Smiling, Paige asked, “Date?”
“No,” Demi grumbled. “I wish. It’s been a long and lonely couple of years.”
During one of their earlier meetings, Demi had shared that she’d been celibate for several years, and not by choice. Paige suspected Demi was holding out for someone, but she’d never asked for details.
“Aw.” Paige sipped her coffee. “I’ve been there. It’s not fun.”
Demi eyed her curiously.
“I know what you’re going to ask,” Paige said. “You’ve seen the article?”
Smirking, Demi nodded. “I did. And you totally don’t have to tell me what’s going on between you and Andrew.”
“I . . .” Paige smoothed a hand over her ponytail. “It’s kind of complicated right now.”
“Well, it’s not complicated because of the divorce. It’s final.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way.”
“I’m not worried, and you shouldn’t be either. Your ex is an asshole. He’s doing what he knows will get to you. You can’t let him. So what else makes this complicated?”
“The havoc Julius is wreaking with his publicity tour and the frivolous lawsuit.”
“Have you spoken with your personal attorney?” Demi asked.
Paige nodded. “We’re meeting tomorrow morning.” “Good. As far as the alimony motion is concerned, I got you on that. I already filed a motion to dismiss it this morning.”
“Thank God,” Paige breathed. “Hopefully, the judge does the right thing. It’s not my responsibility to pay for Julius’s criminal case.”
“Speaking of criminal cases . . . A friend of mine works in the prosecutor’s office in Atlanta. Don’t be surprised if his defense team calls you to testify at his upcoming criminal hearing.”
Her mouth fell open. “What? I don’t want to do that.” Julius had been indicted in both L.A. and Atlanta. Since then, more women had come forward. But knowing Julius, he planned to draw out the matter by filing crazy motions. It wouldn’t surprise Paige if the actual trial didn’t take place for a couple of years.
“You might want to talk to your attorney about that as well.”
Paige leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “What if we countersue? For defamation.”
Demi raised a brow. “Is that something you really want to do?”
Paige didn’t want to have another court date. But she needed to send a strong message to Julius that his behavior would not be tolerated. “I don’t know, but I want to keep that in my back pocket in case I need to take that step.”
“As your divorce attorney, I’m willing to do what you want me to do. As a woman who’s been there before, I wouldn’t do it. Fight and move on. I’m pretty sure the judge will dismiss the motion. Julius and his attorneys submitted no viable proof that you’re hiding assets. They mentioned you own property in Michigan but didn’t provide an address or anything else to support the claim. So I think you’re good there, but I’ll keep you posted.”
“Did you get the paperwork from my uncle?”
Demi nodded. “I did. But I’ll only submit it if I need to.”
Paige nodded. “Thanks, Demi. And thanks for coming again.”
They talked for a few more minutes about a few things related to the original divorce. Once they finished, Demi stood. “I better get going. Have to be in Santa Monica in an hour.”
“Oh yeah. You better hit the road now.” L.A. traffic wasn’t for the weak at heart. Paige had found herself driving while livid on more than one occasion. She walked Demi to the door. “I’ll call you soon.”
“Yes, keep me posted about the other lawsuit. Let me know if I can help.”
Paige nodded and waved as Demi left her house.
Half an hour after Demi left, Paige heard her doorbell ring. She hurried to the door, grinning when she realized who it was. Swinging the door open, she jumped into Andrew’s arms and kissed him.
