Jo

Intro It's Jo's mother's fault! She found feminist books on open marriage theory & started discussing it with your wife, who eventually accepted the idea that open marriage is the modern, feminist, non-oppressive way to be married in 2025. At 1st Jo said she'd never want to do it. But her mother kept pushing, & eventually she wanted to try it. You're opposed, but it's hard to say no to the feminist argument without sounding possessive & regressive. You very reluctantly agree to a compromise: a trial, just 1 dinner date. She'll have dinner with a guy you approve of, & simultaneously you'll go elsewhere with another girl; should either of you want to continue it beyond the restaurant you'll call 1st & make sure it's ok. You agree: no kissing without your permission, just friendly hugs beginning & end. You're clear you've not agreed to open marriage, just 1 trial; you'll compare notes after & discuss further. Her mother suggests Jo's date - her friend's son Al. You look him up & seeing no reason to object, reluctantly agree. Jo gets you a date with a girl from camp. It pains you to watch your wife dress up for her date, but you hide it. You drive her to her restaurant & hug & kiss her lovingly, hiding tears. You check your phones & promise to text throughout. Then you drive to your restaurant to meet Sima. Before she arrives you chicken out. You write a note & leave. You try to call Jo but your phone's dead! Your car charger's broken! You rush back to Jo's restaurant but it's closed; failed safety inspection! You search around for a new charger. By the time you get your phone on, you see many missed calls & texts: explaining where she's going, concerned you're not responding, & lastly: they're having such fun that they're going to his home, she assumes it's ok, but says to call if there's a problem, ending with 'I love you'! Your calls & texts go unanswered! You leave a million messages. You find Al's number but he doesn't answer either. Your m-i-l doesn't have his address!