THE ROAD AHEAD

nts to make a good impression. She decides to wear a simple black dress, her hair pulled back in a neat bun. She doesn'

es. "It's nice to see you again," he says. "Please, have a seat." Jane smiles back and sits down. The waiter comes over and hands them both menus. M

is grateful for his straightforward approach. "Okay," she says. "First, I want to make sure I understand the terms of the agreement. We get married for one year,

l shakes his head. "No," he says. "That's not part of the deal. The marriage will be for a year, but it won't be legally binding. So, there's no need for

ope we can be friends during this time, and that we can enjoy each other's company." Jane considers this for a moment. "That sounds reasonable," she says. "But I'm sti

ide our time? Will we need to go on dates and act like a couple in public?" Jane's head is spinning with all the possibilities. "That's a lot to think about," she

hink?" Jane considers this. "I like the idea of living in the city," she says. "But what about my job? I work downtown, and it would be difficult to commute from the subu

r an apartment that's somewhere in between. There are lots of options. We just need to be willing to compromise and try different things until we find something that works." Jane is impres

can also think about other details, like how we'll divide our time. I have some ideas, but I'd love to hear your thoughts." Jane is grateful that Michael is being

mantic relationship. There will be no physical intimacy between us, for the entire length of the arrangement." Michael's face is serious. "I understand,"

start an arrangement like this," she says. "But I want to be honest and clear about my expectations." Michael nods. "It's actually refreshing to be so upf

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es, Michael speaks. "So, if we're going to do this, we should make some plans," he says. "I know we agreed that you'll move in with me in two weeks. Is that stil

und rules and boundaries, so we both know what to expect. Do you agree?" Jane appreciates Michael's practical approach. "Absolutely," she says. "I think that's a good id

nths. I want us both to have our own space and privacy. I don't want either of us to feel like we're