat constricts around the ex part.

Her brows pop. “Oh. That’s nice. Are you two…” She shakes her head, her smile turning tentative. “Well, the article mentioned co-parenting, but are you two getting back together?”

I didn’t think the local news would be bold enough to ask. North Dakota local news isn’t known for hard-hitting investigative journalism. It often has as much fluff as facts. Doesn’t mean we aren’t nosy as hell and Hailey is probably genuinely curious, without the should I ask this or not filter.

How do I answer? Natalie wants to tell the girls. But I can’t sit here in good conscience and brush my wife off like she isn’t the most important part of my life. “We’re working on being there together for our kids.” Was that ambiguous enough?

Hailey scribbles down something on her notepad. “So, what changes have you made in order to make that happen?”

I cock my head. Changes? Like am I living at home but staying in a separate bedroom? That’s all that’s really changed to make it happen. “Excuse me?”

“Well, I guess that depends on why… um… what your definition of together is.” This is as uncomfortable for her as it is for me, but she’s sticking to her reporting guns and going for the heart of the story. “Adjusting from parenting together to co-parenting must’ve been rough. I’m sure you had to adapt. But if you’re getting back together… I guess that’d depend on why you divorced. Things have to give if it’s going to work out a second time.”

Things have to give if it’s going to work out a second time.

I’m sure you had to adapt.

It’s hard to keep my mind on giving a congenial interview. I adapted to living in a sterile condo without my family. But did anything else really change?

Natalie remained at my beck and call.

And now?

I’m home more. That’s something. It’s a start.

And I told Natalie to be straightforward with me.

But… how much has really given?

The cameraman is ready and Hailey launches into her regular interview. I field questions about what I do, my role in the community, and my plans for the future. Part of me is still working over her earlier questions.

I’m expanding, and if I don’t watch out, I’m going to circle back to square one and become eligible again.

Natalie

What time is Simon’s interview?

I send my mom a reply. Tonight at 5.

My parents will make sure they watch it. I doubt Simon’s parents know a thing about his upcoming news appearance. Simon wouldn’t tell them. I’m surprised he did that eligible bachelors article but he likely didn’t think about parental fallout. Since the article referenced him not being married to me anymore, they might’ve enjoyed it. Only, Fargo news is not prestigious enough to register on their radar.

I put the phone down and flip a pancake. I’ve had a craving for them all day.

Abby leans over the counter to see the