Heartsong for Dr. Montgomery (Book 1: Gavine)

Chapter Two

There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. –Aristotle

January 2020 (Four months later) – Gavine's Lawyer's Office, Los Angelas, CA

"I seriously. Do. Not. Care – About what she wants! Give her half. Give her whatever she wants, as long as Melany agrees and signs the papers." Gavine is sitting in her lawyer's office leaning back in the big leather chair across from his enormous mahogany desk.

"I think she's trying to postpone this as long as possible. I'm under the impression she thinks you two might reconcile. For some couples it can go on for years," Tony admitted.

"That'll be a cold day in hell – we'd get back together," Gavine says with resignation. "This was the deal breaker. I could forgive a lot of things and still make our marriage work. I am fine forgiving Melany, but I will never be able to trust her again. That does not make for a good marriage." She shakes her head. "All I can hope for is we find a way to co-parent our daughter peacefully. Sure, she cheated while we were married, but she's still a loving mother. I won't fight over custody. It's a disservice to our daughter to have parents going all 'Kramer vs. Kramer' on each other."

"Kramer vs. Kramer?" Tony asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"You know, that movie with Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep from the 70s?"

"I don't watch classics."

"How about 'War of the Roses?'"

"Nope." Tony Sullivan Esq., tapped the silver Mont Blanc against his chin while shaking his head no.

"How can you be in Hollywood and not know those movies?"

Tony shrugs, "I'm a lawyer." Gavine shakes her head. "The fact of the matter is you'll have to convince her to sign, without a fight then."

"Fine. Whatever! I need to finalize this divorce. I hate being in Limbo. I feel like I can't move forward with my life until we get these final legal obstacles settled." Gavine says while she steeples her fingers together. "I need to head back to San Francisco, tomorrow. I appreciate you've kept today's meeting secret. I haven't had to fight the papz to get around LA this trip. It's kinda nice."

"You might not go unnoticed for long," Tony said as he jumps out of his chair and moves quickly towards the door. "Melany! What are you doing here?" as he stands with the door partially open trying to block her view into his office.

"Tony, I know Gavine's here. I can see her through the glass. You really should think about getting them frosted."

"I'm having a confidential meeting with my client."

"Cut the crap Tony, what is this?" she asks as she shoved papers into his face.

"It's your separation agreement!?" was Tony's flat response.

"She wants the Malibu beach house? That was a wedding gift she gave me!" she glares at Tony.

"Tony, let her come in and close the door. We don't need the whole building tweeting to TMZ." Gavine has stood up to face them.

"Fine, but, where's your legal counsel Melany? We can't discuss details without them present." Tony steps aside to let her in the office.

Melany and Gavine are standing in front of each other. "If it means that much to you, you can keep it. But, I figured it was fair since you're getting the house in Beverly Hills." Gavine said without anger.

Sounding a little disappointed Melany said, "It's just sentimental. It was our first home together and I just – I would just like to keep it. That's all."

"Okay." Gavine reaches for the papers and Melany hands them to her. She turns to Tony and gives him the documents. "Is that all you want?" She paused. "And then you'll sign the papers?"

"No. There's one more thing I want from you, and then I'll sign. But I need to ask you in private." She looks over at Gavine's lawyer.

"Seriously? I highly advise you not to negotiate shared property without me present." Tony said as he stands with his legs rooted to his spot and arms crossed.

Gavine looks at her with a raised eyebrow. "It's a personal request," Melany said.

"Tony, can you make those changes and give us 20 minutes?"

He blows out a disappointed sigh. "Fine. But let the record show I don't advise this form of negotiation."

"Duly noted."

Tony heads out the door and shuts it behind him, leaving Gavine and Melany alone.

***

Authors Note: This chapter is a little shorter than the others but it's a set up for some upcoming steamier chapters. Please VOTE and COMMENT if you enjoyed this week's chapter! Thanks!

What do you think Melany wants from Gavine? I guess we won't find out till the next chapter.

Media: The video does not belong to me. Standard YouTube License - All rights belong to Passenger - "Let Her Go," from the album All the Little Lights