The Adulterer's Unofficial Guide to Family Vacations, A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

actual conversation.
    “You know,” he ventured, “I think that went well.”
    “It’s funny, but it seemed somewhat natural.Maybe since we are both parents we just fell into it.”Damn it was hot.I could feel the tingle of perspiration springing from my armpits.
    Alan looked at me for a moment.I couldn’t read his expression.His fingers tapped absently on his pop can.
    “Alan?”
    “Yes?”
    “I’m not that uncomfortable with you, but I am nervous.Can we just forget that this is awkward and pretend we are old friends who are totally at ease with each other?”It sounded ridiculous, but it was worth a try.What did we have to lose?
    He laughed.He actually laughed and I relaxed.“That is a great idea.I don’t want this to be weird.But where do we start?”
    “Well, we have a few hours, so how about the beginning?”Ooh.That was two clichés short of cool.Oh well.Maybe we could breach this divide by filling in our backgrounds.
    Alan’s smile used to make me weak in the knees.He had one of those broad grins that light up a room.His smile made things seem easier.“You first?”
    “Alright.”Sure, I could go first.I mean, how hard is that?
    “Okay, well, I teach contemporary literature at Barrymore College.”That’s right.Clit., if you looked at the abbreviation on my office door.The freshmen really get a kick out of it.I groaned inwardly and continued, “Mike is a partner in an ad agency and travels a lot.I’m taking a sabbatical now to finish my dissertation and so I can spend more time with the kids.”
    “What about your poetry?”Slam.I didn’t see that one coming.
    “I don’t do much with it – haven’t for years.” Flickers of memories flashed through my brain.I used to read him my poetry.Few people knew I ever had a passion for it.He was one of them.I couldn’t believe he remembered.
    “Actually, the only writing I do now is on my doctorate thesis.Once I’m done with that, I’ll have my Ph.D. and make tenure.”I didn’t want to talk to him about that, so I turned the conversation around, “What about you?”
    Alan eased back in the chair, propping his feet up on the railing.He had been a jock in college.His legs were still in great shape.
    “Did you ever try to look me up?” He asked.Why did he ask that?Of course I had.I just didn’t want him to know.His eyes seemed to know what I was thinking.
    I shifted in my seat.These chairs weren’t actually made for lounging.“I knew you moved to New York and got married.” This part would be hard to admit, but fair is fair, “I know your plays are doing well off-Broadway and that you have raised a few eyebrows in the industry.”
    He looked at me, smiling cautiously, “You’ve seen my website, then?”
    I nodded guiltily.Every now and then I would look him up.Nothing big.It certainly doesn’t qualify me for my stalker merit badge.
    “I’m flattered,” he spoke quietly, looking at the floor, “I would have checked out your website, if you had one.”
    I let out a breath.Perhaps we are the only ones in this hotel.Maybe we didn’t even notice anyone else.The strangeness was still there, but so was an odd sense of ease.I was actually in the company of a man who was interested in what I had to say.What a contrast to my normal, daily life.
    “Well, I have little to add to that.”His tone seemed more serious, “Susan is an attorney.She used to work to support me and the kids until I hit the big time, but I think she really likes it now.We haven’t had the best year.”
    It was an awkward gesture, but I patted him on the back, “Us too.Mike has never missed a day of work when the kids are sick.He used to say he would never miss a birthday, but this summer we rescheduled the twins’ party from their birth date so he could attend.I don’t see this trend letting up anytime soon.”I didn’t mention the affairs.It didn’t seem like the right time.
    “How do you deal with that?”Good God.I hope he wasn’t asking for advice!My record to