hand over any part of myself to a man who can’t appreciate the gift I’ve given him.
“It seems all the paperwork is in order, and I assume based on the parties’ mutual agreement that there are no unresolved issues that will prevent me from finalizing the divorce today.”
The judge looks up at Grant’s team of attorneys and then over to mine. “Is that the case, gentlemen?”
Everybody nods, the courtroom silent thanks to Grant demanding the final hearing be closed to the public. It’s the first thing he’s done since I escaped him that I can agree with.
Even now, he continues using our drama to drum up business, to present himself as the loving husband that was played by his cheating whore of a wife.
Whatever. As long as I never have to see him again, I’m perfectly happy going along with it.
“Well, then I guess there’s nothing left to do other than hear from Mr. Cabot and Ms. Kane.”
The judge looks to Grant first. “Mr. Cabot, do you agree with the terms of the Marital Settlement Agreement and also agree that your marriage is irretrievably broken?”
Grant straightens his spine, rolls back his shoulders and shoots one more scathing look in my direction before pasting on his professional grin to answer the judge.
“Yes, Your Honor. My wife is a lying, thieving whore, and I want nothing to do with her.”
The judge’s eyes widen a bit at his statement before sliding to me.
“And Ms. Kane, do you agree with the terms of the Marital Settlement Agreement and also agree that your marriage is irretrievably broken?”
I glance at Grant, smile sweetly, and turn to bat my eyes at the judge.
“Yes, Your Honor. I discovered after being a lying, thieving whore that there are men out there who can give me multiple orgasms, one after the other, unlike Mr. Cabot who has no clue that it takes more than a pencil dick poke to get a woman off.”
My attorney’s head falls forward as he lifts a hand to cover his face. His shoulders are shaking, whether from tears after dealing with me or laughter, I’m not sure.
Grant, on the other hand, looks like he might have a stroke with all that angry blood rushing to his head.
I smile again. Flip him off even though nobody can see my hands.
With a shake of his head, the judge signs the Final Order and dismisses the courtroom. I stick close to my attorney’s side as we leave, just in case Grant has any ideas.
Thankfully, we reach my car without any drama, and Jerome shakes my hand before waiting for me to climb in the driver’s seat and take off.
As I pull out of the courthouse garage, I glance in the rearview mirror, happy to leave that chapter of my life behind.
I’m slowly healing.
Slowly gaining my footing again.
Another few months and I should have my life where I want it.
Poor Little Adeline is now a force to be reckoned with.
And I did it by myself, without the need of anybody helping me.
Five Month Post Ari
Black Orchid is thumping tonight. I’m standing outside among the line of people, my arms wrapped around my body and my legs bouncing as if it can chase away the chill outside.
Beside me, everybody is dressed in the typical black, and I have to laugh to think I’m actually old enough to be here for once.
How long has it been since I let myself go wild for a night?
Too long, my behavior changing when I met Grant and dated him before getting married.
But I’m back, dammit! My smile stretches wide at the thought that I’m finally in a place I like, that I’ve suffered many years of stumbling and losing myself, but I found her again, that girl I’d been before my entire world fell apart.
I want to celebrate her. Celebrate myself. Celebrate that my photos are done in time for next month’s show. Celebrate the routine I’ve developed that keeps me busy and happy. Celebrate surviving the worst this world had to throw at me.
I survived.
I’m a fighter.
And tonight, I’ll drink and dance. Tonight I’ll find that freedom I’ve been chasing and learn what it means to laugh again.
However, I’ll be smart about it. Water between each drink so I don’t get too drunk, and I won’t be going home with random strangers.
I’m here for me. For what I love.
Not for all the men who would use me to get off.
The line moves forward, and after paying the bouncer and flashing my identification, I