Married … to other people

This week I’ve been on the sofa and battling a “bug” as the doctor so scientifically described it. While I’ve been slurping hot tea and chicken noodle soup, I’ve watched way too much Netflix on my computer. One of the shows I’ve been streaming is the first season of The Glades. It’s got murder, mystery and a unique love story.

You see, Jim is an abrasive homicide detective who is falling for an unattainable woman. She’s Callie, a nurse and a mom. And also married to a guy who’s in prison for armed robbery. But that doesn’t stop Jim from trying to be a part of her life. He wants to help out, he protects her, and he has bonded with her son. But he wants more and so does she.

As I watch each episode, I realize that I like the longing, the awkward pauses, and the restraint. There is a push-pull, a tense courtship. A troubled son and a suspicious mother-in-law don’t help matters, either. Jim and Callie are genuinely conflicted, and they should be. One step forward could have serious consequences.

I really want Jim and Callie to get together and I know I shouldn’t. She’s married! I don’t
care if she feels that the marriage is over and she’s waiting for her husband to get out of prison before she serves the divorce papers. She’s married!

If this was a romance novel, I would throw it against the wall. I have high expectations for my romance hero and heroine. It’s okay if they’re damaged, flawed and traumatized. They can be criminals, assassins or blood-sucking vampires. They just can’t be married to other people.

(Yes, I’m aware that my moral compass is a little out of whack.)

Apparently, my rules are different when it comes to TV shows! I just watched the episode where Jim and Callie kiss. It was hot and heavy, and I’m not sure how I feel about that. I think I’m just as conflicted as the characters.