“My client is willing to offer a short-term support arrangement. Six months. That should be plenty of time for Erin to find employment.”
Six months?
“I haven’t worked in almost twenty years.”
Gerard regains his composure, tipping his head back and waving a hand about as if he’s making a lame attempt to swat a fly.
“And that’s unfortunate, but it’s not my responsibility to fund your transition into adulthood.”
Adulthood?I stare at him. “I’m forty-four.”
He shrugs. “You should’ve planned better.”
My lawyer finally seems to find his footing.
“Mr. Applebaum, the length of the marriage and Erin’s role as primary caregiver are significant factors. Courts take that into account.”
“We’re not in court,” Gerard says. “We’re here to avoid it.”
“I’m just asking for enough to live. That’s it. I don’t want the house. I don’t want your investments. Just help me get on my feet.”
Gerard leans forward for the first time, resting his forearms on the desk.
“You ran away, Erin. You took my daughter across the country.”
“I protected her,” I say.
“From what?” he says, in a thin voice that screams ‘careful, honey.’
From you.
My mouth opens, then closes. My lawyer shifts uncomfortably. No one wants to go there. Fine.
Robert taps a pen against his folder. “My client’s position stands. Six months of transitional support.”
My chest tightens. “That barely covers the moving costs!”
Gerard shrugs. “Then budget better.”
My lawyer stares down at his papers, then looks up. “Mr. Applebaum, Erin is entitled to spousal support based on the duration of the marriage and her financial dependence. If this goes to court?—”
“It won’t,” Gerard says calmly. “She can’t afford that.”
I can’t hold it in anymore.
“Gerard,” I say, my voice on the cusp of trembling. “How can you deny me this? Do you really expect me to continue living with you after… everything?”
He glares at me, that unspoken warning on the tip of his tongue.
I have the attention of the two lawyers now and they pan slowly between me and my husband.
“I just want to give our daughter some stability.”
“She had it,” he replies. “With me. You are the one who’s turned her world upside down by moving her right across the country.”
She wasn’t safe there!I want to scream, but I promised myself I wouldn’t go down that road. It would be Gerard’s word against mine, and he canbuyhimself innocence.
Robert steps in again.
