Page 36 of Against All Odds

“He signed it?”

“He did. It was delivered back to me this morning.”

Maybe some things are working out the way they were supposed to. At least I can put this behind me.

“I really wish you would’ve pushed for more financial compensation.”

She and everyone else.

“I just wanted it to be over. I don’t care about the money.”

Dylan agreed to my terms that I would get half of whatever assets we have, which is what the judge would’ve awarded anyway, and I waived spousal support. I really don’t want anything from him except to be out of my damn life.

“I’ll let you know when it’s finalized, but for all intents and purposes, you’re divorced.”

“How long does it usually take to be official?” I ask.

“At least thirty days. They allow time for either party to make changes and renegotiate. If you do decide you want to amend anything, you can, but it would just delay things.”

“There won’t be any changes. Thanks for all your help.”

“You’re welcome. I’ve requested the settlement be paid at the time of finalization,” she says before hanging up.

It’ll be nice when I get some money so I can buy some things for the house. Three days ago, a new stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher were delivered. I couldn’t handle the nonfunctioning appliances.

I spent last week painting the rest of the bedrooms and bathrooms, on my own I might add. Which I am pretty damn proud of. I didn’t even need to make six runs to the store either.

I have a few other small upgrades I’d like to make, but my lawyer advised me not to use any of our joint accounts, as it could be seen in a poor light, so I used part of my inheritance. Although I really don’t like touching it, since there’s not much to it, and I’d like to have an emergency fund.

I pull down my driveway and my jaw drops.

What the hell?

There’s a sealed mattress leaning against my door. I open my car door, thoroughly confused. I didn’t order one.

At least I don’t remember doing it.

Maybe I did in the middle of the night ...

No, I wouldn’t because I didn’t want to spend the money on one right now. That was one of the things I planned to purchase once I get money from Dylan, because sleeping on that mattress is absolutely going to be the death of me. The springs and lumps are terrible.

I climb the steps, incredibly confused, and there’s a piece of paper taped to it.

Vi,

Two things, first, here is a list of people you need to keep in case of any further housing mishaps, which seems to be your thing.

Electrician: James Constantino 1-888-ELE-TRIC (don’t ask, just go with it)

Tree removal: Justin, he’s a bit of an idiot, but the nicest guy. Tell him you know me. 1-888-555-TREE (look, the town people like to be obvious)

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