“You should. He needs someone to put his feet to the fire anyway. He will tell you everything…and I know he’ll write you the best episode of the season, after yours of course.”
“All right, then. I gotta get going,” I say. “I need to pick up my kids.”
“So what happened with Alex?”
I shrug. “It’s impossible for one person to be your everything.”
“Touché,” he says, smiling. “Let’s hug it up, babe.” We hug for a long time. “Welcome to D-land, my darling. It really is more fun. I’ll be your wingman any day of the week.”
“I don’t think I’ll be ready for that anytime soon, but I’ll keep you in mind when I am.”
—
As soon as I’m in the car, my phone rings. It’s my divorce lawyer, Lisbeth. I’ve spoken to her a total of four times. Everything was cut-and-dried. Unbelievably, Alex and I didn’t argue about any logistical or financial aspects of the divorce.
“Hi, Lisbeth.”
“Hi, Dani. I just wanted to let you know Alex’s lawyer said there was nothing else he wanted to contest. We got the papers you signed to the judge and he signed off on them. It was by far one of the easiest processes I’ve experienced.”
I’m driving in the parking structure, totally confused at where to turn to exit. I end up at the top and just pull into a parking space.
“Well, it wasn’t always easy with Alex.”
“I know, of course, this is never easy, but you both seem to be on the same page with the kids. The finances are a simple fifty-fifty split. You both have your own retirement that’s fairly equal, and when it comes time to sell the house, if you decide to buy one another out, it should be relatively straightforward. There’s really nothing else.”
I can’t imagine selling that house. “What are you saying?”
“Your divorce is final, Dani. Once you sign, at least.”
My mouth drops open. I can’t breathe. Everything is whirling around—thoughts, memories, emotions. The last few months seem like a blur now that it’s final. I’m stumbling over words in my head when I say, “I just landed my own TV show.” The moment is awkward.
“Oh,” she says.
“I mean, I’m telling you because I was going to celebrate tonight.”
“Well, you can celebrate being single too?” Her voice getshigh at the end like she’s trying to persuade a toddler to do something.
I’m reeling from mental exhaustion. “Okay, Lisbeth, thank you for everything.” I pause and finally breathe. The finality is jarring. “One last thing…what did Alex say?”
“I don’t talk to Alex, Dani. I talk to his lawyer.”
“But he knows? That’s what I’m asking. Alex knows it’s final?”
“Yes.” Her tone seems apologetic.
As I leave the parking lot and turn onto the main street, I feel confused and disoriented. Somehow, I make it home, but I don’t remember driving there.I need to get the boys.
I pull out of our shallow, steep driveway and head to Jose’s. I reach down for my phone and text Noah and Ethan, telling them to be outside and ready in five minutes. When I look up, it’s too late. I hit my brakes, but I’ve already rolled into the car in front of me. It’s a glossy, pearl-colored Infinity sports car.
FUCK.
It was just a bumper kiss, but I know I have to pull over. We’re in the left turning lane. There are cars behind us, but the man in the car I hit decides to get out of his car while the light is green. People are honking behind me. He’s walking toward my car.
I lean out the window. “Pull over into that strip mall. I’ll follow you,” I tell him.
It’s obvious I have hit the wrong person. “What were you thinking?” He’s yelling as he continues walking toward me. “Were you on your phone, damn teenager texting?”
Wow, I don’t know if I should be gloating right now over the fact that he thinks I’m a teenager. I do have big sunglasses on. He looks to be in his sixties, maybe early seventies, well dressed. He’s pissed. “You need to pull off and get your car out of the road,” I say. “I’m not going to flee the scene, for Christ’s sake. Not many people have 1987 Jeep Wagoneers in this town. Gopark over there!” I point to the strip mall. A woman steps out of the passenger side. I didn’t see her before because the back windows are heavily tinted.
