Someone New

Chapter IX

Melissa parked in her reserved parking space in front of H&H Marketing before reaching over and grabbing the lunch she'd brought along with her. She double checked inside her purse to ensure the two manila envelopes were inside before hopping out of her SUV.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Haines," Melissa smiled at Isabelle, Zachary's secretary, before grabbing any messages Zach had on the desk.

"Good afternoon Isabelle, the red suits you a lot better." Melissa said with a smile as she took in the deep red strands of hair that was once blonde.

Isabelle's smile grew to reach her eyes and she tucked a few chunks of hair behind her ear. "Thank you. I didn't think you'd notice."

"Of course I would've. Is my husband in? I brought lunch."

"I believe he's on a conference call. Let me see if he's free." Before Melissa could assure her that it was okay Zachary was already on the line. "I'm sorry Mr. Haines but your wife has brought lunch." Melissa looked around at the thanksgiving decorations that lined the lobby reminding her of the jet she scheduled for the following day. It was almost a year since she'd seen her mother in person and was excited to see her brothers as well.

"Lissa," Zachary called to her breaking into Melissa's thoughts. She thanked Isabelle and made her way over to Zachary following him into his office. "I didn't know you were coming today."

"Yeah me either. I figured why not since Zion is still in school and the firm  closed early today." She placed the bag that carried their lunch on his desk and grabbed her salad and chicken avocado melt.

"You're still heading over to Washington?" Melissa nodded as she took a bite of her sandwich.

"Zi and I are leaving around six. He says he wants to see you before we leave. I think he believes we aren't coming back." Zach half smiled and Melissa saw an unfamiliar look cross Zach's face but it was gone before she had a chance to register it. They ate in silence making small talk here and there but the tension in the room spoke volumes.

"I appreciate the lunch." Zach stated packing up the now empty containers and placing it back in the bag Melissa brought the food in. A pang of guilt hit Melissa because of the actual reason she'd come.

"No need." She reached into her purse grabbing the two manila envelopes and casually placed them on the desk.

"What's this?" Zachary asked eyebrows bunched together in confusion as he worked on opening one of the two sitting in front of him.

"Zachary, I need more space from you." Melissa stated firmly as Zachary flipped the stack of papers he'd taken out of the first envelope.

"Lissa, please I told you I didn't want to go this route. Please just give us more time," Zachary pleaded after reading the title of the petition for legal separation.

"Zach like I told you last time we discussed this it doesn't mean what you think it does."

"That's not what Richie says." Zachary stated referring to his close friend and lawyer. He stared at the papers revealed in front of him in disbelief before running his hand over his face.

"Richie just forewarned you of the worse case scenario as any good lawyer would. But this time it's not up for discussion." Melissa crossed her arms across her chest as Zachary stared at her. She knew he was contemplating a way to get around the idea of it. "I already told you that it doesn't mean I'm not interested in being together again." Melissa explained telling the truth. She knew Richie already informed Zach that the separation could serve as the wait time for a divorce which she knew scared him. But she had no intentions of backing away from the topic this time. The last couple of weeks Melissa returned to the single mom's group twice not regretting either. It caused her to realize that though she may have needed just physical space before she wanted more now.

She could admit she still loved Zachary and probably will love him for the rest of her life. But she wanted to see if she could fall out of love with him if given the chance. Something that Melissa doesn't believe could happen with how much she loved Zach. Especially with how much they've been through throughout the years, but she couldn't ignore the way she felt when she looked at Zachary now.

"Melissa I just can't agree to it. I can't sign my family away." Melissa released a breath out of irritation. She knew he wouldn't agree to the separation which is why she was thankful to grow the balls to bring along the second envelope.

"I figured you'd say that. Can you open the second envelope?" Melissa asked reminding Zachary of its existence. She watched as he dropped the new stack of papers quicker than the first.

"Are you serious Melissa?" Zachary asked as he looked down at the two choices in front of him.

"Yes. I want us legally separated from one another financially, emotionally, and mentally." Melissa watched as Zachary sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Melissa knew she was frustrating him to the core but she also didn't care. If it was up to her she'd be processing the forms for a divorce but she knew Zach would never go for it. Hell last time she brought up separating he offered to transfer a few million as if she could be bribed into staying married. She wanted him to know that finding herself again was her first priority.

"Are you interested in someone?" Zachary asked though fearful of the answer.

"Did you forget that I'm pregnant?" Melissa asked incredulously with her eyebrows so furrowed they were practically touching.

"That doesn't stop you from being attractive Lissa." Melissa laughed so hard at his statement she thought she'd pee herself.

"No one walks up to an obviously pregnant woman and tries to spit game Zach. And if I wanted to file a petition because I met someone new I'd just tell you.

"I already told you my why Zachary. If you want it in email format I'm more than willing to do so." Melissa threw away her lunch trash into the trash before grabbing her bag and discarded coat. "Just let me know what you decide by the time I come back to Cali. See you tonight."