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too. Did you know she was overweight her entire life, until she lost the weight last year?”
    “I didn’t know that.”
    “She never knew what it was like to be desired by real men, alpha men who could attract lots of women. It made her feel special. Ron was everything I’m not. He was wealthy, good-looking, someone who could make her friends jealous. As bad as it hurts, in a way, I don’t blame her.”
    “I do blame her.”
    “Her parents knew.” James took a deep breath and exhaled, condensation spilling out of his mouth. “They actually liked him.” He pursed his lips, his eyes filling with moisture. “When my dad died, and my mother went that next year, I thought of them as my surrogate parents.” He swallowed. “It was one-sided. I was never good enough.”
    “I’m sorry, James.”
    “I’m pretty sure they didn’t think I would be here today. They didn’t even reserve a seat for me. I was her fucking husband.” He looked at the asphalt. “I miss her.”
    Yolanda wrapped her arms around James. He held on as the dam broke, and the tears flowed.
    * * *
    James’s cell phone vibrated on the dining room table. His hair was disheveled, and his sweats needed a wash. He ignored the phone, as he scanned the headlines on his laptop.
    I See Bubbles
    Protect Your Portfolio
    EU Eyes Personal Savings to Plug Financing Gap
    The Algorithm That Can Predict a Revolution
    Throwaway People
    The Dark Genesis of Valentine’s Day
    Why Are Almond Prices Rising?
    Aquaponics in Urban Agriculture
    James clicked on the link to “The Algorithm That Can Predict a Revolution” article. His cell phone vibrated again. He rubbed the stubble on his chin as he read. Afterward he hit the Back button, returning to the headlines. He clicked on the I See Bubbles link. His phone vibrated. He exhaled and glanced at the screen. He had seven text messages and four missed calls. They were all from Yolanda. He read through the texts. The last one said she was coming over. James selected her number and tapped the green phone icon. Yolanda picked up on the first ring.
    “James,” she said.
    “I’m at the store,” he said, “so I won’t be at home.”
    “I just thought you might want to come over and have dinner with us tonight.”
    “Thanks, … but I don’t feel up to it. Besides, I shouldn’t be near anyone on Valentine’s Day. I’m a walking cautionary tale. It would be like inviting Kissinger to a peace rally or a vegan to a barbecue or Dr. Dicks to an NBA tryout or Freddy Krueger to a sleepover or—”
    “Stop,” she said, giggling. “I’m worried about you.”
    “I’m fine.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes,” James said.
    “You need to get out of the house.”
    “I have been. I’m at the store, remember?”
    “What store?”
    “The one that sells stuff.” James chuckled.
    “Uh-huh.”
    “Seriously I’m fine. I’ll see you on Monday.”
    “Are you sure you don’t need more time? I could talk to Dicks for you.”
    “I’m sure he would love to extend my unpaid leave of absence. He doesn’t have to see my ugly mug, and he can save money with a sub.”
    “Didn’t you get paid bereavement leave?”
    “Five days.”
    “Oh. Are you okay … financially?”
    “I’m fine. We had life insurance, and some savings.”
    “The kids miss you. They’ve been bugging me about when you’re coming back. I didn’t tell them about Monday, in case you changed your mind. They’ll be excited to see you.”
    * * *
    James stood near the door and greeted his students as they entered the classroom.
    “Good morning, Janelle,” he said.
    Her eyes were wide, her mouth open. “Mr. Fish,” she said, giving him a hug.
    James held out his arms, so he didn’t touch the girl. The top of her head was braided in a perfect swirl pattern.
    She released her grip, stepped back, and said, “We missed you.”
    Maurice smiled at James through bright white teeth and high cheekbones. “Hey, Vernon, Mr. Fish is back,” he yelled down the