Chapter 15
Lainie
I wake up bright and early with a smile on my face. Why is that, you ask? It could be due to the fact that I get to go to work to see my sexy new boyfriend. Or, how ‘bout the fact that I’m no longer Lainie Palmer-Bottoms. Nope. As of 4:30 yesterday afternoon, I’m plain old Lainie Palmer––at least on my driver’s license. I’ll have to update my voter registration card, request a new passport and social security card as soon as all the paperwork is filed with the state.
Luckily, it was pretty easy to get it done. All I needed was to get the judge to sign off on it since I didn’t request it at the time of the divorce. Thankfully, it was all pretty painless. That is until I “ran into” Lewis at the courthouse. Now I suspect it’s not actually a coincidence, I was even more guarded in my reaction to him. No doubt he knew the real reason I was at the courthouse; I’d searched changing my name on my phone and actually downloaded the forms from the state licensing site from email. How he knew I had a hearing with the judge today, of all days, remains to be seen.
When I saw him, I did my best to hide behind some big pillar in the hallway of the courthouse. Alas, it didn’t work. He’d seen me.
“Well, Elaine, I thought I saw your fancy new car outside. Funny running into you here, of all places? What happened? Did you get a speeding ticket in your veryexpensivelittle sports car?”
First, my name isn’t Elaine. It’s Lainie. Lainie Caroline Palmer. It’s on my birth certificate. He knows that, but he continues to call me Elaine. I think he’s trying to frustrate me. It’s working.
“Lewis.” I attempt to walk past him. I’m not in the mood for small talk. When he grasps my wrist, I startle. “Lewis. Get your hands off me.”
Releasing me, he chuckles. “That’s not what you said when we were married,” he chuckles and it’s creepy.
I’ve no idea what he’s talking about, but I suspect he’s not alone. I scan the lobby and see one of his co-workers. I guess that answers my question. They still think he’s straight. I thought that maybe the reason he wanted out of the marriage was so he could finally be happy with someone else, but I guess not.
With a faux, sticky sweet voice, he coos, “Sweetheart, I just want to make sure you’re okay. Are you in trouble? Do you need my help?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks.” I step away. “Goodbye, Lew.” He hates when I call him Lew. See? I can play the game too.
When I get home, the first thing I do is delete that app from my phone. The second thing I do is send Keeton a text. I’m not sure when I became so forward. It could be that time he had my panties off in his office that gave me the courage. Yeah, that’s probably it. Anyway, I wanted to tell him about seeing Lewis.
Me:Two things. 1. I deleted the app from my phone. 2. I did that after “running into” Lewis at the courthouse.
Keeton: Courthouse? Why were you there? You okay?
Now, see? I don’t mind at all thatheasked me. Lewis, not so much.
Me:I was getting my name changed back to just Palmer. And before you pat yourself on the back, I had the appointment with the judge set up before we met.
Two days before we met but who’s counting?
Keeton:Me? I’d never take credit for such a thing. ;) So, how do you feel Lainie Palmer?
Me:Great. I’m proud to be plain old Palmer now.
Keeton: There’s not one damn thing that’s plain about you, doll-face.
Ooh, doll-face. That’s a new one.
Me:Thank you. You’re very sweet.
Keeton:Well, no one’s ever accused me of being sweet.
Me: It’s good. I like sweet things.
Keeton: Well then, consider me dipped in chocolate, just for you.
Me: LOL. I do love chocolate. Too much. But, you could tell that right? LOL
When I don’t get a response from him, I’m not sure what to do. I just sit and stare at the stupid phone waiting. And waiting. When it rings, it startles the phone right out of my hand.
I quickly pick up pressing the green button, “Hello?”
“You didn’t just disparage yourself, right?”
