Page 32 of Mr. Kelly

A little over six years later, and I'm standing in the same spot in the driveway, staring at the same house, thinking about the major change I'm about to make in my life. My phone vibrates and pulls me out of my thoughts. It's a sunny day and I have to squint to look at the display.

River: I'm going shopping. I need new clothes.

Me: Okay. I'll send you some money.

River: I'm not asking for money. I was just letting you know that I won't be in the room.

Me: My response wasn't a request or negotiable.

River: My...aren't we aggressive. Trunk, is that you? ??

Her unexpected comment makes me laugh. She tends to do that a lot. I move to my bank app before responding.

Me: The money is in your account. Have fun.

River: When I said "shopping" I meant for some clothes and a few necessities. I didn't say I needed a down-payment on a house or car! ????. I'm going to send some back.

My mouth gapes I stare at my phone because this conversation would not have happened with Helena.

Me: You better not. Get some things for the baby as well.

I realize that I'm smiling when I slide my phone back into my pocket. I never thought I'd be able to use the last sentence. With a sigh, I approach the door, ready to deal with Helena. The lock looks different. Neither of my keys fit it properly, and my already low patience drops when she speaks through the security system.

"You're not welcome here. Since you disappeared a week ago."

I look up at the camera without bothering to hide my glare. "Open the door."

"No. Go away before I call the police."

"Please do, but know that by the time they get here, I will have broken the fucking door and you will be lying in the lawn to greet them. Stop playing with me."

The door unlocks, and I push my way inside.

The house is quiet, as usual, and everything is in place. I climb the stairs while tapping the papers on my palm. Helena is in the bed, dressed entirely too sexy for someone with a busted foot.

"Expecting someone?" I look around the room. "Where is the nurse?"

"Lunch break. I knew you couldn't resist coming back."

I take a better look at her outfit. It's the lingerie that I bought her for one of our anniversaries. She may as well save that for the next guy.

"I'm only here for your signature." I hand her the papers, and her mouth drops when she reads the document. "I'm leaving you the house, your car, and a reasonable sum for six years of marriage."

"Divorce?" she screeches.

I rub my face. "Don't act like you didn't see this coming, Helena. Sign it. No court or mediation needed. You'll be free to do as you please."

"You can't abandon me!"

"Leaving someone a paid-for house and car, plus thirty million dollars is hardly abandonment."

Helena jumps out of bed. The pain in her foot causes her to flinch and fall back in the bed.

"This is a fraction of what you're worth."

"And you were a fraction of a wife."

She turns red and sputters. "No. No deal."

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