Need advice-he's being too nice!

[GatorGirl]

H is without a doubt in MLC. I have successfully (I think) detached and pretty much only discuss the children or other business (if it interferes with our regular schedule) with him. We are separated - he moved out.

This is a good problem to have I guess, but why is he being so nice? He tries to make small talk and asks me about work and such when he's done talking with the kids on the phone. How am I supposed to answer? I usually keep my answers fairly short and to the point. He talks to the kids in the evening before they go to bed when I have them for dinner and when they're done, I wrap it up and say goodbye. And that's when he starts chatting. I don't know if I should keep it short (usually it's bedtime so I don't have time to chit chat) or let him talk and ask questions? I have a new job so he's asking how it's going and whatnot. I feel like I should have my guard up all the time but if my goal is to save my marriage, I suppose I should open up? I'm very lost as far as how to be detached but how to talk to him if he's initiating conversation.

I should mention that the only times he's gotten upset on the phone are when I've brought up reconciling, most recently when I was upset when our dog died unexpectedly. It was a horrible blowout needless to say and a very stupid mistake. That will not happen again, as I saw the horrid change the subject brought in him and it was not pretty. He admitted that he had been angry to the point of almost not being able to speak until recently, so maybe that shows some sort of sign?

I am living my life with my kids and enjoying my new job. I have no idea where he is as far as the MLC stages are because we don't fight and I don't talk to him much. I'm trying to give him as much space as possible and show him that I'm moving on, with or without him. He hasn't mentioned the divorce lately except to ask if I would be retaining council and I said I am meeting with a new attorney in mid-January and will go from there.

Can I get some help with this?!