For Better or Worse | Choni

Sage Advice

"Seriously?"

"No one would blame you. They might even applaud you for stepping aside." Mia insisted.

"The wife returned from the dead, the family reunited. It's a compelling narrative."

I choked a little, trying to find my voice.

"I would never walk away. I love them and I want to spend the rest of my life with the three of them."

"I know you love them." She said softly, "But there isn't a version of this story that doesn't end in heartbreak for someone. Most likely you."

I considered her words, but it was hard to fathom a future without Cheryl and the twins in it.

"Alternatively, you and Cheryl could elope.."

"How would that help?"

"From an image standpoint, it wouldn't. You'd be eviscerated in the press, but it'd make it a lot harder for Heather to make moves against you. She'd have fewer options."

I scoffed. "Well, I'm not leaving Cheryl, and I'm not letting Heather force us into a shotgun wedding."

Mia grinned, shaking her head, "Why am I not surprised?"

"Because you know me so well." I rolled my eyes and we laughed together.

"So, what else you got for me?" I asked.

"Well, you won't budge on this because you care about Cheryl and the twins more than anything, but when you're hounded by the press or when things get hard --and they will-- remember that you're doing this for them." She said firmly.

"That's it?"

"Sometimes the best answer is the simple one. You love Cheryl, Casey, and Chelsea. Just keep bringing your answers back to them, and you'll be okay."

I hummed thoughtfully, "I'll do that. Thanks, Mia."

Mia nodded, and I gave her an appraising look, seeing her in a new light.

"I have to ask, have you ever been in love?"

She smiled, as though expecting my question. "I was once, years ago. He died."

"I'm sorry, I didn't realise.."

"No need to apologize. I don't mind talking about him now. We met in college, but we were never really what you'd call serious. Too focused on our careers, never making each other the priority. Until he got his diagnosis."

I frowned, "Did you tell him how you feel?"

"I did." She pouted. "We were together until he passed. I just wish I'd told him sooner."

I let her confrssion hang between us for a few moments, as if to honor the memory of her lost love.

"You know, it sounds like you wouldn't really leave if you were in my position."

She giggled, "No. I guess I wouldn't. Maybe I was trying to spare you the pain of losing someome like I did. But it might he too late for that. It was for me."

I nodded, feeling like I understood her a bit better,

"Thanks for the advice, Mia."

Just then, Cheryl returned.

"It's settled. My parents will be there."

Mia jumped right back into work mode,

"Fantastic. I'll confirm everything with the studio and text you the details."

. . .

That afternoon.

I waited in the green room of The Drew Barrymore Show while Cheryl met her parents out front.