Married Lovers Read Online Free PDF Page A

ex-wives, so he could understand that.
    “Dunno,” Ryan said, shrugging. “Had to get out of the house. Mandy’s driving me nuts.”
    “Yeah,” Don answered knowingly. “I remember the feeling well. Women can do that to you; they’ve got this misguided idea that it’s their right.”
    Picking up a copy of Sports Illustrated , Ryan began studying the bikini-clad supermodel on the cover.
    “Mandy’s in one of her clinging moods,” he remarked.
    “Big surprise.”
    “Huh?” Ryan said, throwing the magazine back on the coffee table.
    “C’mon,” Don said, trying to talk some sense into his friend. “You know your wife’s a world-class manipulator; she gets off on fucking with you, that’s her deal.”
    “Maybe…” Ryan said, trying to convince himself Don was wrong, but knowing that he was right. Mandy did get off on fucking with him, sad but true. And he let her get away with it because…well, because it was easier that way.
    “I speak the truth, bro’,” Don continued. “The way I see it, you haven’t been happy in a long time.”
    “Not true,” Ryan said, still hovering in a state of denial.
    “You’ve got to start thinking of an exit strategy,” Don said, opening up the enormous glass doors that led out to an infinity lap pool.
    “Hey,” Ryan objected, getting up and joining Don by the open doors. “Just because you had two failed marriages doesn’t mean that I should give up. Mandy has her good points.”
    “Like what ?” Don said, as Butch, his black Labrador, wandered into the house from outside and rushed over to nuzzle Ryan. “Every time I see the two of you, she’s on a major nagging binge.”
    “Mandy’s been through a lot,” Ryan said, absentmindedly bending down to stroke the dog.
    “And how long are you supposed to pay for it?” Don asked bluntly. “Shit happens. You need to move on. Either that or get something going on the side.”
    “That’s not my thing.”
    “Maybe it should be, ’cause I’d bet money you’re not getting laid.”
    “What makes you think that?”
    “You’re so fucking tense lately it’s ridiculous.”
    “I’m not like you,” Ryan said defensively. “I don’t believe in giving up easily. And I certainly don’t believe in cheating.”
    “Who’s cheating?” Don said, raising an eyebrow. “I’m single, remember? It’s you we’re talking about.”
    “Do me a favor and get off the subject of my marriage,” Ryan said. “I came up here to relax.”
    “Relax away,” Don said, stifling a yawn. “I got a new trainer coming over. One of my producers recommended her, she’s supposed to work it like a drill sergeant. I need some discipline.” He patted his flat stomach. “Getting flabby.”
    “Yeah, sure,” Ryan said disbelievingly.
    “You should work out with us,” Don suggested. “It’ll shake you out of the dumps. Then we can take in some college football. I’m in an insane betting mood.”
    “’Fraid I gotta pass,” Ryan said. “I’m going over to my sister’s, then stopping by the editing rooms.”
    “I thought you were done with your latest masterpiece,” Don said, strolling into his hi-tech steel and concrete kitchen, Butch at his heels.
    Ryan followed. “A movie is never done until it hits the theaters, and even then…” he trailed off.
    “Yeah, yeah, I know,” Don said, tossing Butch a dog biscuit. “When it comes to work, you’re a perfectionist.”
    “And you’re not exactly a slacker,” Ryan responded. “Five shows a week, and every one a ratings winner.”
    Don shook his head as he filled a ceramic mug with coffee. “The difference is that you’re doing what you always wanted, while I’m swimming in crap.”
    “Crap? Are you kidding me? Having one of the three top-rated talk shows in the country is hardly crap. And let’s not forget that you make a helluva lot more money than me.”
    “Ah yes,” Don said immediately. “But we both know it’s not about the money, it’s about the