Chapter 3
Whitney
I woke this morning with excitement running through my veins.
It’s the first time since I made the decision to end my marriage with Kyle.
I have loved him with all that I am, but it wasn’t enough for him.
That is his loss and my gain because maybe one day I’ll meet the man that can make my dreams come true.
I’m really on a roll this morning. Breakfast done and cleaned the kitchen and bathroom.
Now I’m going to contact Gerald and speak to him about my job.
I could end up needing a new one, but I’m not going to worry about it if that happens.
I have enough experience to go it alone, and if necessary I can work for myself, start my own company.
Sitting at the kitchen table, laptop open, I pick up my phone and make the call. Placing it on speaker so I am hands-free to use the laptop if I need to.
“Hi, Whitney. Is everything okay?” Gerald of course thinks something is wrong with one of the work projects.
“I’m fine. The projects are fine, no problems with those. But I need to speak with you about my current location.”
Gerald mutters to someone before continuing our conversation. “What about your location?”
“I’ve put an offer on a cottage, and it’s been accepted. I’m going to live and work here. If that is an issue you need to let me know and I’ll wrap up the work you’ve given me.” By speaking as I have, it’s out there that I’m not going to change my mind and commute.
“With the divorce, I can understand you needing the change, Whitney. It is a job where you can work remotely. However, being my publishing assistant won’t be possible because, as you know, I need you here in the office for that.
I’m going to have to downgrade you to proofreader, editor only.
I’m not happy about this, but I understand why you are taking this stand.
” Gerald sighs, and I can imagine him running his hand through his hair, his tell for frustration.
“I’m sorry, Gerald, but I just can’t carry on there. I need a fresh break, away from the possibility of bumping into Kyle all the time. I am okay with being dropped from the assistant role, and I expected it. But I’m happy that you’ll allow me to continue working for you.”
“I am more than happy for you to continue with the authors that you have been covering, and more. We are receiving a lot of new authors who are going to go places. I always put my trust in your work, and nothing will change that. You do better research and fact-checking than anyone else in the office. I’m not downgrading your salary, Whitney.
You are worth every dime that I pay you, and I’m grateful you didn’t leave when you were offered a job with our rival previously. ”
“I love working with you, Gerald, and I would never leave because some company offered me a few dollars more. I am and will remain loyal to the company. Now, I'd better get working or the deadline will be here before I’m ready.”
Laughing, Gerald responds. “Okay. You take care of yourself, and if you need anything you let me know. You are not just an employee to me. You are a dear friend and, if I’m honest more like family than the sister I have.”
“Ditto, Gerald. Although I don’t have siblings, I understand what you are saying. Love you too, bro!” I laugh as I cut the call while hearing Gerald spluttering in shock.
I spend the next three hours working on the project. Researching, fact-checking, grammar corrections, and enjoying the story I have to admit. But I’m surprised when I hear the doorbell chime.
Quickly going to the door I’m surprised when my 5’1” friend Lee is standing on the stoop with a huge grin on her face. Her hair is up in a messy bun, but the surprise is she has on loose pants and a tee shirt. Nothing like the professional lawyer she is and always conveys.
“I never thought I’d find you on the other side of the door.” I grin right before throwing my arms around her and hugging her tightly.
“Hey, watch my clothes. They are posh you know.” Lee laughs, and I know she’s just kidding me.
Untangling ourselves, Lee loops her arm through mine.
“I brought your SUV so you can get rid of the lease on the one you are using. As I was going to Florida for a case, I thought I would drive here then catch a flight.”
“Come on inside. Let me make you a drink. Thank you so much for bringing the car, and for being the best friend I could ever have.” I pull Lee into the cabin, and we settle quickly with a drink and a cookie.
“The divorce is set to go before the judge next week. I pulled a few strings to get it seen quickly. Kyle, I have proof, is spending more time with the floozy next door. I have that evidence clearly, but they have not, as far as the PI can tell done anything physical.” Taking a sip of her drink before continuing.
“The divorce will go through, Whit. It’s straightforward, and you are not trying to take him for a ride. ”
All I can reply is, “Okay.”
“Kyle has contacted me several times. The last time I spoke to him, I did not ignore him like I had been. He knows he’s in the wrong, and he doesn’t understand himself why he is intrigued with Gemma.
That’s the floozy as you know. He still loves you, but as I pointed out, not enough or he wouldn’t be so taken up by the woman.
He agreed grudgingly and said he’d sign the divorce papers.
He wanted me to say thank you for not going after his grandparents’ house.
I just said that you wouldn’t do such a thing, and he should know that.
With all that said, he is going to make it easy for you to get the divorce so you can move on. ”
Nodding as I knew this had to happen, but it’s a sad end to something that started out so special.
We had dated for three years before we married as we thought it would be the best way to know if we wanted to stay together for the rest of our lives.
Then we married, and two years into that marriage he started with the flirtations next door when she moved into the house. Seven wasted years, as far as I see it.
“Are you alright, Whitney?” Lee places her hand on top of mine on the table, giving it a light squeeze.
“Yeah. I’m good. I just think it is sad that we had seven years, and it came to this in the end.
But the saddest thing is that I’m not heartbroken.
I’m very sad and upset, but I’m not in pieces.
It tells me the love we had was dying, and it’s love, and not in-love that I’m feeling, if you get my meaning. ”
“Yeah, I do. I have a lot of clients who tell me that. The difference between loving someone because you’ve known them a long time, and you genuinely care, and the passionate in-love with someone is totally on a different scale.
You’ll get through this, and you are a wonderful person, Whitney.
I’m sure, given time, you’ll find a new person to love and stress out. ”
“Hey, you…” I jump up and hug Lee fiercely all the while she is laughing.
An hour later, after cleaning our dishes and having all the normal gossip out of the way, Lee needs me to sort out the SUV rental so I can drop her at the airport.
The lease company was brilliant and refunded me a week of the remaining three weeks I had paid up front for.
The other is just a hit I can take, and I quickly take Lee to the airport, see her off, and then head home in my SUV, smiling to myself because Lee, of course, has piled the vehicle with boxes.
My shoes, clothing, even some boxes labeled kitchen or living room.
I won’t open those until I get the cottage keys, but the clothing and shoes I can raid.
This month has flown by. The divorce was completed uncontested.
I am officially a divorcee. I’ve taken on more projects for Gerald and have set my daily work hours.
I start at nine o’clock in the morning and have a half-hour for lunch.
Then finish at two o’clock. It gives me the opportunity to do housework and shop.
I’ve got a list of purchases I want to make for the cottage, and I hope I’ll hear something soon.
Simon sent me papers to sign, which I did, and now I’m on the edge of my seat waiting.
As though thinking about the cottage made things happen I answered my phone to Lou. “Hi, Lou. Is everything okay?”
“Oh, it’s more than okay. I have everything here completed.
The transfer for the payment of the house has been verified, and you can come and get the keys whenever you like.
” Lou giggles, and I’m sure she has a huge smile on her face.
She is one of the happiest people I’ve ever met as she has a continuous smile on her face.
“Oh, my goodness. When can I come and get it?” I’m so befuddled I didn’t hear everything Lou said.
“Now, you can come now.” Lou giggles.
“Oh, I’ll be with you soon.” I end the call, check I’ve turned off the TV, which I had on earlier as background noise, close the laptop and grab my car keys. I pick up my jacket from the hanger near the door and scoot outside, locking the door and running to the car.
Reaching the realtor’s office didn’t take long, and I was conscious that I didn’t speed or miss any red lights. The last thing I want is to get a speeding ticket. Now that my bank account has taken the hit for the cottage I’ll be more careful about how I spend and what I do with my money.
“Wow, it didn’t take you long to get here,” Lou laughs as she beckons me over to her desk. “Sign here and here and you can take the keys; it’s all yours now.”
I sign and slowly take the key from Lou, then give her a huge smile. “Did all the utilities get changed over?” I ask because Lou said she would do that for me.
“Yes. It’s all done. Off you go and walk around your new home. I had the place cleaned through, so you don’t need to do that. Enjoy, and if it’s okay I’d like to come around and see how you are getting along?”
“Oh, I’d love that.” I quickly make my escape and head to the cottage. The butterflies are dashing around my stomach, showing how nervous I am. But underneath the nerves is so much excitement. I can’t wait to get the place as I want it and move in.
Parking my car in the carport, I grin; this is so cool. After getting out of the SUV, I look around the carport closely. I will paint this to freshen it up. It’s all that is needed as it looks in good condition apart from a little flaking paint in places.
Walking around to the front I unlock the front door and step inside. I can tell Lou had the place cleaned as it looks spotless, and if that wasn’t enough to tell, the lemon smell from detergents is clear.
I walk around each room, my smile I’m sure getting broader and broader. Stopping in the smallest of the three bedrooms, I look around and think it would make a pleasant office, rather than having the office in the corner of the living area.
I would more than likely only ever have Lee stay with me because I’ve had no contact from Pamela or Stacey since I left town.
I’ll have to have a talk with Lee to find out what’s going on with those two, as they have not replied to my text messages either.
If that is the case I only need two bedrooms, and the office will be great.
At the end of the workday, I can close the door and leave work behind rather than see it while I’m trying to relax.
Locking up as I step outside, I look at the yard. Thankfully, it’s not a huge yard, but it has a patio area that needs a good cleaning, and the lawn is overgrown. The flower beds need some work, but it’s winter, so that’s a spring job and something I don’t have to worry about right now.
I give Clem a wave as he parks his vehicle in his drive, and he waves back. A small voice asks, “Who is that, Uncle Clem?”
“It’s Whitney. My new neighbor I think.” Clem looks up at me questioningly as I stand on my side of the hedge that splits the two properties.
“Yes. I got the keys and will move in soon.” I give the young boy of around eight years old I would guess a smile. “What is your name?” I ask him, keeping my adult voice, because honestly when people talk to kids like they are idiots it’s annoying.
“I’m Oren,” he tells me proudly.
I nod as though it’s splendid to hear this. “Wow, that is a fabulous name. I love it.” That earns me a huge smile as he puffs his chest out. I notice Clem is smirking at Oren, but covers his mouth so he hides the fact.
“Can I come visit when you move in?” Oren asks.
“You sure can, and if I’ve got cookies, I’ll have one with you and a glass of milk.” I give him my most serious look. He studies my face for a moment and, when he has considered if I’m being honest, he nods his head, smiling.
“Okay, come on Loverboy.” Clem ruffs Oren’s hair. “See you around, Whitney. If you need any help at any time shout out.”
“Thank you, Clem.” I make my way to my car and give Oren a finger wave as he turns away.
New home, and a new neighbor, and a new friend in Lou. It’s a good day, and now I’m going to do some browser shopping on Google.