"Hey, whatcha up to tonight? Any plans?"
Lin ran down the subway steps, jumping the last two, phone in one hand and a briefcase full of papers in the other.
Chris smiled.
"Yeah Victorias folks are coming over, why what were your thoughts?"
"I think I'm going to go and see the new Ham guy Troy. Sit in the stalls and watch, no biggie. I've got a spare seat next to me and wondered if you wanted to join then grab a celebratory drink after"
He sat down and moved the phone from one ear to the other.
"Ahh sorry dude. Would if I could. How did everything go today?"
Lin smiled. "I am officially a single man again."
"Whoop! And how does that feel."
"Kinda weird honestly, but glad it's all finished. We can both move on now ..... hang on."
his voice muffled as he balanced the phone between his shoulder and his ear and Chris heard him speaking to someone. "... here take my seat... sorry dude I'm back."
"I'm sorry you guys didn't work out Lin, I thought you might get things sorted."
"Yeah. We tried y'know. We both tried. It ran its course I guess. Our lives were just heading in two completely different directions. I'm just glad we both decided to call it before we stopped being friends."
"Have you seen Carla today?"
"Briefly. We both signed the final absolut papers and that was that.
It's sad but I think we were both relieved really. She's moving back to Norway to be with her family. She's happy. We're good."
"Glad you managed to be adults about it. It's a shame when things turn nasty."
"Yeah, I mean there were times when it could easily have gone either way, but ultimately she's been with me through a lot. I owed her respect for that at least...."
".... And you've been with her for tough times too, it worked both ways bud."
"It did, but time for a new chapter."
"You going to be playing the field?"
"Ha! I can't see me turning into Hugh Hefner somehow can you?"
Chris laughed. "Probably a good point."
"I'm just going to focus on work for a while, get the new place sorted, I'm not in a rush to meet anyone yet y'know."
"Fair play. How about asking Groff or Quiara if they're free tonight?"
Lin jumped off the subway and made his way across the road.
"I know Groff is out of town, and I'm pretty sure Quiara is in the middle of writing her next masterpiece, don't think she would appreciate the interruption. Hey it's no problem, I'll fly solo for tonight."
He unlocked his door and walked in throwing the briefcase down.
"Well have a great evening brother, I'll catch you soon for the celebratory drink though."
"Deal. Love to Victoria. Love you."
"Love you man."
Lin put down the phone and looked round. It was still weird coming back to an empty apartment even though there had never been anyone but him in it.
He was excited to get started on making it his own. His piano was in, he had bought a bed, coffee machine and work desk but apart from that it was pretty empty.
He needed to put aside a couple of days to shop and get things sorted properly and now the divorce was finally done he could concentrate on getting the practicalities of his new life sorted.
They had both sold most of the stuff from their old place. Neither of them wanted the memories.
He had loved Carla. He still did love her, but the feelings had changed. For both of them.
The respect was still there but they had settled into a routine that pretty much saw them as good friends. Nothing more.
They tried to get the spark back, but it felt forced. When Carla sat him down for a serious talk Lin already knew what she was going to say, and agreed with her.
There were tears.
Neither of them entered into a relationship to watch it fail after 5 years, but 4 months down the line with paperwork all completed they were both convinced the right decision was made.
He had been apprehensive about seeing her today but there had been no awkwardness between them, further cementing the point that it was the right decision.
He stretched and yawned loudly. It had been a long day, maybe he should just stay home and relax.
He laughed to himself. "Yeah. Cause that is going to happen!"
