Slumping in the chair across from Paul's desk, I tried to focus as he waved papers in the air. It was end of day Thursday and I wanted to go home.
"Marshall? Are you listening?"
"Yeah, sure," I said, straightening up in the chair.
Paul folded his hands on the desk and glared at me.
"Okay, not really," I admitted. "No."
"I wish you'd let me handle this," he said again.
"Nat's my responsibility. I need to do this myself," I said. "I'm listening. For real this time."
Paul went over the waiver again, attaching sticky notes where Nat needed to sign and initial.
I nodded. "Got it."
Paul passed me the documents and cashier cheque. I shoved them into my backpack.
"Wait, why are you taking them home?"
"I'm going to stop and see Nat on my way in tomorrow morning."
"That doesn't sound like a good idea," Paul said. "Why don't you speak to her here? Use the board room."
"No. I don't want her here," I said, shaking my head. "Her scene in the lobby was embarrassing enough."
"If you think she's going to lose it again, you shouldn't be talking to her alone!" Paul exclaimed, his forehead lined in worry.
"I don't need an audience to my latest dysfunctional relationship!"
"That's not the point Marshall," Paul huffed. "And you know it."
"It'll be fine Paulie, relax," I said. "She needs the money. She'll behave. I got this."
Standing, I slung my backpack over my shoulder and waved goodnight. Once clear of Paul's office, I ducked into see Denise.
"Hey. Did you find that form I asked about?" I said as she looked up from her desk.
"Yes, but ..." Denise's delicate features were suddenly overwrought with anxiety. "Don't you think you should talk to Paul about something like this?"
"Nah," I smiled. "It's just for inspiration. I'm not gonna really do anything."
Denise looked relieved as she handed me the form. "Oh, of course dear. How silly of me. Here."
I thanked her and headed home.
The next morning I worked out hard, had a long hot shower and lingered over breakfast.
Swirling the cornflakes around in the bowl, I wondered how Callie was. She'd laughed at my insistence on cornflakes for breakfast, naming dozens of better breakfast foods. But the next time I slept over at her place, there was a box of cornflakes in the cupboard for me.
It'd been two weeks since our confrontation at Royce's studio with no word from her at all. With Denise's help, that was about to change. My warning shot was ready.
I dumped the empty bowl into the sink. With nothing left to do, I finally headed over to see Nat.
I wasn't nearly as confident as I pretended to Paul. Hoping for the best, but timing my visit for mid-morning when the kids would be at school. In case this turned nasty, I didn't want them witnessing it.
Parked in her driveway, I gave myself a quick pep talk. Go in, get her to sign, give her the cheque, get out. No arguing. Definitely no sex. With a deep breath, I exited the SUV.
"Hey," Nat said, opening the door.
She looked worn out. There were dark circles under her eyes and she'd lost weight. I felt another pang of guilt.
