“Good. Thank you. I’ll check there.”
“Be safe,” he said, his tone serious.
She gave him another kiss. “I will. I don’t think I have much to worry about right now. Meredith said it would take a few days or longer before he is served with the papers.”
“Okay, call me later and let me know how it goes,” he said, as she walked to the door.
She turned to look back at him. He was asking her to check in because he was worried. That was sweet and nothing like when Tim demanded she check in because he wanted to keep her under his thumb. She gave him a quick wave before leaving and closing the door behind her.
“Congratulations,” Rachel said, when she stepped out of Ben’s office.
She raised an eyebrow. “For?”
“Filing for divorce. That has to feel good, huh?”
Katherine beamed. “It does. I know most people are sad when they have to file, but for me it’s about losing two-hundred and fifty pounds of jerk.”
Rachel was grinning. “In your case, it is definitely cause for celebration. When the divorce is finalized, we have to celebrate.”
“Sounds good to me.”
“What are you up to today?” R
achel asked conversationally.
Katherine groaned. “I’m going to look for a job.”
Rachel’s nose wrinkled. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe that guy fired you. Not cool.”
“It’s okay. I’ve learned when one door closes another one always opens, and it is usually much better,” she said hopefully.
Rachel grinned and nodded her head. “That is a good outlook to have.”
“I feel like I’m moving forward. Every little change is me taking a step forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. I look back over the first two years and I can see every job, every rejection, every crappy motel room and every time I had to jump on a bus and flee was me moving forward with my life. I’m here and I think this is where I’m supposed to be,” she said, feeling a bit like an inspirational speaker, but speaking from the heart.
“You’re an amazing woman, Katherine. You know, I used to do some volunteer work for a woman’s shelter. They have a group that meets, I could give you the information,” she suggested.
Katherine was immediately put off. “No, thank you. I don’t feel like I need counseling.”
Rachel smiled. “Oh no, I wasn’t thinking about you getting counseling. I was thinking you could talk with the women that are living out the worst days of their lives and let them know there is hope. Your story is amazing. You could inspire them and help them. I would never presume to tell you what you needed. I think you are doing just fine figuring it out for yourself.”
Katherine thought about what she said. “I’ll think about it. I don’t think my story is over just yet, though. Maybe once I get the divorce behind me. I have to be honest with myself and admit the business with Tim is far from over. The divorce papers are sure to trigger his ire. I’m ready to handle it, but I know it is far from over. At least he can’t come to my job anymore,” she quipped.
The look on Rachel’s face was one of fear and anger. “You don’t think he’ll try and hurt you, will he? What about a protection order?”
Katherine shrugged. “I have no idea and the protection order won’t do much good. I think after last time he probably realizes I’m not such an easy target, which is a good thing. I hope it makes him stay away. Then again, Tim is not one to give up so easily.”
“Should you move? Maybe stay with Ben?” Rachel asked, worry on her face.
“No, I can do this. I’ve run long enough. I’m ready to take a stand.”
“Okay, please be careful. Maybe you should get some pepper spray in case he tries to attack you again.”
Katherine had considered the idea on more than one occasion but had never actually done it. Rachel was right. She should think about ways to defend herself should Tim attack. She hated the idea of hurting anyone, but if it came down to her escaping a beating and Tim’s eyes burning, she’d definitely go with the latter.
“I’ll think about it. I’m going to get out of here now and let you two get to work. I’ll see you around,” she said, and headed for the elevator.
“We should all go out this weekend,” Rachel hollered down the corridor.