Page 51 of Rainstorm

After we’ve gone round and round in circles a few more times with her pleading for me to reconsider, I finally hang up. I can’t go back defeated, and anyway, I have the pressing matter of a divorce to organize.

Which reminds me.

I need a lawyer.

???

After a quick lunch that Ariel practically forces me to eat, I’m still going over the same problem in my head, not even realizing I’m speaking out loud until I get a response.

“I know a good divorce lawyer,” Ariel calls out as she takes another pie from the oven—yet more calories for me to sample. Boy, I really need to watch I don’t pile on too many pounds while I’m living with this girl.

“Do you think maybe I could see him tomorrow?” I feel the need to take some positive action, to prove that I’m taking control of my life, but I can’t do anything until I’ve gotten some legal advice.

“We can call him to ask right now if you want. I’m sure he’ll be only too happy to help.”

“How on earth do you know so many different people to call on?” I ask as she reaches for the cell phone in my hands.

“Oh you know how it is, friends of friends, that kind of thing,” Ariel replies evasively, clearly unwilling to elaborate or disclose any more about her secretive past.

True to her word, she arranges a meeting with her contact, Sawyer Nichols, a lawyer who deals with divorces, and who is handily located right here in Downtown.

“We need to find something nice for you to wear, make sure you look your best, Rosie. Sawyer happens to be a very attractive guy,” she states as she searches through my things for something she deems suitable. I roll my eyes, thinking he’s not going to give two hoots what I look like.

Ugh, just the thought of letting another man into my life fills me with dread.

“Oh no, I’ve no intention of getting involved with anyone else,” I insist adamantly.

“Hey, no harm in just messing around, having a little fun.” She winks.

This girl is like a firecracker.

So wild and unpredictable.

So brave.

And so argumentative.

“Well, you’re a fine one to talk. I don’t see any guys around here.”

I can be argumentative too. And mischievous.

“I hate it when my advice gets thrown back in my face,” she huffs, before selecting a skirt I’d randomly thrown in my suitcase, having hardly been in the right frame of mind at the time to pack coordinated outfits. “Try this one on, I like the pattern.”

“Forget it, that one makes me look huge,” I protest. Ariel is sitting on the bed while I stare at myself critically in the mirror. “I mean, come on! Look at my hips.”

“Are you crazy? Who said it made you look huge? Was it that idiot husband of yours?”

Actually, Chase never commented on my weight, but every time I look in the mirror, I can see for myself the pounds I’ve piled on. Besides, actions speak louder than words. Even before dropping his divorce bombshell, Chase hadn’t been interested in me for months, not in the way he used to be. He never used to be able to keep his hands off me, but for some reason that changed and I still don’t know why. Did I become boring when I was no longer the glamorous weather girl from the television show? Was it because I put on a few pounds? Is that what turned him off, made me unattractive in his eyes? Was that why the last few times we made love the lights were turned off?

I’m just so confused.

Furiously, I rip off my clothes, leaving me in just my underwear.

“I’m not blind, Ariel, look at me!” She gets up, and as she looks me over from head to toe. I feel exposed, by revealing my body to my friend, I’m revealing my biggest demon, because I’ve never felt happy with my body.

“Roselynn, what size jeans do you wear?”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

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