Chapter 9 #2
I wasn’t sure what some of what they were saying meant, but I trusted that Roderick would look out for my interests, so I let them continue with their verbal sparring.
The LA counsel leaned back. “You don’t have to do this,” he said to me.
“Legal separations can preserve a family your girls need their father.” He might have intended his tone to sound fatherly and careful, instead he came across as a condescending prick.
I was about to say something, but my attorney spoke up.
“Your client punched dignity in the face,” Roderick shot back. His tone was smooth and blunt. He put two photographs on the table. The photographs taken in the ER after Bryce had hit me.
Richard didn’t look at the photos. Bryce’s father never liked me. Now was his chance to get rid of me. I knew he’d jump at the chance.
“You want a clean break from the Sterling family name,” he said. “You can have it. All you have to do is add a confidentiality agreement. You might not have anything to lose by stirring up lies but the Sterling family name is respected in this town. I won’t have you dragging it through the mud.”
Roderick said flatly, “Your son’s behavior crossed the line into physical abuse. We will not shield criminal behavior from the public record. We will not impede testimony or allow our client to perjure herself.”
My soon-to-be-ex-husband pivoted to the one stipulation that pricked his pride. “No visitation is extreme,” he said. “You can be angry without forcing their father out of their life.”
“You broke your daughter’s arm, she’s terrified of you!
” I said. “I know it wasn’t intentional, but I can’t risk anything like that happening again.
I might reconsider supervised visitation if you agree to get help for your anger issues and drinking, but until then, I do not want you in the girls’ lives. ”
He opened his mouth to say something, but Richard lifted a hand, gesturing for him to stop talking. “We’ll sign,” he said to his attorney, his voice even. “Assuming future behavior remains as cooperative as today.”
“There is no need for further cooperation,” Roderick stated smoothly. “Every detail will be stipulated in the divorce decree. All the parties have to do is follow it.”
Roderick slid a page across the table, “This is a memorandum of understanding based on this agreement. It reads as follows. Tracey Sterling receives full legal and physical custody of the minor children. The respondent waives all custodial rights, visitation, and all decision-making rights. The petitioner waives child support, spousal support, and division of community property. I will have the formal agreement typed up and delivered to opposing attorney’s office before the end of business today. ”
Bryce looked at his reflection in the glass and lifted his chin. I recognized this as his ever-present belief that no matter what he signed or didn’t sign, he’d eventually get me to change my mind and come running back to him.
When Roderick silently slid the paper over to me, I signed where the line requested a name.
I left the room feeling a lot lighter than when I walked in.
Axel opened the glass door and I held his gaze, as we walked out the door together.
We didn’t touch because I was still a married woman, but I wanted nothing more than a gigantic hug from my best friend.
“Thank you for sticking by my side, Axel. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”
“I can’t believe Bryce turned out to be a fucking domestic abuser. That’s wild to me.”
“Yeah, I always knew he had issues, but I never thought he would hit me.”
We climbed into his car and headed back to his place.
“So, what are your plans for the future? Do you ever think about going back to dental school?”
I gave him a warm smile, “Only all the time, once the girls start school, I’ll see what’s out there.”
“Well, I was checking, and the dental clinic downtown also lets students shadow. That sounds like it’s worth a look.”
I laughed, “You that desperate to get rid of me?”
“Not at all, sweetheart. I love having you and the girls at my place and you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. I just know how much you wanted to do that and thought if you and the girls are happy in Griffinsford, then I’d see what’s available locally.”
Something about that made me feel warm inside. I’d not really thought too far into the future. I knew we couldn’t stay with Axel forever, but if I was being honest with myself, that idea was appealing.
Very appealing.
On the ride back Axel made polite, reassuring conversation. He was handsome, pleasant to be around, protective, and my girls loved him. I found myself wondering all over again how different my life would have been if I’d chosen him instead of Bryce.
At a red light Axel glanced at me and then back to the road. “You did exactly what you came to do,” he said. “You should be proud of yourself.”
“I know. It’s nice of you to say.”
After a brief pause, I told him. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to thank you for everything, including the bank card. I hate spending your money. I know you must work hard for it.”
“I really don’t.” Glancing at me he added, “Work hard for my money, I mean.”
“Why do I sense a story there?”
“I don’t tell many people my personal business but it’s better you know so you don’t feel guilty about spending a little of it.
Back in the military I cobbled together something that helped me, and my buddies get out of a tight fix.
When I got out, I licensed the design. I get royalties each month, some I give to a charity to help rehabilitate wounded warriors, some I put away for emergencies.
So, I live pretty comfortably. I won’t miss the little bit you spend on yourself and the girls because rain or shine I can always count on the royalty coming in next month. ”
My mouth dropped open. “My God, Axel, you’re an honest-to-goodness inventor.”
He chuffed out a laugh, clearly amused that I’m so easily impressed by his work. “Necessity is the mother of all invention as they say. Staying alive is a big motivator.”
We chatted about his invention and a couple more he has in the works. I shouldn’t be surprised that Axel is an inventor. He’d always been the smart one.