The phone rings. Again. A third time. I glance at the clock. It’s past nine. Doesn’t that mean lawyers should be in their offices by now?
“Gragson, Marshall, and Moore. Good morning, this is Heidi. How can I help you?”
“Hi, Heidi. This is Kendrick Keller. I have a phone meeting with Mr. Moore.”
“Good to hear from you, Dr. Keller. Hold just a minute and I’ll get Mr. Moore on the line.”
“Thank you.”
I sit back in my chair and spin it to look out the window. I’m facing one of the most beautiful places on campus. A community garden filled with vegetables, fruit, and flowers. Beyond is the Community building with all the pride flags flying out front. There’s a light breeze today, so they’re dancing in the wind.
“Dr. Kendrick Keller.”
I smile. “Hello, Manny.” Manuel Moore and I went to high school together and stayed in touch over the years. When I filed for divorce, there was no one I’d choose over him to represent me. “How’s everything?”
“Ending marriages and getting paid to do so. Living the dream, my friend.”
I laugh. “That feels like a perfect segue. I want this divorce finalized, Manny. I don’t care what she wants; give it to her—unless it’s money in any fashion. I’ve agreed on what I’m going to do regarding money. I’m tired of dragging this out while she continues to throw a tantrum.”
“It’s about time you set your foot down. You’ve been more than generous, more than patient.”
“I have,” I agree. “I’m tired, and I just want it over with.”
“I’ll have it settled, even if that means we take it to court. From what I remember about Natalia, this is something she’ll avoid, right?”
“Given that she’s going to lose a whole lot more if we go to court, yes, I think so. Hopefully, she’s working with someone smart who will steer her in the right direction.”
“I think we proceed with a counteroffer, then. Sign now, and the divorce stands as it is. If we have to go to court, this is what we’re willing to give. I’ve already written the counter up. You’ll find it in your email.”
“You anticipated this, did you?” I ask, amused.
“About five months ago, yes. She’s not actually asking for things she wants. She’s trying to get a reaction out of you.”
I close my eyes and frown. “Iknowshe doesn’t want to stay married because she loves me. This isn’t a marriage. It hasn’t been a marriage for a long time. She’s just being obstinate.”
“You know her better than I do.”
I’m not sure I do, though. I’m not sure I’ve known Natalia for years.
“Give me a rundown of what’s in the counter.”
“Sell the house, and you each get half the proceeds. All assets that have a proven financial burden on your income will be sold, and you will receive seventy percent. Maintenance moneygets cut by thirty percent, and the term is reduced to eighteen months. The one retirement account you left for her will be rescinded.”
“Are these things we can actually manage?” I ask.
“Here’s the thing: even if you lose this counter in court for what’s been agreed upon in the current divorce papers, you’re no worse off,andyou still get the divorce finalized. However, we also have eight months of Natalia calling you, screaming, demanding the same thing over and over, as well as accusing you of whatever she can possibly think of.”
I consider the fact that she’s also influenced my children to discourage our relationship over the years. But that would require my children to testify or at least make a statement, and I won’t be the one to drag them into this.
“Her behavior alone is a bad reflection on her and will work in your favor. We can also throw around defamation since she’s been tossing around lies that don’t paint you in a flattering light for who knows how long, but at least for the past eight months. That should encourage her to sign as well.”
This feels so damn heavy. When I told Natalia I wanted a divorce last year, a weight had been lifted. I literally felt forty pounds lighter. Now that she’s dragging this on and on for fuck knows what reason, I’m carrying around this burden again, but it feels heavier now.
“We’ll get it taken care of,” Manny says.
“Thank you. I support this however it goes through, preferably out of court, but I don’t truly care at this point.”
“Interestingly, whether she decides to go to court will tell us a lot about why she’s digging her heels in. Signing now when you’re practically handing her everything says that she’s just being a pain in the ass as she milks you for everything she can. Going to court suggests there’s another reason behind it, even if we don’t know what that is.”
