Page 59 of One Last Time
“This is unfounded and ridiculous!” Mr. Sheridanshouts.
The judge looks back to him. “You see, Mr. Sheridan, it isn’t unfounded if she is able to provide documentation andsuch.”
My lawyer presents the various letters from friends and family, screenshots of emails, text messages, and the transcripts of a voicemail he left that proves he was screwing Jillian while we were stillmarried.
I didn’t want to do this. It was a necessary precaution, but he left me no choice. It’s all in black in white, the years of hell I’ve worked hard to hide and the lies I’ve told everyone about how great Scott was, are all refuted in herhands.
He wasn’tgreat.
I was just too weak to walk away—untilnow.
The judge reads through it, removes her glasses, and pauses. “Divorce is always emotional. It’s my job to remove the emotion from it and be fair. I’ve been doing this a long time, and this is my least favorite type of case.” Her eyes move between Scott and me. “I can’t presume to know what happened to bring you both here today, but I can say that there are two people in your lives who don’t yet know the real ramifications of your choices. Your children are going to struggle, but you have the power to decide how much theysuffer.”
Everything inside me hurts when I think about Finn and Aubrey. While we’re adjusting to living without Scott, I see the difference in their eyes. My goal has always been to protect them, which is why I never wanted to present him in a bad light. That doesn’t mean I deserve to be raked over the coals because he’s a selfishasshole.
She clears her throat. “I don’t like games, Mr. McGee. I don’t like liars. More than those, I don’t like people who think it’s okay to put others down in order to build themselves up. If you truly thought your wife was having an affair, why wait to file until the day before? I’ll tell you why,” she says before he can answer. “You knew it was completely false. So, after reading the evidence and lack of evidence, it’s my discretion to decide what it all means in regard to the division of assets and the best interests of the children.” Her eyes meet mine. “Mrs. McGee, did you work throughout themarriage?”
“No, your Honor. My husband felt it was best I stay home with the kids since we could afford to lose myincome.”
“And you and the children vacated the house?” sheasks.
“Yes.”
“Mr. McGee,” she calls his attention. “I do not believe your wife was unfaithful. I do, however, believe that you were emotionally abusive based on the information that was presented. I urge you to seek counseling for the welfare of yourself and your children. With that said, you are to pay durational alimony for the next seven years, child support, as well as provide medical coverage for both Mrs. McGee and thechildren.”
Scott lets out a low noise, and I breathe a sigh of relief. My job is great, but the pay is not the best, and I can’t expect Heather to let me live in her home forever. This will allow me a little breathingroom.
The judge finishes the paperwork, and we’redone.
We’redivorced.
Scott walks over to me with anger radiating off of him. “This is your fault. All ofit.”
My first instinct is to cower, but I stop myself. Noah’s words echo in my ears: “You think you’re weak, but I see a strong, beautiful, and smart woman who deserves a man who will worship her. More than any of that, Kristin, I should walk out and let both our lives be a hell of a lot less complicated than trying to start something, but here I am. You’re worth complicatingthings.
I stand a little taller and look him in the eyes. “I’m sorry you feel that way, but you’re not my problem anymore, and in all honesty, I don’t give a flyingfuck.”
My legs feel like jelly as I walk away. Each step I take away from Scott gives me a bit more strengthback.
Nicole gets to her feet as soon as I come into view. “Done?”
“It’s done. I’m single, and we’re done,” I say, and my liptrembles.
“Not here.” She takes both my hands in hers. “He doesn’t get to have any satisfaction. You smile right now,okay?”
I push back the tears and plaster a fake smile on my face. Scott walks past, glaring at me, but I stay strong. He won’t see me break ever again. He’s seen enough ofthat.
It’s time to rebuild the bricks he toredown.
“What the hell?”I laugh as all my friends, who are gathered in my living room, toss confetti in theair.
“Happy divorce day!” Heather yells as she wraps her arms around me. “You’re not going to be alone tonight, and we’re going tocelebrate.”
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. My heart is severed in half, each side is at war with the other, trying to see whether I’m broken or can be healed. There is no guidebook on how to handle a divorce. I hate that there’s even a sliver of sadness. Scott doesn’t deserve even that much from me, but denying it won’t change the fact that I amsad.
“I’m not sure guys,” I say, which makes Danielle’s lips turndown.
“Do you remember when Heather and Matt’s divorce was final?” Nicole asks. “Wasn’t it you that organized the intervention to ensure she wasn’t sitting at home eating her disgusting cookieconcoction?”
