“Listen,” I said, “I won’t pretend that I didn’t break your heart, but we have to work through this for the kids’ sake.”

“I know,” he replied, his shoulders heavy. “It’s just hard to watch Ryan deal with this. It’s like at home, he’s a tourist or something.”

“Yeah.” I flicked my cigarette, phoenix ashes drifting onto the grass. “Listen, I don’t want your money or anything. I feel bad enough as is — I don’t want to put a hole in the wallet or anything.”

“You know I don’t care about that. It’s just hard to see you around her, the way she sends kisses your way with every glance.”

My cheeks flushed at the thought and I looked away, embarrassed by the truth. “It’s not as if I don’t love you still. I mean, right now, you look so fine…”

“Please don’t. I can only say m’aidez so many times.”

“It’s just… I never needed it now so much.” My voice started to break. “I don’t know how I’ll face myself, though.”

“… I’m sorry, but can you tell them we’re seeing other people? I —”

“It’s the least I can do.”