Page 84 of The Me I Left Behind

“You have the keys?” Julia moved into the garage and tried the passenger side door. Locked.

“Sure. There’s a set inside. Why?”

“Glove box. Make and model, registration, and so on…” Julia replied. “Details for later. Assets. Come on, let’s go inside and talk.”

Maggie led the way between the cars and into the mudroom door. She punched the garage door button as they both went inside and moved on into the kitchen.

Julia plopped her paper-heavy leather bag on the granite island top. “Been thinking. The two-hour drive is good for that. I have some news and some thoughts. But first,” she pulled a file folder out of the bag, “I have papers for you to sign. This will get us started.” She slid the paper-clipped stack toward her.

“Is this the same as we discussed?”

“Pretty much. I also tried to get my two cents in about selling the house, or anything else, but we will see how that goes.”

“What about him paying utilities? The kids’ tuition?”

“I made sure to include that he maintains all support as it was until the divorce is final.”

“Good.”

“Look it over, Mags. Sign when you are ready.” She stood. “I’m heading to the little girl’s room.”

“There’s a powder room off the living room,” Maggie said. “You know where. Right?”

“Yep. Be right back.”

Maggie flipped through the stack of papers, lingering over some of the newer additions. While she knew she should probably read it all word-for-word, she trusted her friend to no end. Of course, she needed to understand the exact terms of the filing, but she wouldn’t take time right now to scour the documents. Later.

Bedtime reading, probably.

Julia hustled back into the room. “Well?”

“It’s all fine. Let me find a pen.”

“Here.” Julia plucked one from her bag.

Maggie signed in all the places Julia had marked, then handed the paperwork back to her. “Let’s do it.”

“Great.” She put it all back in the file folder. “Ride along with me. You can point me in the direction of the county clerk’s office.”

“Sure. We’ll be back by one, right? The locksmith is coming then to change the locks.”

“Oh good. This won’t take long.”

“Great.” Maggie paused, watching Julia slide the pen into its little holster inside her bag. “But I’m just curious. What were you thinking earlier about Max’s Escalade?”

Julia laughed. “You really want to know?”

“If it’s that funny, I do.” Whatisshe thinking?

“If Max tries to screw you over with the house, we need to hold that Escalade hostage. Did he buy it or lease?”

Why the fuck didn’t I think of that?“I’m sure he bought it. But seriously, Julia? That’s brilliant.” Her brain was spinning. Shedidneed money. “Could we sell it?”

“Probably not. I’m sure it’s in his name. Right?”

“Oh, I’m positive about that. The registration is probably in the glove box. But the title? Do you think it’s in the papers you have?”

“Maybe. I’ve not gone through everything yet. But we should check around here, too.” Julia exhaled, staring out the window. “Since we can’t sell it… If we only had someplace to stash it. Like I said. Hold it hostage.”

---