I arrived first, early, sweating despite the cool morning air, my heart drumming. But I was hopeful. Deep down, I felt sure you’d understand, even if you didn’t like it. And I know you don’t care about the money itself, but even if I give Vicky half, that’s still ten million dollars! That’s more money than anyone needs.
Your car pulled up and parked next to mine. When you got out, you looked tired. You looked... different, couldn’t really put my finger on it.
I had nothing to say. The ball was in your court. You looked like you were about to cry.
“Whatever you have to say, it’s okay,” I said, touching your arm.
You let out a humorless laugh and wiped a tear from your cheek. “Sure about that?” you said.
“I’m sure.” I was sure. Or at least I thought I was.
“I’m pregnant,” you said.
52
Simon
Dawn. I couldn’t sleep, with everything coming to a head now, with the cliff fast approaching. I’m drawing up the document myself. It’s not rocket science, after all. I’m a lawyer, and I know all the information, and it’s not that difficult to figure out the elements of a cause of action to terminate a marriage. You’re married, you don’t want to be anymore, you tried to make it work, and it’s not going to work.
I slurp some coffee and review what I have so far:
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION
In re the Marriage of:
SIMON PETER DOBIAS,
Petitioner,
v.
VICTORIA LANIER DOBIAS,
Respondent.
No.
PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
Now comes the Petitioner, Simon P. Dobias, and for his Petition for Dissolution of Marriage against the Respondent, Victoria Lanier Dobias, states as follows:
The Petitioner, Simon Peter Dobias, is 37 years old and a resident of the Village of Grace Park, County of Cook, State of Illinois.
The Respondent, Victoria Lanier Dobias, is 36 years old and a resident of the Village of Grace Park, County of Cook, State of Illinois.
The parties were married on the 3rd day of November, 2012, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.