Part 9 (1/2)

Don and Carl played exclusively with her and had ever since she moved in.

That didnt hurt her feelings in the least. She still felt a little guilty that the guys wouldnt let her reciprocate with them in terms of o.r.g.a.s.ms, but they a.s.sured her thats the way they wanted it for now.

They also rea.s.sured her that if, once her divorce was final, she wanted more, they would be there, patiently waiting for her to instigate that discussion.

But both men were adamant that they wanted her to be able to make whatever decision she did with a clear mind and a clear conscience.

Don and Carl were out in the backyard doing yard work. Shed been dealing with a couple of work emergencies via her laptop when the doorbell rang.

She was shocked to find Mike standing there when she answered the door.

What are you doing here? she asked.

Can I come in and talk to you?

Shed almost hoped, early on, that Mike would see the divorce papers, panic, and swear to change. Then follow up on the promises with real change.

Shed known that was unrealistic and borderline crazy thinking, but shed hoped hed think she was worth trying to fight for.

The longer hed gone without a personal response, the more she realized the sad reality, that he really, honestly didnt give a s.h.i.+t. That hed hired an attorney and didnt fight the divorce only confirmed it.

And since shed moved out, he hadnt even bothered to call her, to check up on her. Hed never even replied to the texts shed sent about the utility payments being due, so she stopped sending them.

Talk to me why? About what?

He held up a sheaf of papers. About all of this, Amy. Come on, are you seriously going to go through with this nonsense? Ive put up with it about as long as anyone should reasonably be expected to.

She blinked, staring at him, positive this had to be a practical joke, and a really bad one. So much so she had to fight not to take a step out and look for hidden cameras.

Shed forgotten how much she hated it when he called her Amy.

Uh, what? she asked when she realized he was standing there, awaiting a response.

He shook the papers at her. I had to waste money getting an attorney, okay, Amy? So did you. Lets stop this before we f.u.c.k up our finances and credit ratings. Just come home, and Ill forget all about this. Now listen to me. Youve had several months to get whatever this is out of your system, and”

Mel, you okay?

She jumped at the sound of Dons voice.

Correction, it was Don and Carl standing there behind her, both of them s.h.i.+rtless and sweaty and looking, especially compared to Mike Yum!

Um, guys, this is Mike.

Your ex? Carl asked.

Im Amys husband! he said, sounding uncharacteristically shrill. Eds early warnings to her about Mike being in denial returned to mind.

Don snorted. Dude, not for much longer.

Is this what you really want? Mike screeched waving the papers at her.

h.e.l.l, he hadnt shown this much emotion over the last several games the Bucs had lost, and those usually got him pretty riled up.

Don and Carl are my roommates, she said. I dont understand why you care. You didnt give a s.h.i.+t about me when I was with you and begging you to spend time with me. h.e.l.l, I couldnt get you to have s.e.x with me to save my life! You havent even bothered to text me to see if Im okay. You handled everything through your attorney. Why even pretend you care?

His eyes widened. So you decided to leave me so you could just s.l.u.t arou”

Hey! Whoa! both men said, stepping forward and protectively pulling her behind them, crowding in front of Mike and forcing him back a step.

Don leaned in and jabbed a finger in Mikes face. Shes our friend, a.s.shole. She hasnt even dated anyone, okay?

Technically the truth, although she suspected getting into the intricacies of o.r.g.a.s.m play not technically being s.e.x probably wouldnt go over so well with Mike.

Carl also leaned in. And you need to f.u.c.king treat her with respect. Then again, had you been doing that, you wouldnt be standing here now, would you?

Mike looked at the two men, then caught her gaze where she was standing behind Don and Carl. Thats it, Amy, he said. You want a f.u.c.king divorce? Youve got one. Just wait until I tell everyone you were reading those trashy books, and now youre living with not just one guy, but two!

He turned and stormed down the walk toward where his car was parked on the street.

Don watched him go. So thats the tool you left, huh?

Real charmer, Carl drawled. Cant imagine why you werent blissfully happy.

Tell me about it. She crossed her arms over her chest and watched Mike peel out. Guess I can kiss my friends and family good-bye once he finishes with them.

Can I ask you a dumb question? Carl said.

Yeah.

He turned to her. Who the h.e.l.l is Amy?

After a very brief and terse conversation with her mom”whod already heard from Mike several weeks ago, Mel hung up and fought the urge to throw her cell phone into the pool.

She thinks Im dumb to divorce Mike, she said. Hes already painted himself to be a victim. She had been working up to the truth with her parents. Shed told them she was separating from him and likely would divorce him, but hadnt told them when the final hearing was.

Expect him to double-down when he gets hold of her again, Don warned.

You might want to call Ed and give him a heads-up, Carl suggested. He might say let it go, or he might have advice.

I hate to bug him on the weekend.

Its what youre paying for, Don said.

True. She called him, but he wasnt worried.