Page 18 of Come Apart
"Twenty years."
I lean in towards her so she can feel the full weight of my words. "I'm sure men have been interested in you."
She hesitates, but then nods slowly.
"But you were faithful. Because of your vows."
"Yes," she murmurs.
"You could have lived somewhere less awful than Los Angeles."
She laughs, life sparking in her eyes. "I wanted to stay in New York."
"And you gave up your career to raise your daughter. Isn't that right?"
Finally, Kate gives me a real smile. "She's fifteen. She's such a sweet girl. I know she's old enough to decide if she'd rather live with me or her father, but I want full custody."
"We'll get it."
Her face brightens. I see this a lot—she's mostly concerned with her daughter.
It's sweet, yes, but she's leaving too much on the table.
We can get custody and half his assets.
It isn't one or the other.
"I don't want to push him, Mr. Lawrence... Luke. I just want to be done with it."
"Then let me take it from here. I'll make sure you and your daughter never have to worry about money again."
"But he won't... he has so many lawyers."
"Yes." I offer Kate my hand. "But your lawyer is better."
She smiles, taking my hand. "Is he?"
"Trust me. Your daughter is going to be so proud of you for standing up for yourself."
I show her our standard retainer.
She signs without hesitation.
* * *
Ryan callsme into his office as soon as I arrive at work. The Monday after Alyssa left Ryan for me, I asked him to dissolve the partnership.
But he refused.
The way he saw it, there were two options—we continue working together with no mention of our personal lives, or I sell him my half of the firm and resign immediately. I hand over all of my clients, even those in the middle of difficult cases.
I want him out of my life, but I can't abandon the clients who need me.
I clench and unclench my fists.
Ryan is always irritating, but I'm not going to let him get to me today.
I knock on the door briefly and step into his office.
