Chapter 6

One week later

               Just one more week, then I can walk away knowing that the divorce will be final within three weeks.  I already put my parents' address on the forms as my new place of residence with the dissolution of the marriage, so the notice of divorce will be sent there for me.  Last week, Zander spent two days competing with Ace for my attention, and honestly, it felt good.  Until Ace left, and Zander’s attention snapped back on Mariah, which made her walk around more boldly. Ace still does daily check-ins with me, but it’s like having a second brother.  We’ve always been close, and like family, but it was never anything more as he alluded to with Zander. 

                I get home from another long day, feeling completely drained, only to find Zander standing proudly in the living room holding a box open to Mariah, who is excitedly admiring the contents of the box.  “Zander, I can’t believe you remembered I liked this necklace,” She was practically in tears.

               “Of course, and you deserve it, all the hard work you’ve been doing.  I know physical therapy hasn’t been easy on you, but you’re so close to a full recovery.  Here, let me put it on,” Zander states, setting the box down and taking the diamond necklace out.  He’s about to put it on Mariah when he sees me and stops.  “Sara, your home.”

               “Yeah, don’t mind me.  Carry on as if I’m not here,” I say, walking through the living room and up to our bedroom.  I’m too tired to even care a little.  I look around the room, making sure I have everything except my vanity packed and put away.  I already packed my grandmother’s jewelry box last week.  Funny, he’s never given me a gift like that. 

               Even for special occasions, the most money he’s ever spent on a gift for me was $100.  That necklace cost at least ten grand, easily.  Just another comparison of how much he truly cares for me versus her.  “Don’t be upset, it’s just a small gift,” Zander says as he enters the bedroom.  I’m sitting at my vanity removing my makeup.

               “It’s fine, Zander.  You can spend your money however you want, on whoever you want.  No need to come in here making excuses, I’m not mad.  You’re coming in here is making it into something it's not,” I explain.  “I know, she’s only your friend, and I have nothing to worry about.  I trust you, remember?”

               “Right.  I promise I’ll get you a gift.  I missed our anniversary after all.  I still don’t know how I managed that.  Five years, that’s special, Sara,” Zander says as he comes over to me.  He presses his lips to mine.  “Get dressed, I still owe you that dinner for your promotion.  Just the two of us.”

               “What about Mariah?” I ask, faking my concern.

               “She’ll manage.  She’s been able to put more weight on her ankle, and the doctors said the boot will be off by the end of the week.”

               “That’s wonderful news.”

               “Thank you for being so accommodating these past few weeks.  I know you two haven’t really gotten along, but you’ve really put in some effort.  I appreciate you doing that for me, Sara.”

               “Of course, Zander.  What kind of wife would I be if I didn’t try to make your friends feel welcome?  You even did your best with Ace.”

               “Yeah, thank goodness he was only here for two days,” Zander sighed. 

               “Oh, he called me earlier, he sends his best to you.”

               “He called you?”

               “Yeah, he calls me every day.  Honestly, I hear from him more than I do my brother,” I note as I reapply my makeup.  I see the wheels turning in Zander’s head after that comment.  “He just found an apartment for his mom and him.  I guess he’s planning on staying with her for a bit until she’s readjusted.  She’s not as young as she used to be,” I sigh.  I know Ace has a place.  Like my brother, they maintain more than one place of residence throughout several states.  It’s mind-boggling, but it’s what they chose to do with their money.

               “That’s good news,” Zander remarks.  “Are you almost ready?”

               “Yes, just need to use the bathroom, then I’ll be all set,” I state, standing up.  I’m giving us maybe 20 minutes into the date before she calls for something, if I’m lucky.  She even pulled it last week.  Ace was bullshit when we returned, just so Zander could bring her to the hospital to be checked out, only for it to be a false alarm.

               We arrive at the restaurant, and I climb out as Zander’s phone begins to ring.  He answers it, then rolls down the window.  “Mariah is taking an ambulance to the hospital.  She tripped down the stairs, and she’s worried she hurt her leg more.  Just have some dinner, and I’ll be back to pick you up,” Zander says before driving off.

               Wow, we couldn’t even make it into the restaurant.  I pull out my phone and call Ace.  “Can you come pick me up?”

               “Where are you?” Ace asks.  I begin to sob as I tell him.  When he pulls up, I’m sitting on the side of the building, still crying.  He wraps me in a hug and offers to bring me home. 

               “I don’t want to go home.  For once, I want him to wonder where I am.  I’m not sure if I have another week of this shit in me,” I admit.

               “Okay, then you’ll come to my place.  You can sleep in my bed, and I’ll take the couch,” Ace replies gently.

               “Please, don’t tell Jake.”

               “I promised you I wouldn’t.  One more week; you just need a break for tonight.”  We get on his motorcycle, and he drives us to his house. 

               I’m lying down in Ace’s bed wearing one of his shirts as a nightgown when Zander messages me.  ‘Mariah is in a lot of pain.  The doctors think she may have fractured her other ankle.  I’ll send you a car.’

               ‘Don’t bother, I ran into Jake inside the restaurant.’ I lie.  He doesn’t reply, and I settle into Ace’s bed, shutting my phone off before I fall asleep.