I lied.
I said he should move on.
I stuck the knife in and twisted.
The image of him with puck bunnies hurts; the idea of him marrying Anika and being happy hurts worse, but I don’t want him sad and lonely either. I don’t want him stuck with my fate. He has so much love to offer someone.
By the time rehearsal ends, my muscles are shaking. Not just from overwork but from carrying this secret, from holding myself together through an entire run-through when all I wanted to do was curl up on the floor and sob.
In the dressing room, the other dancers chatter about weekend plans, about new Pilates studios, about a guy in props who’s actually good-looking if you can get past the mustache, plus he’s great with a drill.
I shower, dress, and check my phone.
No new calls from Scottie. No new calls from Luka.
Just a new email at the top of my inbox.
From:Sokolov & Daughters, LLP – Popovich Legal AffairsSubject:Marital Dissolution – Questionnaire & Scheduling
My stomach drops.
I tap it open with numb fingers.
Dear Mrs. Easton,
As per your grandmother’s instructions, we are preparing the necessary documents to dissolve formally your marriage to Mr. Scottie James Easton. To expedite the process and minimize public attention, please reply to this email with the following information:
Confirmation of your current legal name and address.
Confirmation of your preference regarding restoration of your maiden name.
A list of any marital property or items belonging to you currently located at the shared residence at The Commons.
A preferred date/time within the next five (5) business days to sign your portion of the dissolution documents at our Seattle office.
Upon receipt, we will prepare the documents and contact Mr. Easton (or his legal representative) to schedule his signing appointment.
Respectfully,
Elena Sokolova, Esq. Sokolov & Daughters, LLP
My vision blurs halfway through.
