“No, it’s no problem at all. I’m surprised to hear from you over the weekend.”
She laughs. “You know, I basically live here. And I finally got some information that I figured you would want to hear.”
I rest my back against the counter and chew on my thumbnail as I wait for her to continue.
“First of all, let me reassure you that by signing away his rights, he has no say in your living situation—or anything having to do with Gabby.” A weight releases from my chest just hearing those words. “I finally heard back from Joel’s lawyer after days of calling. I guess he got tired of my voicemails, but he only has his client to blame for my incessant calling.
“It seems as though Joel just wanted to show off his narcissistic ways and rub his shit in your face, as his lawyer said so eloquently. Off the record—a true spoiled dickhead,” she chuckles. “It turns out that Joel had a friend follow you to find out where you were working and living.” Goose bumps line my flesh, and I feel dirty, knowing that someone had been watching us. But honestly, why am I not surprised he couldn’t just let me go?
When I look up, I find Rhy staring at me from his seat. How long has he been doing that? I give him a reassuring smile. Ollie says something to him and snaps in front of his face, garnering his attention again.
“Now it’s up to you on where you want to go next. You have a few options. I can draft the paperwork for you to file a restraining order, or you can go to the courthouse and do that yourself. There will then be a hearing date, a copy sent to Joel, and he will be given an opportunity to fight the allegations.”
“Honestly,” I cut her off, “I really just want it over and done with. I don’t want to prolong the process. There was a reason I wanted a quick divorce. But if he comes back, I definitely won’t hesitate.”
“I completely understand. You can pass on to your roommate that no charges of assault will be filed either on his behalf. Maybe Joel has at least one single brain cell, although that’s still up for debate. Just perhaps share with him to use his words and not his fists next time.”
I laugh awkwardly and pray on everything holy that there never will be a next time. “Don’t worry about that. Thank you so much for all of this, Allison.”
“It’s no problem at all, and please, Payton, call me if there is any more trouble, okay?”
I agree before we say our goodbyes. Turning my back to my family, I press my palms into the cool countertop.
Are you fucking kidding me? All of that because he’s a fucking narcissist. What the fuck was I thinking with that man?After a few calming breaths, I rejoin the party.
“Everything okay?” Rhyland whispers, leaning close to my ear.
I nod and tilt my head so the conversation avoids wandering ears. “It was just Allison calling with news.”
Rhyland opens his mouth to respond, but Ollie cuts him off.
“Allison? As in Allison Clarke?” His voice attracts the attention of the entire table.Fuck my brother and his eavesdropping.I could seriously kill him. If looks could kill, he’d be dead and buried.
“Your lawyer? What did you need to talk to her about?” my mother questions.
“Is this about him showing up at Tilley’s?” Archer finally speaks. He’s been back to his usual brooding self lately, lost in his own thoughts.
Guess there’s no avoiding this conversation. I should have just let the call go to voicemail.
“Yes, because of that. I put a call into her. I just needed to know why he was here since he never got the chance to explain.”
“Well, duh. Rhyland never gave him the chance,” Ollie jokes, bringing his hands up in a protective stance, as if he were in a boxing match.
“I’m just thankful you weren’t there and didn’t need to see him,” Arch responds before taking a long pull from his beer.
Rhyland and I share a glance.Yup, so thankful I didn’t see him. If only they knew.
“What was that?” Ollie raises his voice, pointing his fork between Rhy and me.
“What was what?” I say, trying to play it off. I really wish Ollie wasn’t so fucking observant, or maybe I should have my head on straight and not make stupid mistakes.
“That look you two just shared.” He waves his fork between us again. “What was that?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Bullshit. What aren’t you telling us?”Lots of things, big brother.
I sigh in defeat, and with an encouraging smile, Rhyland nods for me, needing to explain.
