Page 38 of Heart of the West

Of all the things I imagined talking to Effrem about tonight, my divorce wasn’t one of them. I hurry to my room and grab the papers. When I get back, I hand them to him and resume eating dinner while he reads over the papers.”

“How much does he lose if you get half?”

“Three hundred and seventy-five million.”

He whistles. “That’s a chunk of change. No wonder he’s playing dirty.”

“Thing is, I agreed to sign the divorce papers for five million. That’s two-hundred and fifty thousand a year for the twenty years we were married. A pittance compared to what he owes me, according to the original prenup. I didn’t ask for half the house, businesses, art, cars, or collectables. He can have it all.

“Honestly, it’s more about the point than the money. I’ve watched him throw away money at every bimbo and hooker that looks in his direction for the last decade. During that time, I got a job. Though I never heard the end of it. A Buffet wife working was unconscionable according to my in-laws. I put every dime Ihad back along with part of my “allowance”. I had to spend most of that on clothes. He likes to keep up appearances.”

“What about all the jewelry he bought you?”

“It’s in a safe deposit box in Indiana. I have the key. He can have it after the divorce is final.”

“He doesn’t want you to have the jewelry he bought you over the last two decades?”

I shake my head. “Not even my engagement ring or wedding band. He wants it all. I didn’t argue. I’m done. I want him to be out of my life for good. The quickest way to do that was to give him what he wanted. My attorney just rolled over and didn’t even ask for lube when his team fucked me over.”

Effrem surprised me by reaching across the table and putting his hand over mine.

“That’s not right Ruby. You deserve something after all that time.”

I can think of a dozen things to say, but I don’t want to ruin the moment. I don’t want him to take his hand from mine.

“Thank you.” I say, softly.

We spend the rest of dinner talking about the impending arrival of his family. When we’re done, he insists on cleaning up. Exhausted from the long day, I don’t argue. I head to my room, strip out of my clothes, and slip under the covers.

Chapter 22

Effrem

I’m up at three, like every morning. Jeffries is taking over for me today while I handle the family. Instead of doing cardio like I normally do, I head to the attic and bring down all the holiday decorations. I told Dee not to bother this year since the children were all gone and I know what a chore it is for her.

By the time I get everything down, I have time for a cup of coffee to go and to grab Ruby’s papers. I texted Gillian last night. She’s going to look over the case and likely take it. She’ll wait to get payment until after she takes Roger to the cleaners.

I have thirty minutes to spare by the time I arrive at Gillian’s office. I’m surprised she fit me in so soon, but the name peaked,her interest. She rises from behind the desk to greet me.

“Would you like some to drink?”

“Coffee, one cream.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Since when do you like cream?”

I smile at her as long as we’ve known each other, I’ve only ever taken my coffee black.

“A man can change.”

“Maybe a man can, but you’re not just any man.”

I shrug my shoulders. She waits until her assistant brings us coffee and closes the door.

“Let me see the papers. I’d love to get something good on Buffets. Roger’s family, not Warrens.” She adds with a laugh.

I hand her the file with Ruby’s papers in it. She indicates I should have a seat and goes around to her chair. After a few minutes, she looks up.

“How did you come to know Ruby?”

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