Old & Knew

SIXTEEN

JL

Home felt empty when Bry and JJ left for Aidan. Thank God I had the all clear to return to the network. My first day back, I was offered another segment which meant more work and less time to focus on the state of what my life had become, lonely. With the divorce imminent, I lingered with memories of how the love of my life became the bane of my existence, mother to my son, mortal enemy and now one of my best friends.

The six weeks she spent with me were free of anger and hostility. It felt good to laugh and enjoy her again. Only twice did we venture down memory lane, each time slightly less painful than the last. We both admitted fresh starts with new lives were the only ways for us to exist peacefully. The day she left for the airport, we shared a goodbye kiss. When nothing sparked, I knew we were truly done.

Ava and Lucas were apparently still a thing. The few times I ventured around town, I would see them, watching their connection closely while fading into the background. She appeared happy and I was happy for her, mostly.

"You're not going to be all weird are you?"

Chad called as I walked into the penthouse.

"Why would I be weird? It's your crucifixion, not mine."

"Yeah, well, Alex and Bry are flying in the day after us. All Aniyah and I want are tropical breezes and good times. No drama."

"Chad, I'm the least of your concerns."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"Cool. Now about the bachelor party—"

The knock on my door shifted my focus.

"Hang on a sec." I told Chad as I answered.

"Mr. Legacy, here's a package for you." 

The doorman placed a manila envelope in my hand, tilting his hat while turning to walk away. I closed the door, told Chad, I'm back," then balanced the phone between my ear and shoulder as I peeled back the clasp.

"Yeah, so about the bachelor party. The island has these two famous midgets—"

"Chad, I gotta hit you back."

I hung up without waiting for a response. Placing the phone onto the kitchen counter, I stared at the documents in my hand. This was it. Bry's name as the petitioner of the divorce agreement felt surreal. I knew it was coming, but holding it felt... different. Shifting my gaze to the phone, I sighed. I wanted to call her, but what would I say? Stuck, I lay down the paperwork, then strolled to the display cabinet to pull down my most expensive cognac. Three glasses in, I mustered the courage to pick up the phone again.

"Hello."

I almost hung up.

"Did I wake you?"

"No," she answered. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

The silence following the lie unveiled my denial that I was anything but fine.

"JL., what's going on? I haven't heard from you in months and now you're calling me being all cryptic."

"I." I started to speak, but changed my mind.

"Is this about the festival last week?"

"You saw me?"

"You're over six feet tall and famous, of course I saw you."

"Well, damn. So much for being incognegro."

Ava laughed, then asked. "What's up?"

Pushing the papers around on the counter, I replied. "Nothing, really. I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry for how things fizzled out between us."