Infatuation (18+)

Part One: Chapter Eight

For the next hour after Caleb leaves, I spend it in the kitchen unpacking. I don't get far because every five minutes I'm reminded of the kiss we shared and have to take another sip of wine. I finally give up on accomplishing anything with my mind racing and call it a night around nine.

Just as I'm getting ready for bed, my phone rings. I expect it to be Eleanor checking in, so I pick up without looking at the caller ID. "Hey."

"Oh, I didn't think you'd pick up for me."

"Scott?" Shoot. He's right, I probably wouldn't have picked up if I knew.

"Before you hang up, I need to say something."

There's something about the tone in his voice that gives me pause. "What is it?"

"Okay." He heaves a sigh. "I've been doing a lot of thinking and I feel it's only fair that we sell the house."

Wait... he wants to what? "Sell the house?"

"Yes. When I got home tonight, I was walking through here and all I could think about is how empty the place feels with you gone. It just seems ridiculous for me to stay here by myself. And since you don't want it..."

I guess that makes sense. "If that's what you would like to do..."

"It is. And I have no intention of keeping all the money."

"That's not necessary." I'm a self-sufficient woman and can make my own way with my job.

"Well, both of our names are on the deed."

Shit. I completely forgot about that.

Scott continues, "Given... well, everything... it just makes the most sense to divide our assets fairly and completely before it's, you know, over."

It would make the divorce less complicated if we had all our ducks in a row before meeting with lawyers. The paperwork could be written up easier if we break all ties amicably. "You're right. Selling the house is the most logical thing to do."

"Okay, good. I'm sure you're exhausted from today, so I'll let you go. I just wanted to tell you right away and make sure it would be okay with you."

"I appreciate that." Despite the fact that we're getting divorced, I have to respect Scott for trying to be a decent person.

When we hang up, it feels like some of the fog has lifted on any lingering anger regarding my failed marriage. Sure, it still sucks, but I take comfort in knowing the next chapter will be a true new beginning. With Scott's willingness to make the divorce as painless as possible, it gives me hope that the process won't drag out longer than it needs to.

This wave of relief allows me to go to sleep within minutes of lying down.

---

Vroom, click-clack, squeal!

I wake with a start at some rumbling sounds coming from upstairs. Rubbing my eyes, I try to center myself to reality to understand what's going on. The sounds are definitely coming from the apartment above me. Is it a car? Maybe in a movie?

Grumbling, I peel off the covers and get up. The sound gets slightly louder as I approach the living room. This movie my neighbors are watching sounds weird. It takes me another minute to realize it isn't a movie at all.

It's a video game.

I peek at my phone. It's quarter to midnight. Do they not realize it's late and their TV is blaring?

Who am I kidding? They probably know and don't care.

I give the person fifteen minutes to knock it off, then slip on my sneakers and go upstairs. I may not have anywhere to be on a Sunday morning, but today has been a long one and I'm exhausted.