Beyond the skyline

It’s not weird - 7

Dear Diary,

I know what you’re thinking. What does my partner think about the cowboy hat? Well, let me clarify something right away: technically, he’s not my partner. He’s the kids’ father, yes, but as for us, we’ve been separated for three years.

I can practically hear you gasp. But honestly, it’s not as dramatic as it sounds. We share a house—it’s functional, not romantic. We haven’t shared a bed or even a room in years. And before you ask, yes, it’s weird at times. And no, it’s not as weird as people imagine.

I mean, should I have moved out? Maybe. Probably. But let me hit you with some cold, hard logic: the bills are split down the middle, I have a roof over my head, and I can come and go as I please without worrying about rent prices that might as well be a down p*****t on a yacht. Have you seen the cost of rent lately? I’d rather wrestle a bull than add that stress to my life right now.

So, we coexist. It works. Sort of.

Now, back to the cowboy hat. Did he notice? I doubt it. Did he care? Definitely not. The man is so laser-focused on his own routine that I could probably show up in full rodeo gear—spurs, lasso, the whole deal—and he wouldn’t bat an eye.

I did catch him giving me a look the other night, though. Not a “wow, you look stunning in that cowboy hat” look. More of a “why are you grinning at your reflection in the hallway mirror like a teenager?” kind of look. To be fair, I was checking out how I looked wearing Cole’s hat. It’s a nice hat. Don’t judge me.

Honestly, Diary, the whole living situation is kind of hilarious when you think about it. We’re like two ships passing in the night, except one ship is constantly stepping on LEGOs, and the other is complaining about who ate the last of the cereal.

People always ask, “How do you make it work?” And the truth is, we just…do. It’s not perfect, but what is? We put the kids first, we’re civil, and we avoid any major drama. Plus, if I’m being real, this setup has a certain freedom to it. No romantic expectations, no pressure—just two people keeping the household running while figuring out life.

But let’s be clear: I’m not writing a Hallmark movie script here. There are moments when I wonder if I’m holding onto this arrangement because it’s convenient. Should I be braver? Should I move out and build something totally my own? Maybe. But until that “perfect timing” moment hits—or the cost of living magically plummets—I’m staying put.

So, no, he hasn’t asked about the cowboy hat, and no, I don’t plan on explaining it. Some things are just for me.

Yours,

The Girl With the Hat and a Shared Mortgage