Love At Last Part 11

Chapter 17.

Allieas stomach was in knots as she heard the back door open. Paul, of course, was not home when she came home that morning. Being a Sat.u.r.day, she figured he went into the office. Although after seeing that he lied to her the night before, she was no longer sure what Paul was doing. There were no phone messages for her that morning, but it looked as though Paul slept in Nickas bed.

Paul walked into the kitchen where Allie sat at the table. She looked up from her cup of tea and smiled. aHi, Paul. At the office?a He set his briefcase down and took off his jacket. aYes. We have a new client coming in Tuesday. We want to be prepared.a He reached into the fridge for a beer. aWant one?a aNo thanks.a aSo you got stuck in the lousy weather?a He sat across from her. aI got your message.a Allie nodded. aHow was the game?a She watched as he picked at the label on the bottle and waited.

He glanced up at her, then concentrated on the bottle of beer in front of him. Allie tried a different tact. aToni wanted to know what bar. Sheas obviously a sports fan.a aI didnat go out with the guys last night.a aOh? They p.o.o.p out on you?a She watched as he took a long pull from his beer.

aI had a last-minute dinner meetinga"a aWith a client?a Paul shook his head. aNo, not a client. A prospective business partner. Sheas a brainiac with numbers, and sheas a lawyer.a When he stopped, Allie saw the smile flash across his face for just an instant. It was fleeting but glaringly telling to Allie; a feeling of loneliness swept through her that was just as fleeting. She realized Paul was still talking.

aDonna, thatas her name. Donna Singleton. Sheas been the VP of accounting for many years. Sheas loyal and loves the business. Without Donna, wead probably be in the toilet right now. So weare discussing her becoming a partner. You had seen her in the deli that one time.a The whole while, Paul did not look at Allie when he spoke.

aAllieaa He stopped and took another drink.

aWhat? Please, at this juncture, and after all we talked about last month, I think we need to keep talking and be honest.a He looked up. aAre you being honest with me?a Allie c.o.c.ked her head. aHow do you mean?a aAbout Toni.a Allie groaned. aThere is nothing between Toni and me. Weare friends, good friends. Thatas all. Iave never lied to you.a aOnly to yourself.a aOkay, I think I like you better when you didnat want to talk about anything but Notre Dame football and the Cubs.a She noticed a smile tugged at his lips when he drank. aAre you reading Cosmopolitan?a Paul nearly spit up his beer. aNo.a Allie took a chance then. aThen it must be Donna,a she said softly as she poured another cup of tea. She ran her fingers over the top of the kitchen table, oddly remembering when they bought it. No, she thought, she went out and bought it. Her mind raced thinking of all the things she and Paul did separately all these years.

aHey,a he said lightly and tapped his bottle on the table.

Allie blinked. aOh, Iam sorry. I was thinking.a aYeah, been doing a lot of that lately.a aWith Donna,a Allie offered.

aYes, Allie. With Donna.a He sounded exasperated as he ran his fingers through his hair, then took a long drink. Allie knew that gesture; Paul was like Nick in this regard. It was a sign of supreme frustration. In a moment, she was sure Paul would shut himself off. aAnd to answer your next question. No, I am not having an affair with her. Weave had conversations about our lives and how we feel. But I am not sleeping with her.a aThat was not my next question,a Allie said and smiled. aBut it was in my top ten.a Paul chuckled grudgingly. aWhatas going on with us, Al?a Allie sat back. aI think weare growing up.a Paul snorted into his beer. aThen wead better hurry or the kids will catch up to us.a They laughed for a moment before becoming serious once again. aAre you in love?a Paulas head shot up, completely caught off-guard. aI said I was not having an affair. But I can see where you think it. h.e.l.l, the idea of you and Toni together runs through my mind all the time. Are you going to tell me you donat think about Toni? Please remember Iam the one who came home last night.a Though Paul didnat mean to stir it, Allie felt the anger welling inside her. She wasnat ready to talk about what she might feel for Toni, just as Paul was not ready to discuss Donna. aI am not having an affair with Toni OaHara.a Paul just looked at her but said nothing.

aAll right, Paul, youare not having an affair, either.a aAnd Iam not ready to talk about my feelings for Donna. Iam trying to sort twenty-five years of my life and make some sense out of it, so I donat feel like a fool for loving and marrying a woman I knew was gayaa His voice trailed off as he sat back.

Hearing that out loud for the first time in her life made Allieas heart pound in her chest. Was Paul right? Suddenly, her mind sifted through all the years, all the trouble with their marriage.

Paul reached across and took her hand. aDonna and Toni are not the problem with us.a Allie composed herself and agreed. aBut I think theyare the catalyst for us to acknowledge what we are and figure out what we want to do.a Paul nodded. aThese talks exhaust me.a Allie laughed. aI hear ya.a aWhat do you think would have happened if we talked like this twenty-five years ago?a aWe probably wouldnat have married and had two wonderful kids.a They sat once again in deafening silence. Allie could hear the clock ticking on the walla"it sounded like a time bomb ready to explode at any minute. She looked at Paul, who was deep in thought. aIam sorry for this.a He looked up and nodded. aMe too. Itas kind of surreal. I feel like Iam in a bad dream. It would be much easier if we didnat like each other.a Allie agreed. aAnd if we could lay blame at each otheras doorstep. But I think weave shown our respective culpabilities.a aYes. Can I tell you one thing?a Allie c.o.c.ked her head. aOnly one?a Paul smiled. aIam glad neither of us is having an affair, and itas just about us.a aI am, too.a aAre we talking divorce?a Paul asked tentatively.

aLetas think about what that means.a aOkay.a Paul sat back. aYou mean think about it right now, right?a aYes. Right now, if thatas okay.a aYeah. I think we need to talk about it. Itas driving me crazy. My stomach is in knots over this.a aSo is mine. While itas been a long time coming, it seems like itas happening so fast.a aToo fast? Do you want to wait on it?a aNo. I think itas best we talk honestly about it.a aWell, we have all weekend.a They decided to take the rest of Sat.u.r.day and think about what a divorce would mean to each other and as a family, then discuss later that night. It was Paulas idea to get out of the house and go to dinner.

aBut letas pick a place that doesnat have any memories for us, so we can think clearly,a Paul said.

Allie agreed completely. They didnat need any more emotional stress than they already had, so they decided on the new Italian restaurant one of the teachers in the art school talked about. It was quaint but not too quiet so they didnat have to worry about anyone hearing their conversation.

The server brought the bottle of red to the table and poured two gla.s.ses. Neither Allie nor Paul wanted an appetizer. Paul toyed with his winegla.s.s as Allie watched him. He looked tired, but his eyes sparkled in the candlelight on the table. He also looked miles away; Allie wondered if he was thinking about Donna Singleton.

Just then, a wave of sadness wafted through her. They were on the verge of divorce, something that was probably inevitable, but she felt sad and lonely now. Even though they had separate lives, Allie had always felt safe and secure. Did she want to give that up? She wondered if Paul was thinking the same thing.

As if knowing what she was thinking, Paul looked up. aDo we want to do this? I mean, divorce. Weave been together for so long, and it hasnat been all that bad.a aWe have been through a lot together. Building a family, having a home. Weave worked hardaa Allie stopped when she really heard what she was saying. She laughed sadly.

Paul c.o.c.ked his head curiously, but then he smiled. aWe sound pretty pathetic, donat we? Neither one has said we loved the other.a He shook his head and took a drink of wine. aI do love you.a aAnd I love you. But itas time we admit to each other what we want out of life. At last, letas be totally honest.a She reached across and took his hand, which he held tight. aWe have such a long life still to live.a Paul nodded and looked down at their hands. aI think I could be falling in love with Donna.a Even though Allie knew this would happen, her heart ached. But she couldnat deny how Paul looked after he admitted this. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Allie gripped his hand tighter. aI think youare already there.a When Paul looked up, he had tears in his eyes. aI never meant for this to happen to us.a aI didnat, either. But there it is.a She let go of his hand and picked up her winegla.s.s. aWhat does Donna say about all this?a Paul sat back, letting out a deep sigh. aSheas been after me for months to talk about it with you. She said we canat talk about us until you and I are settled.a aShe seems like a steady, intelligent woman.a aYes, she is.a aOne who can help you and love you like you need to be loved.a Paul ran his fingers through his hair. aI hate this!a aI know.a Allie sat back. aBut as long as we keep talking honestly, weall get through this.a Paul nodded. aWhat about you? What do you want?a Allie thought about it. aI donat mean anything against you. But I want to fall in love. I want to feel the pa.s.sion Iaa aYou didnat feel with me,a he said softly.

aIam so sorry. This is something I should have said long ago, not kept in that place deep in the back of my mind withaa aSue.a aItas so stupid. Why did I have to start thinking about this?a Allie said loudly as the tears came. Paul winced as the server walked by. aI just put it so far out of my mind figuring it was just a thing because I was a teenager. If I just didnat think about it, Iad be fine. Then we had Nick, then Jocelyn, and the years just flew by. Now in a chance meeting, for G.o.dsakes, I meet Toni, and all this has me thinking about it all over again. And sheas such a good friend andaa She put the napkin to her eyes, trying to stop her inane ramblings.

aItas okay,a Paul said softly.

Allie now had a headache from trying not to cry. She wiped her eyes with the napkin and sniffed. aWhat do we do next?a aI think we need to talk to the kids. We can talk to both of them at the same time.a aYes, I think thatas the best. G.o.d, what are they going to say?a Allie wondered how they were going to break it to them.

aI donat know. Iam sure they have no idea.a Paul sat back. aIam just glad theyare grown. This would be devastating otherwise. You know, I could talk to Nick and you could talk to Jossie.a Allie thought about it for a moment. aNo. I think itas best if we do this together. You and I are in agreement about the divorce. We should tell them together. Jocelynas spring break is in a couple weeks. Iall ask her to come home then, and Nick can fly in for a visit, as well.a aI am not looking forward to this.a *******

It was the longest two weeks of Allieas life. Jocelyn and Nick agreed to come home for Jocelynas spring break. Paul was a nervous wreck the morning he was to pick both up at the airport.

At one point, Allie couldnat take his pacing anymore. aI canat believe Iam saying this, but would you please go to work?a Paul stopped pacing and glared at her. Allie put her hands on her hips in a challenging posture.

Inexplicably, both started chuckling. Paul sat on the edge of the couch. aYou havenat said that in twenty-five years.a Allie washed the same spot on the kitchen table five times waiting for Paul to come back with the kids. She thought of calling Toni; she wanted to tell her so much about what was happening. Was it divine intervention that Toni had a conference in Des Moines that week? Allie didnat know, but she knew Toni could tell something was going on. When she called the other day, Allie could hear the soft concern in her voice. She smiled now, thinking how Toni was always there for hera"always caring.

Hearing the car in the driveway had all thoughts of Toni pushed to the back of her mind, but her stomach was in knots. She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes. aPlease let this go well, G.o.d.a aMom?a When she heard Jocelynas voice, she smiled, and her trepidation stopped. Deep in her heart, she knew her daughter. While she might be surprised, she would understand. Allie tossed the dishcloth in the sink, ignoring the unsettling feeling of what Nick would say.

She hugged both children while glancing at Paul, who looked as though he could use a drink. aAre you hungry?a aAre you kidding?a Nick said, his head already in the fridge.

aNo, Iam fine, Mom. Now whatas going on?a Jocelyn asked.

Allie inwardly laughed. Oh, Jocelyn, she thought, always right to the point. She gently pushed Nick out of the way. aEverybody, sit. Iall make you a sandwich.a She was glad to have something to do.

As she pulled out what she needed from the refrigerator, she glanced at Paul, who nodded.

aYour mom and I have something to tell you.a Nick grinned. aYouare sick of Chicago winters and youare moving to Florida.a Paul winced. aNo, son. Your mother and I have been talking for a few months now.a Allie placed a sandwich in front of Nick. She knew Paul would not eat, just as she had no appet.i.te. She glanced from Nick, who concentrated on his lunch, to Jocelyn, who watched her father intently.

aTalking about what, Dad?a she asked quietly.

Allie sat next to Paul, placing her hand on his arm. aTalking about our lives and what we want out of them.a Nick looked up. aYou are moving,a he said with a mouthful.

Allie and Paul exchanged glances. It was Jocelyn who spoke. aNo, Nick. Theyare talking about what they want out of life.a She smiled sadly and looked at Allie. aAnd I donat think itas the same thing.a Nick had the gla.s.s of milk to his lips. He said nothing, just drank his milk.

Allie felt the tears nearly overwhelm her. For an instant, she thought of telling them it was a mistake. Everything was fine. She was fine, their father was fine. Everyone was fine and happy. And in the next instant, she knew she couldnat say that. Not the way Jocelyn looked at her. She was pleading with Allie to tell the truth. To treat her like an adult, not the adorable five-year-old she held in her lap while Allie gazed at the paintings in the museum, wondering what ifa aNo, sweetie. Itas not the same,a Allie said softly.

Paul leaned forward. aThings between your mother and me havenat been right for a long while, kids. And itas time we made them right.a aWhat the h.e.l.l are you talking about?a Nick tossed his napkin on the table. aYouave been married for twenty-five years. Youare just now thinking about this?a Jocelyn still locked gazes with Allie, as father and son continued.

aNo, son. Weave been separately thinking about it and not talking to each other. Itas only since weave been alone without you kids in the house, weave come to realizeaa aThis is bulls.h.i.+t,a Nick said angrily. aWhat about me and Jossie?a Paul frowned deeply. aWhat about you?a aWhat are we supposed to do?a Paul sat forward. aYou can start by acting like an adult.a Nick stood so fast, the kitchen chair toppled over. He marched out of the kitchen, nearly taking the swinging door off its hinges.

aWell, that went well,a Paul said and stood. aIall go talk to him.a He looked at Jocelyn. aJossie, Iam so sorry, sweetie.a aItas okay. Go after Nick before he strokes out. Iall talk to Mom.a Paul kissed the top of her head and walked out. Allie and Jocelyn sat in silence for a moment. aSo?a Allie asked softly.

aYou and I had a brief discussion before Thanksgiving, but I wonat say Iam not shocked and disappointed. But I have to be honest and say I had a feeling about this. How Dad was always working and never home. Oh, I know he worked a lot when we were kids, but he was truly always there for us. Itas just when we left the house, I thought you two would be off and running together. But you never did. I wondered why.a Allie nodded but said nothing. Jocelyn leaned forward. aIs there someone else Dad is seeing?a aWhatas happening between your father and me is just that, sweetie. But if youare asking if your father is having an affairaNo, heas not.a Jocelyn looked tentative and started to say something, then stopped. Allie smiled sadly. aNo, sweetie. Neither am I.a aIam so sorry. I donat think, I mean, I donataa aHoney, itas okay. Itas a natural question.a Jocelyn sat back. aYou donat love Dad anymore?a aOf course, I love your father. Iam just not in love with him. If that makes sense.a Allie took a deep breath and let it out slowly. aIf any of this makes sense.a aIt does. I suppose it wouldnat be such a shock to me and obviously to Nick,a she said and laughed. Allie chuckled along but let her continue, aif you two fought all the time. But you never did. Itas likeaa She stopped and thought for a moment.

aWhat, sweetie?a aItas like we felt safe and loved and taken care of. But now that I think of it, we never saw you and Dad affectionate with each other.a Allie winced at the truth in her statement. Paul and she were never demonstrative, never affectionate. It was like they were friends and roommates, for lack of a better word. Good G.o.d, Allie thought, twenty-five years. She nearly missed Jocelynas next words.

aYou never fought, but you never showedaIam sorry. I shouldnat be saying this.a aNo. No. I want you to say whatever you feel, sweetie.a aGood because youave always said that to us. And I donat want to stop, especially now. So what are you going to do? Divorce? Man, that sounds so surreal to say.a aI know, Jos. I know. But we canat continue living like this. And we have such a long life ahead of us.a aI remember when I was a teenager, when we had a mother-daughter talk, you said something that has always stuck with me.a aG.o.d, I hope it was something worthwhile and not something like adonat forget to wear clean underwear.aa Jocelyn laughed. aNo, that would be something you would have said to Nick.a aTrue.a aYou said never settle for anything but real, true love. Money, fame, none of it matters if you wake up in the morning next to someone who doesnat have your heart in theirs.a Tears stung Allieas eyes as she remembered the exact time she had that discussion with her children. aI feel like a hypocrite.a Allie tried to control her emotions.

Jocelyn reached across the table and held Allieas hand. aYouare not. You and Dad loved your children more than anything. Maybe now itas your time, both of you. Time to find real love.a Jocelyn sniffed loudly and let go of Allieas hand to pick up a napkin. aBoy, that sounds hokey, but you know what I mean.a Allie plucked a napkin out of the holder on the table and dabbed her eyes as she sniffed loudly. aHow did you grow up to be such a considerate, intelligent woman?a aI had two great parents.a aWell, now I have a blinding headache.a Allie smiled. aI do love you, Jocelyn. No matter what happens, I will always love you.a aI know. I feel the same. I hope Nick isnat been a total tool to Dad.a aYour father loves you both very much. This is extremely hard on him, too.a aIall talk with him. And if I have to, Iall talk to Nick, too. He might be older than I am, but Marcie has taught me a couple martial arts moves. If it comes to that.a Allie and Jocelyn laughed at the idea. Allie hoped it wouldnat come to that.

Jocelyn left the kitchen to make sure Nick had not left. Allie sat there, drained emotionally. Though it was the hardest conversation shead ever have, not counting Nick, she couldnat help but be so proud of Jocelyn. She was grown. No longer was she the tiny girl who always had her hands in the air waiting to be picked up. Jocelyn was beautiful, inside and out.

aHey, Mom,a Nickas soft voice called out.

Allie looked up to see him standing in the doorway, smiling sheepishly. Allie had to chuckle at the child-like posture. aCamon in. You look like you did when you were six and you threw the baseball through the living room window.a Nick laughed and sat across from her, but Allie noticed he sat back, his hands shoved into his pants pockets in a defensive manner. She only wondered what his discussion was with Paul.

aSo,a Allie said with a deep sigh. aWhat are you thinking, Nick?a aI dunno. Itas just a shock, I guess. I mean, h.e.l.l, Mom, you and Dad? Geezus. What are you going to do? Divorce? Then what will you do?a Allie c.o.c.ked her head. aAbout what?a aLiving alone.a Allie glared. aYour father would be living alone. Are you worried about him?a Nick seemed taken aback. aNo. Heas a man.a It took Allie a second for her brain to catch up with what he just said. aAre you kidding me?a Allie leaned forward. aI thought we raised you to be a logical, thinking, and caring human being.a aWell, Ia"a aAnd what makes you think your father can be okay alone and not me?a aWell, youa"a aDo I not have a job? Have I not taken care of this house and everyone in it?a aWell, yeah, buta"a aAnd have you ever had to worry about anything while you lived here?a aNoa"a aAnd who made you feel that way?a aYou and Dada"a aThen get that testosterone-laden tone out of your voice, young man.a Allie angrily sat back. It seemed everything came to the surface, and poor Nick was the recipient. aI have spent all my life taking care of this house and this family. Your father has worked like a dog to make sure we had a house to take care of. We have loved and cared for you and your sister and now, for the first time in our livesa"a aMom. Okay, okay. Iam sorry. Youare right. I should never have questioned your ability to live alone. I guessaa He stopped and ran his fingers through his hair, looking so much like his father. aI guess itas just that I donat want to see you lonely.a aNick.a Allie saw the tears well in his eyes. aNo one is going to be lonely. I have you and Jocelyn. Your father and I do not hate each other, sweetie. We just donat want the same things in life, and we never really did. I donat want to go into all the reasons, but they really have nothing to do with you or your sister. Our love for you will never change.a aI know,a Nick said. He sat back in a dejected heap. aI guess itas just such a big change for me.a Allie raised an eyebrow. aYes, and your father and I are just breezing along with this. You poor thing.a Nick winced but smiled grudgingly. aYou donat have to be sarcastic.a aToo late, donat you think?a They both looked up when Jocelyn and Paul walked back into the kitchen. Allie could tell it had been very emotional for both.

aEnough talk,a Paul said. He grabbed Nick by the scruff of his neck. aCamon, weare going out for an early dinner.a Allie smiled and stood. aI agree. Things may change, but weare still a family.a

Chapter 18.

The next week, Nick was furious. He took a cab from the airport and didnat go straight home to his mother. Instead, he went downtown to find her and confront her. He marched to her office, saw the stenciled lettering Inspector Toni OaHara, and banged on the door.

aGeezus! Come in!a He heard her bark.

As he marched in, he saw the coffee spilled all over her paperwork. Toni was mopping up the mess when she looked up. aNick, what a surprise. When did you getaa She stopped short when she saw the angry look on his face. aWhatas wrong?a aAre you f.u.c.king my mother?a Toni looked as though she wanted to faint. Her mouth dropped as she closed her office door. aWhat in the h.e.l.l are you talking about?a aAnswer my question, d.a.m.n you.a Toni stood tall and calm. Nick went on relentlessly. aLast week, my folks decided they were getting a divorcea"a aWhat?a aAnd now, I just get a call from a friend of mine, Joey. His father is my dadas attorney. He said his dad is handling the divorce and told Joey it was probably because of you. My dad told him about the dinners, the Cubs games, the museum, and thatas why Dad is filing for divorce. So?a Tonias mind was reeling. Divorce? What the h.e.l.l happened? She took a deep breath and gathered her thoughts. aIam your motheras friend, Nick. I havenat seen her for at least two weeks. And if all this had transpired, thatas why. And for you to come barging into my office with ridiculous accusationsaa She stopped and took another deep breath. aYouad better leave and talk to your parents.a aIf you were a man, Iad belt you right in the mouth,a he said angrily.

aAnd if you were a man, Iad gladly take the punch. Now get out of here before I forget Iam a lady and kick your a.s.s.a For an instant, Nick thought he might break down. His hands shook horribly. Toni softened. aNick, go see your mother. Talk to her. Iam sure sheas hurting pretty bad right now. Believe me, it has nothing to do with me or our friends.h.i.+p, which is all we have.a aI-Iam...a He stopped short.

Toni walked up to him and put her hands on his shoulders. aI donat blame you for what youare feeling, but youare wrong, and thatas all I can tell you. You need to talk to your mother. She needs you. Now more than ever,a she said, and he nodded. She opened her door and he walked out.

He turned to her and gave her a sad, apologetic look.

Toni smiled. aItas all right, son. Go now.a She gently pushed him down the hall.

The front door was open when Nick walked in. aMom?a His mother came out of the den. aGood grief. You scared the life out of me. What in the world are you doing home again? Is everything all right?a aTell me whatas going on.a aWhat do you mean? Sit down.a Nick sat on the couch. His mother sat in the chair next to him. aNow tell me whatas happened to make you fly home.a aI talked to Joey Conroy yesterday. His dadaa aYes, heas your fatheras lawyer.a aYeah, well, he said his dad told him that Dad filed for divorce. He was shocked and said besides money, the only thing they could come up with isaa aIs what?a Allie sat forward.

aToni,a he said, not looking at her.

aWhat?a Allie said angrily. aYour father went to see his lawyer, just as I got one, and went to her. We discussed this last week when you were in. This is between your father and me.a His mother closed her eyes, seemingly to collect her thoughts. aThere is nothing going on with Toni.a aWell, thatas what she said, butaa Allie grabbed Nickas forearm. aWhat do you mean? Have you talked to her?a aWell, yeah. I was upset. I, well, I asked her if you two wereaa aYou didnat? How dare you barge into that womanas office and accuse her of...she is the best friend I haveahave ever had. And if you canat understand that, young man, then...a aMom, Mom, I do. I was wrong. IaShe threatened to kick my a.s.s,a he said seriously.

aIf she doesnat, I will. Did you apologize?a aI tried, but she told me to come straight to you and talk. She said you needed me now more than ever and I should take care of you,a he said, shamefaced.

He saw the smile cross her face. aSheas a good friend, huh?a aYes, sheas a good friend, and she doesnat deserve whatas happening. I have to call her. She must think Iam an idiot.a aHavenat you called her at all?a aNo. I wanted to get all this squared away before I talk to her. William Conroy has a big mouth.a aDo you think Dad told him it was because of Toni?a aNo, I donat. I know Bill Conroy. Heas a jacka.s.s, but your father thinks heas a good lawyer.a aYouare not going to get screwed, are you?a aOf course not. Your father and I donat hate each other. Weall be fine.a She looked at him. aI still canat believe you went to Toni.a aIam so sorry. But she really looked concerned and shocked when I said you and Dad were getting a divorce. She turned white. I thought she was going to pa.s.s out.a Allie c.o.c.ked her head. aReally?a aYeah. She almost had to sit down. I think you need to call her.a aI will right after we sit with our attorneys. Now can you stay?a aNo, I need to get back. I canat believe I flew here for this.a Allie hugged him. aI canat, either, and youare totally wrong about Toni. Iam glad youare thinking about me, sweetie, but Iad like to wring your neck right now.a *******

Allie sat across from Paul, who winked and smiled, albeit sadly. She had not told him about Nickas impromptu visit earlier in the week. They sat in silence as the two lawyers looked over the briefs.

Allieas lawyer looked up. aIt seems we have a very amicable divorce here.a Bill Conroy snorted sarcastically. Paul looked up at him with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. aBill...?a Bill held up his hand, looking at Allieas lawyer. aMy client wants to be amicable. But Iam concerned about this lesbian Mrs. Sanders has been seeing.a Allie was shocked and looked at Paul, who was visibly stunned. When he looked at her, Allie knew he had talked to Bill about Toni.

Paul gave her an apologetic look, then turned to Bill. aThat has nothing to do with this.a Allieas lawyer leaned forward. aItas not wise to bring this up, gentlemen. Not since there is a certain VP, one Donna Singleton.a She looked at Paul, who again was stunned.

This time, he looked at Allie in surprise. She had indeed told her lawyer of Donna, but only as a point of reference, not to use it as part of the divorce.

aAs my husband said, that has nothing to do with thisaa Then all h.e.l.l broke loose between the two lawyers.

aYou have no proof that my client is in a lesbian relations.h.i.+p,a she said.

aIam sure if we investigatedaa Bill started.

aYou can spend all the money you want on a private investigator and youall find nothing,a Allieas lawyer said.

aYour client stayed at her place overnight,a he spat out.

Allie wanted to kill Paul at that moment. He shrugged helplessly and shook his head.

aIt was the same night your client lied to his wife and saw a particular redhead, counselor.a Now Allie felt extremely guilty for telling her lawyer about Donna. Paul and Allie looked at each other as their lawyers continued as if they were not there.

aYou have no proof, either,a Bill went on. aIf you go there, this will be a very messy divorce.a Allieas lawyer cleared her throat. aBy law, my client gets half of all monies and property.a Bill leaned on the desk. aMy client gets his business free and clear.a Allieas lawyer leaned in, as well, challenging him. aThatas over a million dollars. If I remember correctly, my client worked for the first five years of their marriage, pregnant while your client had the luxury of finding the perfect job. This woman deserves...a When Paul started chuckling, at first Allie was nervous. She hoped he wasnat having a breakdown right here at the conference table. But when he winked, Allie suddenly realized what was happeninga"neither lawyer was listening to what Allie or Paul thought or wanted. They were doing what they thought was besta"to make it ugly until one of them gave up.

Allie and Paul had discussed what each wanted and how they wanted the divorce conducted. And what was happening right now wasnat it. Paul rapped his knuckles on the desk, softly at first, to get their attention. When neither lawyer acknowledged him, he banged twice, silencing them.

aThank you,a Paul said. aAllie, what do you want?a aThe house,a Allie responded. aItas all I really need.a Paul smiled. aIall have Bill draw up the papers. You get the house and twenty percent of what my company is worth.a aPaul, thatas not necessary.a aYou worked for the first five years for me,a Paul insisted. aYour lawyer is right about that.a Allie relented. aOkay. What about the kids?a aTheyare beneficiaries to my retirement and any insurance policies. Iall continue to pay for Jossieas college. And you and I will discuss anything else.a Allie grinned and agreed. Paul looked up at Bill. aThatas about it.a aPaul, twenty percent of your company. And what about this lesbianaa he whispered.

Allie banged her fist on the table so hard she almost broke her hand.

aNow youave done it.a Paul sat back and folded his arms. He looked at Bill. aYouare on your own.a aBill, I understand you want the best for Paul, but if you ever, ever do anything to harm Toni OaHara, I will make your life a living h.e.l.l. Do I make myself perfectly clear?a Bill breathed heavily through his nose but said nothing.

aHe gets it,a Allieas attorney said. aYouall have the papers drawn up and filed by the end of the week. The divorce is official in sixty days.a Bill Conroy, red-faced and angry, jammed the papers in his briefcase. aIall talk to you later, Paul.a He left the room with Allieas attorney.

Allie and Paul sat opposite each other. aSo thatas it,a Paul said.

Allie nodded. aThatas it.a aIam sorry about Bill. I did tell him about Toni, but I swear, Al, I never had an idea he would bring it up like that.a aI know. Iam sorry I told my attorney about Donna. She just asked, and I told her everything. But I feel the same. I didnat tell her to make it part of the divorce.a aIrreconcilable differences,a Paul said softly. aSounds so clinical.a Allie just nodded in agreement. She flexed her hand and winced. aI think I damaged this.a Paul then stood. aYou need to get that looked at. Do I have to pay for it?a Allie glared, then laughed. aLetas get out of here.a aWell, I guess all thatas left is to sign the final papers thenaa Allie walked over to him and hugged him fiercely. Paul hugged her and kissed her head.

aLetas get out of here,a he said.

She turned, and without another glance back, Allie walked out and headed for her new life.

Chapter 19.

aSpring has sprung!a Kevin declared as he walked into Tonias office.

She looked up and grinned. aHas it really?a she asked in a tired voice.

Kevin shook his head. aCamon, you need to get some air. Youave been cooped up in this office for weeks. Whatas the big idea pulling double s.h.i.+fts?a aIam fine, you old nag.a She rubbed her face. aIam just tired and hungry.a aYouare always hungry,a a voice called from the doorway.

Toni whirled around to see Alana standing there, grinning.