Page 17 of Georgia: Britain's Story: Part 1
“She’s teething,” Jess says grumpily.
“Awww, poor babe,” I say in a sickeningly sweet voice.
“Yes. Poor.Babe,” Jess deadpans and I laugh to myself. I remember those days. “I need a distraction, what was in the box?” Jess demands.
“I don’t know. I haven’t opened it yet.”
“You haven’t opened it YET? Your mother left youONEbox from her entire estate, and you haven’t even looked in it YET?”
“No. I don’t know, I was just caught up in catching up with Rose. And then when I got in the car, I just wanted to go. And also, I’m a little bit afraid. Like what if she left me a big box of gardening tools or something? Like what am I supposed to do with that?”
“OR what if she left you a box of all her sex toys???” Jess asks in a scandalizing voice.
“Oh my god, Jess, eww. And if so, I will gladly take that box straight to the dump, or an incinerator.”
“Oh, don’t be misogynistic, Britain. Women are allowed to enjoy sex, watch porn, and use toys,” Jess scolds me.
“Hundred percent, couldn’t agree more. But I don’t wantanyone'shand-me-down vibrator,especiallyone from my mom.”
“That’s fair,” she says.
“Oh, and I’m assuming you know what I’m driving right now, since the car was reserved for London Scott?” I grill her.
“Yup, sure did.”
I laugh, “And you didn’t think that was something I should have been privy to? I thought the valet was trying to give me the wrong car, and then CHP was going to pull me over and arrest me for auto theft.”
“Ha!” She laughs, “oh crap. I didn’t even think about that. Sorry. I just thought, if Damian wants to waste all his money, I should at least help guide him to something worthwhile. In fact, if I were you, I’d be gloating. He spent more on your Porsche than he did on Summer’s engagement ring.” Her and I both suck in a sharp breath. “Shit, I wasn’t supposed to say anything. Britain, I’m so sorry.”
“We’re not even divorced yet,” I say bitterly.
“I know, um, Tommy mentioned that he’s going to do it soon. Tommy’s holding the ring for him, that's the only reason I know.”May 6th. That's the REAL reason for the car. And the generous settlement.
“Got it,” I ground out. “I’m sort of wishing I hadn’t just eaten In-N-Out in the car now that I know it’s not a rental. That,andI might be sick.”Ugh.
“I wasnottrying to drop this knowledge bomb on your day, babe. I’m so sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for. Like literally, nothing at all. I’m glad I heard it from you and not from Damian, or even worse, from the girls. Now I’ll be ready.” And that’s the honest truth. I don’t want or need anyone pitying me, or walking on eggshells around me, or withholding truths. I’m a big girl. I can handle this.
The exit signs are starting to look familiar and I know my turn is coming up.
“Hey, I have to go, but what was the realtor’s name again?”
“Her name’s Tori, and she said she’ll be in the sales office. She’s expecting you.” Jess takes a moment, “I really didn’t mean to shit on your day. We okay?”
“We’re good. But, hey, I gotta go. Love you.”
“Love you, too, babe. Bye.” And with that, Jess ends the call.
And to think, the day started on such a high note. This is good, though. Once I get past the shock, because it is a little shocking, I’m going to move past this. There’s nothing wrong with Damian moving on. Granted, I wish he would have waited till after our divorce, but it is what it is. Reminds me of my favorite quote from my favorite movie,When Harry Met Sally:
“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
I can’t fault him for wanting to start the rest of his life.
I take my exit off 99 and drive through town, soaking it all in. Surprisingly, much is the same as it was all those years ago. There’s a few places that look like they’ve undergone renovations or gotten a fresh coat of paint. There’s definitely a few places missing, but much of it has been preserved and for a brief moment, it feels like I never left.
I drive past the turn that would take me to Georgia’s house. I ponder heading there first, but today has been enough already. I don’t really need to add one more thing. I remind myself,I’ve got nothing but time, a whole six weeks ahead of me.So I continue on as the businesses and neighborhoods start to thin, indicating my approach to the hills.
