THE MEETING

It was one of those bright almost too perfect days when I met Nathan – warm, ordinary, and completely unaware I was walking straight into trouble. It started like this…

“Hi, Miss Montgomery, right? My name is-”

“Nathan Powers. pleasure to meet you.” I extend my hand out for a handshake “The pleasure is all mine.” He surprises me by kissing the back of my hand leaving me momentarily stunned “Please have a seat, I believe your mother familiarized you with the agreement.”

 “I pull a stack of papers out of my purse while he sits down. “jeez, if you’re going to marry me at least buy me a meal first.” “was that sarcasm? Because it sounded more like sarcasm’s distant cousin, ‘awkward silence’.”

 I don’t look up from the documents. “looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning,” he mutters, signaling a waiter. “what can I get started for you today?” the waiter asks, pen poised. “yes, I’ll have a cappuccino and she’ll have the tears of young children.”

 Nathan says with a smile blooming on his lips. I shoot him a glare, then turn to the waiter. “Sorry about him, I’ll have a latte with almond milk.” “Wow. Didn’t take you for a latte drinker.” I sigh and push the documents towards him “Please read through it and sign, if you have any questions, ask your mother - not me.” He takes the papers and starts skimming. Our drinks arrive just as he pauses “quick question,” he says. “would you mind summarising the part about assets?”

“Any money or businesses made during the 5-year period will be shared fairly between individuals as alimony. Neither spouse will have any claim to assets created before marriage. Straightforward enough, what’s there to summarise?”

 I frown “nothing, never mind.” I finish my latte while he signs. He has a nice face - for a jerk. “I’ll see you at the engagement party then.” He says   checking his watch. “Ok” I reply as he promptly leaves the café.

We didn’t see each other after that. I mean did we need to?

This whole wedding thing is just a formality.

We weren’t going to be a couple perhaps housemates with benefits at the most.