I never said a word when new clothes showed up in the closet after that.
That was three months ago, day by day not just sex had become even better, and our time together felt even more amazing. Alex wasn’t happy I still wanted to keep us off the radar at work. It had been then that the idea for leaving had become more of a reality. People wouldn’t see I’ve been here for years and deserved it. They would only see me and Alex as a couple.
After making the decision, relief had come. Then I’d hit the internet to see what way I could use my skills and experience for a one person business. I’m not looking to build an office around me. I want something that is mine, and I could make as big and put in as much work as I was willing to give while supporting myself. I’m not looking forward to the discussion, and am being a baby by putting it off as long as I dare. In order not to look like I’m leaving just because of Alex’s promotion, I know I need to give it at least another month yet I’m already so excited, I want to start right away. I’ve already gone from overachiever and late nights to what needed to be done and leaving by five.
For now, Alex believes it’s because of our relationship and maybe it is, but not entirely. While now it’s nice to have someone to go home to, letting go of the drive had only been because I know it’s not going to get me where I want to go. Alex had been careful and rarely brought up the changes at work. Not wanting to upset him, I had even managed to let it all go. It was nice not feel the angst of loss anymore.
My cell phone buzzes in my pocket and I ignore it, assuming it’s work. Then it goes off two more times, giving in I pull it out and step out of the conference room.
“Hello?”
“You bitch!”
My stomach plummets and I lean against the wall for support. Larry? Why the hell is he calling me now?
“What do you want? What’s the matter with you?” Digging deep, I find strength I hadn’t thought I had when it came to standing up to him.
“My mom is dead and she gave you everything! How the hell did you do that? I’m going to take you to court and get it back! That’s the house I grew up in and its mine.”
Shock and surprise are strong, I hadn’t spoken to Anita for years. We had been close while Larry and I were married. After the divorce, the calls and visits had trickled to nothing. It hadn’t surprised me, Larry had moved back in with his mother after the divorce and they were close. During our last lunch, she had hinted Larry was unhappy she was meeting me. I had been sad yet understanding when no further invitations had come.
“What are you talking about?”
“Still a stupid bitch who doesn’t listen. My mom died last week and she left you everything, the house and the money from the insurance policies, over two hundred grand. The lawyer wants you to call him, but you’d better not, I’m taking you to court. Just because she was mad at me doesn’t mean I shouldn’t get a damned thing.” Larry ends the call and I’m still confused. People are leaving the meeting, gossiping and smiling. Pushing away from the wall, my phone goes off again, checking the display it’s not Larry so I answer. Alex sees me and he’s not happy, Tim and Edward are behind him and they don’t look happy either. I shrug and turn away, I need to figure out what the hell is going on.
“Hello?”
“Ms. Moore, this is Daniel Fry from the law firm Little, Shipp and Michaels; and we need to speak with you about the estate of Mrs. Anita Leroy. Could you please schedule a time with me to come in?”
“Larry just called me, I’m still having a hard time processing all of this. Can we do it tomorrow, first thing?”
“Yes, of course. I have an opening at eight.”
“That works for me.” I’m not actually sure if it did or not but it’s going to. I’m in my office checking my schedule and thankfully, the morning is clear until a meeting at eleven. Sharon always scheduled her meetings before lunch so they wouldn’t run over. I call Mabel and let her know I’ll be in late tomorrow. I haven’t taken a single day of vacation this year so I know I have the time and don’t make it request. She lets me know she’ll note it. I hang up to find Alex looking at me leaning against the closed door.
“What’s going on?”
“My ex-husband’s mother died and apparently left me everything. Larry is less than pleased and called up threatening and yelling at me. I’m meeting with the estate lawyer tomorrow to sort it all out. This is all a surprise. Even though Anita and I were close while I was married to Larry and I really liked her. She was firmly in Larry’s corner at every argument so I understand why he’s not happy. It doesn’t seem right.”
“Why doesn’t it seem right?”
Shrugging, “He’s her son, shouldn’t he get what’s hers?”
“So what, she wanted you to have it. You haven’t talked about him much, however what you have said makes it pretty clear he’s an asshole. Maybe she figured it out before she died. Are you okay?”
“I don’t know, I’m sad she’s dead only it feels like I lost her a long time ago. I’m just really confused.”
“We’ll skip the theater tonight, have an early night?”
“Sounds good.” I nod in agreement.
With a kiss on my cheek, he’s gone.
That night, I check the address of the law firm as we’re lying in bed. Damn, it’s on the other side of the Loop. His phone goes off and from his side of the call it doesn’t sound good. It’s Marley and it’s clear she’s pushing him to go down to Florida. Marley had left for Florida last weekend; his father was on his deathbed. I’d been shocked to hear Alex say the words so drily. He clarified his father had been on his deathbed at least once a year for the last five years.
“Damn it, Marley, if it’s really that bad then get him to the hospital. Well then, it’s not bad.” Alex looks strained. My
hand goes over his, and he turns it over and holds it tightly. “Marley, I’ve told you, I’m sick of him and his stupid tricks. When a doctor tells me that I need to go, then I’ll go, not until then. I have to go. I’ll talk to you later.”