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She sat back on the bench and patted the spot beside her. I sat and wrapped my arm around her shoulder.
“I got a call from my lawyer yesterday,” she said softly.
“Oh?”
“Raymond’s lawyer subpoenaed my financial records. He’s trying to reduce the amount he wants to pay me for alimony. You know the crazy thing, Callum? I never wanted anything from this man. I was willing to leave this marriage with what I came with because none of the material or monetary things would have made me happy. I just want to be free of him. I’m already tired of going to court. I’m tired of him calling and harassing me from blocked numbers. I’m tired of it all.”
She dropped her head in her hands. She wore that same look of defeat I’d seen her with the first night, and I didn’t like that. I reached out and pulled her hands away. Cupping her chin, I brought her eyes to meet mine.
“In this life, you have to do what brings you peace. You do that for you, not for anyone else. You don’t strike me as the type of person that seeks revenge.”
“I’m not. I don’t have it in me to do people the way they do me. I never have. I’ve always been unconfrontational. I don’t do drama. I like to stay out of the way. I would have gone through this divorce with my head down and my mouth closed. Nothing I gain from it will ease my pain in the end, so what’s the use?”
“Then stay true to yourself. Talk to your lawyer. They may have all the training and legal expertise, but you know what’s best for you. You know what you can live with.”
She nodded. “I will talk to her.”
I wiped her eyes and leaned in to kiss her forehead. “Do you need a ride home?”
“Yes, but can we just sit here for a little bit? I’m not ready to go yet.”
“Sure.”
She picked up the bag next to her and dug through it to produce a cupcake in a plastic container. She also dug out a candle and a lighter. Opening the container, she stuck the candle into the cupcake and lit it.
“Happy Birthday, Daddy. I miss you and Mama so much. I’ve been struggling, but I’m trying to keep the faith that everything will be okay...”
She sniffled, and my immediate response was to pull her close. She rested her head against my shoulder as I gently stroked her arm.
“Please kiss Mama and Jordan for me. Let my baby know that there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss him or wish he was here. Let him know that I’m... I’m sorry. I’m so sorry...”
She blew out the candle and set it on the bench beside her. Much to my surprise, she turned to me and wrapped her arms around me. The moment I encased her in my embrace, she broke. Tears stained my shirt, and audible cries echoed in my ears. My heart hurt for her, like hurt to the point where I could physically feel the pain she carried. All I wanted to do was carry it for her.
“I got you,” I whispered, stroking her back. “I’m here as long as you need me.”
Chapter Seventeen
Pasha
Today was going to be a day.
Today, I had a mediation meeting with Blake’s sister, Sandra, Raymond, his lawyer, the judge, and me. I wasn’t looking forward to this, but I was ready to get it over with. I needed it to be over. Sandra was very disappointed in my decision to forgo everything we had previously decided to go after. Maybe I was stupid. Maybe I was crazy. But this was what I wanted.
What I didn’t want was to deal with Raymond ever again. I didn’t want to look over my shoulder if I got half of everything because he could be spiteful. I could see him putting sugar in my gas tank if I was granted the car he’d bought me. I could see him hiding money if he was forced to pay me. I could see myself being harassed regularly for simply existing in a world where I had the things I was entitled to.
I didn’t want that. I took Callum’s advice and decided it was time to protect my peace. Speaking of Callum, God knew what he was doing when he crafted that man. He was making it hard not to be his friend. He was so sweet, understanding, and affirming. My heart could get into serious trouble with him, and I was beginning to think I might enjoy the ride.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Sandra asked as we waited outside the judge’s chambers.
“Yes.”
“After what he’s done, you deserve everything we asked for. You’re walking away from a lot, Pasha.”
I shook my head. “I have full faith that I’m walking into something greater, Sandra.”
She squeezed my hand. “I was really going to enjoy nailing his smug ass and that lawyer to the cross.”
I giggled. “I know you were. That’s why I’m requesting he pay your fees.”
