“You can ask me whatever you want.”
“How many times did you meet up with him? Before you found out about us.”
“On and off for about six months.”
That information lands like another punch to the gut. This was a full-on affair, not a one-night stand.
“It was all so romantic, you know? The corporate pilot only in town a day here or a day there, and we must make the most of it. To find out it was just sex for him was devastating.”
“I’m sorry he did that to you.”
“I’m sorry he did this to you. It’s horrible.”
“Steve said you might sue me for child support.”
“I don’t want to do that, but I assume there were some assets, life insurance, that kind of thing. Raising a child on my own is expensive. If there’s anything left, I wouldn’t say no to it.”
“There was life insurance, and that’s what I’m living on now. It’s enough that I don’t have to work until my youngest starts school.”
“I see.”
“I, ah, I’ll talk to my financial adviser and see what we can do.”
“That’s very kind of you.”
“Please don’t sue me. I don’t have the mental energy to deal with that.”
“I understand, and I don’t want it to come to that, but he made promises to me.”
“I know.” He made vows to me, I want to remind her, but I don’t blame her for any of this. “Let me talk to my guy and get back in touch with you.”
“Thank you.”
“Mike’s parents would like to meet Carter. Is it okay if I give them your number?”
“Yes, that would be fine. What are they like?”
“They’re okay. She can be a bit judgmental, but I just ignore her. He’s harmless, and Mike’s brother, Rob, is great.”
“Good to know. Thank you.”
“I’ll get back in touch after I talk to my financial guy.”
“Sounds good. I want you to know… I’m sorry about adding to your grief.”
“That’s kind of you to say, but you’re not the one who added to my grief. In some ways, finding out he wasn’t who I thought he was moves things along for me. I’ll reach out in the next few days.”
“Talk to you then.”
I end the call feeling disgusted, furious, heartbroken and surprised by how nice she seems. I’m not sure what I expected, but I’m thankful that she appears to be a decent sort of person.
As I promised I would, I text Gage to tell him I talked to her.
He calls me.
“Hey.”
“How’d it go?”