Page 72 of The Love Dose
The entire episodeis far less dramatic than anything I’ve seen on Judge Judy. If you don’t count running into Bernard’s ex-wife in the ladies’ room where she gives me the evil eye. Someone needs to tell the shrew it’s impossible to be intimidating when toilet paper is stuck to your shoe.
We ignore each other on our way to a drab room down the hall from the actual courtroom. Howard is there waiting for me, clad in a sharp pin-striped suit. I sit beside him.
The ex-wife joins Rachel and Josh who are seated on the opposite side of the table with their counsel. A woman around my age sits in the middle. The judge.
Rachel meets my eye and nods solemnly. Josh is looking everywhere but at me. I wonder what Bernard would think of this spectacle.
The proceeding goes smoothly enough. Why shouldn’t it? I’m not putting up a fight.
Midway through, I’m surprised by a concession they’ve made—what the paperwork refers to as a stipend. I’ll be given a modest lump sum to help with the financial transition. The offer was never discussed before. At least not with me. I’ve already accepted the fact that if I want to fill the fridge, I’ll need to get a job. I’ve been putting out feelers for weeks. I’m not qualified for much these days but hopefully one of my leads will pan out.
When we’re finished, Josh and his mother leave. Rachel wishes me well and exits before I can reply.
Howard asks, “Are you okay, Mrs. Page?”
If ever there was a time to call me Caroline and drop the Page part, this is it. I considered going back to my maiden name but in the end, it’s one of the few things Bernard left me. And it has a nice ring to it.
I tell him I’m fine then ask about the unexpected funds.
Howard raises a brow. “He didn’t tell you?”
I have no idea who Howard is referring to and say as much.
“Your driver gave Bernard’s kids a mouthful this morning, told them their father would be ashamed of their behavior.”
“What?”
Howard nods. “I happened to be standing nearby in the hallway and could hear him shouting through the phone. Ten minutes later, their attorney approached me with the stipend addendum. I scrambled to add it to the settlement.”
I’m flabbergasted. Not only by what he’s telling me Paul accomplished on my behalf—something my own attorney couldn’t pull off—but the fact that in all the time I’ve known him, I never once heard Paul raise his voice. Paul does not shout.
I stand, thanking Howard.
“One more thing you may be interested to know.”
“Yes?”
“Josh offered to employ Paul at his regular salary.”
“I see.” I’m happy for Paul but sad at the same time. I’ll miss him, terribly.
“Thanks for letting me know.” I’m stepping away when Howard adds, “He declined. Said he’d rather work for you for free. You should have seen Josh’s face. Priceless.”
I grin broadly, I can’t help it. The image of Josh in a state of utter shock is a maraschino cherry atop the stipend cake. I thank Howard once more, text Paul, and head to the nearest exit.
Paul is standing by the car, his hand on the back door handle. His gaze reveals concern. “I hope all went well,” he says.
I ignore the car and wrap my arms around him. My trusted friend. “Thank you,” I whisper in his ear.
He pats my upper back, then kisses my temple, like a loving dad. It’s one of the few times he’s shown unfettered affection. I’m loving every second. After a few beats, we break apart and resume our normal places in the car.
We drive for several minutes when I realize we’re not heading north. We’re still in Lower Manhattan.
“Paul, where are we going?”
“A quick detour, madam.”
Paul is up to something. Again.
