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Uri frowns. “Stress? You are still not divorced?”
I sigh. Uri and his wife know my situation because of my sister-in-law and brother. They have met Donna for themselves. I know she didn’t leave a good impression.
Again, my mind shifts to Val’s offer. I don’t think I’m quite there yet. I’m angry, but not homicidal … yet. However, it stings that so many people know the shit I have going on.
“Not yet. Her attorney has been dragging this out. I believe Brad shared with you that he’ll be signing all the paperwork until the divorce is final.”
“Yes, I’m aware of this. However, I must say. This is cause for concern.
“I know how vindictive your wife can be. Nico told me what she did at Brad’s engagement party. I have been doing all I can to keep my wife from sticking her nose in your affairs.
“She doesn’t like your wife. I can’t say she left me with the best impression either. However, these situations …” He pauses and pulls a face as if looking for the right words. “They should be handled with care. Once it’s done, it is done. I have options for you, Trevor. From handling things with gentle care to making things go away with a deadly silence.
“I’m not comfortable with closing this deal with her still attached to you. I’m sure my partners are going to tell you the same. It could end badly for all parties and then the options will not be yours alone.
“You have my number. If you get the green light today, I will need you to pick an option so this deal can close. One way or the other, it’s time for this to be done.”
I nod in understanding. However, I’m conflicted. There’s a part of me that doesn’t care what happens to Donna. Then there’s a part that’s telling me a good man wouldn’t allow harm to come to the mother of his children.
It’s almost as if I’d be letting Pook down. If I’m honest with myself, I stayed married for as long as I did because of her. I’ve been trying for nineteen years to be the man I thought she wanted me to be.
It feels like Uri is suggesting something so far from that. I don’t know that I’m that man. I tighten my fists on top of my thighs.
“Will I know what those options are before I choose?”
He leans in and lowers his voice. “I will give you a legal team who will crush all this”—he waves his hands in the air—“all this bloody procrastination and stress. The other option.
“She meets the black death and the noise in your life will be hushed,” he deadpans, as he looks me in the eyes. “You take that for what it is, mate.”
I sit back and pull a hand down my face. “Can I have a few days to think about this?”
“It looks like we’ll be here for a bit. Of course, they couldn’t allow Brad and Tam to spend a summer away without them. I will end up with a home here,” he says and rolls his eyes.
I can tell he doesn’t mind as long as his wife is happy. To have a wife who makes you want to see her happiness. That must be the life.
He continues, cutting into my self-deprecating thoughts. “We’ll be here a month or two, I believe. This has turned into Val’s little project. If all goes well, I will need your decision by then.”
Some of the tension leaves me. I won’t have blood on my hands or on my conscience. In six weeks, this will all be over. Although, I do consider the legal team offer.
My lawyer has proven to have shit for brains. This shouldn’t have been dragged out this long if you ask me. I go to open my mouth, but the air shifts in the restaurant, causing me to look toward the door.
In walks Val with two other women, one on each side. All three walk in like they own the place. There’s a guy in a suit bringing up the rear with Brad. The guy exudes authority and power, but the women walking in front of him aren’t to be ignored.
Val is dressed in a form-hugging black leather dress that stops right above the knees, with a matching crop jacket that has a stylish asymmetrical collar and long sleeves. Red heels grace her feet.
On her right is a mocha-brown woman with auburn hair and oval eyes. Her outfit is playful and sweet with a full leather skirt that reaches the top of her knees, bringing attention to her shiny brown legs. Her black satin-looking blouse is tucked into the skirt as red patent leather shoes grace her feet as well.
Then there’s the woman to Val’s right. The one with the sharp gaze. Her chocolate brown face is pretty. She too is dressed to the nines in leather. She’s in a tailored black leather pants suit. Red pointed-toe shoes peeking out from under her wide-legged pants.
