Snapshot

by Kay Cove

“You guys like Dex,” I mutter. “Don’t forget that.” Dad grumbles something inaudible under his breath. “Okay, asked and answered… Do you wish I married Alan instead?” I place the plastic bag between my feet and recline to match Dad’s angle. He reaches across the center console and pats my knee. “Did you love Alan?” My heavy heart aches like it always does when this comes up. The guilt hasn’t absolved, but the truth is getting easier to tell with each day. “Not in the way he deserved.” Dad’s eyes are forward, the flickering lights hanging on either side of the garage illuminating his face. It’s time to change the bulbs. “And Dex?” “Yeah,” I breathe out. “I love him. I haven’t told him yet.” Dad pulls down on his face, tugging on his skin. “Do you see the central issue we’re having? You haven’t admitted to your husband that you love him?” I groan. “I already explained how sudden everything was and why.” “I understand helping your friend with a legality, and I’d understand falling in love with your friend. It’s this gray area you’re in that has me worried. Does Dex feel the way about you that you do about him? Because I’ve seen men like him go to greater lengths than falsely professing their love to see a deal through.” “Daddy, you don’t understand. He’s different.”