Emotion overcame me as I considered the possibility. “You can prove he hid our money?”
The man paused before stating simply, “We can.”
I tipped my head back and smiled at the ceiling. Now we could strike an agreement and settle out of court. I’d be free, and my marriage would finally be over.
I was in the gorgeous South of France, but suddenly I couldn’t wait to go home.
I disconnected with the accountant and immediately called my attorney.
I left France when John arrived, and I headed home to get my ducks in a row. Saying goodbye to Lucas was harder than I expected, though I’d see him again in a few weeks when the course ended. He drove me to the airport in the rental car and walked me to security.
When he lingered, I rose onto my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. That was allowed in Europe, wasn’t it?
He blushed, and I smiled. Then I carried that sweet moment with me all the way home.
Several important things happened within days of my return. First, and most shockingly, Robert was arrested. The forensic accountant gave me a heads-up the night before. As it turned out, the team I’d hired discovered evidence of Robert’s financial crimes long before the night I’d called them from France. In fact, they’d run into an ongoing police investigation of money mismanagement at Robert’s law firm themoment they started working for me. From there, they struggled to separate marital funds from gains acquired through illegal operations, which was the reason the team had been so hard to reach. Their hands and tongues were tied by the ongoing investigation, making it seem to me that they hadn’t had any luck, when in fact, they’d hit a proverbial mother lode of criminal activity.
Thanks to the advance notice, Alicia called out sick and drove with me to Robert’s office for the big arrest. We parked across the street to watch the authorities bodily remove him from the building in handcuffs. It was petty, but we brought a sign and popcorn to ensure he saw us.
I later learned that, as part of his greedy, miscreant behavior, Robert had purchased multiple large-ticket items in my name, and Camilla’s, over the years. He used them to temporarily hide his pilfered money. He then sold the assets when he was ready and invested the money. A routine he followed compulsively.
The only downside was that because of the ongoing investigation, it would take months or more before I received funds from our marital estate. The divorce settled without a trial, however, and that was the real win.
Five months later, I still rarely stopped smiling.
“Sophie!” Alicia scolded. Her dark hair shone under the fluorescent kitchen lighting as she hurried in my direction. Her bright smile and little black dress made her look like the very young woman I’d met on campus all those years ago. How lucky were we to know a lifelong friendship like this one?
She opened and closed her hand, arm extended in the universal gesture forgimme. “Come on. Let’s go. Stop fussing over those cookies. You don’t even work here anymore. It’s time to dance.”
I untied my apron and pulled it away from my deep-purple satin dress.
I’d turned in my resignation at Chez Margot shortly after my divorce for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it was time to chase my dream. To keep choosing happiness.
Virginia’s Secrets’ coverage of my LLC had led to the launch of a crowdsourcing effort by her followers. I didn’t know about it until she returned to deliver the news. Live. The video of my impassioned impromptu speech about women supporting women had gone viral while I was out of the country, and people from all around the world donated to help me reach my dream of opening a storefront. Something I’d done in grand, show-offy style one week ago today.
I did it scared, knowing all the ways new businesses fail. I did it knowing if I failed, my friends would still be right beside me, and I’d still be proud of myself for taking the leap and reaching for joy.
Because I didn’t let fear or insecurity win, I’d baked my daughter’s wedding cake in my very own commercial kitchen.
The bustle of a half dozen tipsy women echoed down the restaurant’s hallway to our ears, and Alicia snickered. “They’re coming!”
My book club arrived a moment later, cheeks pink from too many glasses of Lucas’s free-flowing wine at the bar.
Lucas graciously offered Chez Margot to us for the rehearsal dinner venue. He’d used the opportunity to try out his new black-tie menu and atmosphere. And we’d packed the place with our nearest, dearest family members and friends.
Alicia’s sons shared the role of DJ.
When Robert was arrested, Camilla was horrified, thinking he’d purchased her gown with stolen money. She was then thrilled to learn I’d sent the anonymous gift. I didn’t tell her the money came from the boat, because she deserved to be happy, and not worried about the details. In the end, the authorities would figure out the money situation, untether the amounts that were legitimate and not, and the details would be clear. Until then, I chose to count my blessings and find peace where I could. I could always take out a personal loan if I needed to return the dress funds.
I fussed with the trays of pastries for tomorrow’s wedding reception. They really were beautiful.
Ilona pushed her way through the group for a closer look at my work. “I thought those were ready when we brought them here from your store.”
“They were,” I said. “But there’s always room for another detail or two.”
“Not tonight,” Alicia said, looping her arm with mine. “But I’m glad I heard you say that. I’ll be prepared if you get any ideas about adding anything more to the cake.”
I nodded soberly. “Wise.” I’d already considered completely reworking the flower patterns and color scheme. My pinks were a little too red, and the green wasn’t pulling its weight the way I knew it could.
