Free How to Be Single by Liz Tuccillo Page B

diapers, the illnesses, the homework, the tantrums, hearing about their bullshit work problems, every day, in and out?”
    I was shamed and silenced. I hate the “what’s the longest you’ve been in a relationship” card. But he had a point. I felt like a pilgrim. A very immature pilgrim.
    â€œThen, how can you judge?” he said, softening. I drank some more champagne and looked around at all the proper people. I couldn’t help but imagine them upstairs without their pearls and silk shirts and wool jackets doing God knows what to one another.
    â€œIsn’t this just asking for trouble? Don’t you have a lot of divorces that come out of this place?”
    â€œOn the contrary. Most of these couples have been coming here for years.”
    â€œNo pun intended,” I said. Thomas gave me a sympathetic smile.
    â€œI thought Paris was supposed to be such a romantic place, and tonight all I’m hearing about is sex.”
    â€œNo, Julie. You are hearing about people who are trying to keep their love alive. As opposed to you Americans who get fat and stop sleeping with each other, or lie to each other and have affairs with their neighbors.”
    â€œYou make us sound like one big Jerry Springer episode.”
    â€œI exaggerate to make a point,” he said, smiling. “What I am saying is that marriage is not the only way to go. And a monogamous marriage is not the only way to be married. Everything is moving toward freedom, in whatever form that takes. Being single is going to be just one of many life choices.”
    â€œBut come on, wouldn’t most people agree it’s better to be in love and in a relationship than not?”
    â€œYes, definitely. But how many people do you know that are in a relationship and in love?”
    Of course, I’ve thought about this before. “Not that many.”
    Thomas folded his hands in front of him, very professorially. “There are only two interesting lives you can lead, in my opinion. You can be in love. That, to me, is very interesting. And you can be single. Also, a very interesting life. The rest is bullshit.”
    I understood exactly what he meant.
    â€œAre you in love with your wife?” I asked, deciding to be nosy.
    â€œYes, absolutely.”
    A surprising pang of disappointment hit my chest.
    â€œAnd we try not to become bored of each other. Because we are in love. And because of that, it’s a very interesting life. For instance, the minute you called me an evil genius, I wanted to spend more time with you. Because you seemed funny and interesting and you are beautiful.”
    I started to sweat a little.
    â€œThat doesn’t mean I’m not in love with my wife, or that I don’t want to be married to her. It just means that I’m a man and I am alive.”
    I tried to make a joke. “Listen, if you think that kind of talk is going to get me into that jungle gym upstairs you better think again.”
    Thomas laughed. “No, no, Julie. Tonight, I am just enjoying your company. Entirely.” He looked at me, shyly. I could almost swear I saw him blush.
    â€œYou know, I think the jet lag is kicking in a little,” I blurted out, awkwardly. Thomas nodded.
    â€œOf course, this is your first night in Paris. You must be quite tired.”
    â€œYes. Yes I am.”

    Thomas pulled up in front of Steve’s apartment and turned off the engine. I suddenly got very nervous, not knowing what to expect next from this French fellow. “So, thank you for the ride and the champagne and the sex, I mean you know, the eye-opening…you know…” I was stammering a little.
    Thomas smiled at me, amused at my awkwardness.
    â€œI believe you will be going to the opera on Tuesday and then to the gala? Yes?”
    â€œWhat? Oh yes, Steve mentioned it. He’s conducting.”
    â€œFantastic. I will be there with my wife. I will see you then.”
    And with that he got