Funny You Should Ask

by Elissa Sussman

“You were still married,” I say. “I know!” He runs a hand through his hair. “But don’t forget, so were you.”

FANNY FLUTTERS

“Are you?” he asks. “Happy?” I lift a shoulder. “I could be happier, I guess. Couldn’t we all?” He reaches a hand out, his fingers sliding through my hair, thumb brushing against my temple. I shiver. Not from the cold. “I could make you happy,” he says. I swallow. Hard. “Yeah?” I ask. “Yeah,” he says. “Show me,” I say.

“I want to be worth it,” he says. I’m crying again. “But you have to decide what you want.” Simple as that.

“I love your clever mind. I love your hair and your butt. I love how fucking brilliant you are, how bold and how brave. I love that Teddy loves you. And I’m pretty sure that my family loves you too. I love your ideas, your stories. And mostly I love your very big eyes and your very smart mouth.”