P.S. Thanks for returning the ring. My mother’s grateful and sends hugs.
P.P.S I paid all the legal fees for the divorce.
Kyle
So, not an accounting error, but a goodwill measure from my ex-husband. I pulled out a stool and sat, pouring through the numbers in more detail, my eyes widening at the amounts. My credit card was already performing a happy dance, my mortgage melting to zero.
I picked up my phone and dialled, my foot tapping a beat against the hardwood floor.
“Hi. I bet you opened your mail,” Kyle said.
“Good guess. Wow, I don’t know what to say, except thank you.”
“Thank you is sufficient,” he said, a smile in his deep voice. “I know we battled over some stupid things during the divorce, but I didn’t want this to end on a bad note.”
“Well, success, then. This was totally unexpected. Maybe I should say no and send it all back.”
“Now that’s crazy talk. You could have skinned me by taking half of everything and forcing me to pay alimony for infinity, but you didn’t. That’s what I love about you.”
“What, that I’m kinda thick?” I laughed softly.
“No, you’re brilliant, with the biggest, kindest heart, and it feels shitty that I took advantage of that. So, there we go. It’s karma. Your integrity paid a few dividends.”
“Well, thank you, karma, and thank you, Kyle. The investments certainly make life easier.”
“You’re welcome. Oh, and Matt’s the best, but do what you feel, including changing firms if using mine is uncomfortable.”
“I’ll talk to Matt and see, but I’ll probably leave it for now. Stellar returns, Kyle. I’m impressed.”
“Investment rock star, at your service,” he said, but then he lowered his voice. “I made you feel invisible?”
“Not at first, but over time, yes. You’d come home and barely look at me, stay late at the office, or go to the gym. I’d plan something for the weekends, but you’d hole up in your office instead. I wondered if you were having an affair.”
“No, I promise, that wasn’t why.”
“What was it, then?”
“I wish I knew,” he said softly. “You’re beautiful and sexy and sweet. Far too good for me, but you married me anyway. I’m sorry for everything I never gave you.”
“I’m sorry too. I should go.”
“Bye, Marmalade. Be happy.”
I hung up, surprised by his use of that name again. He’d stopped calling me Marmalade eighteen months into our marriage, with things deteriorating quickly afterward. Maybe he did still care for me, just a little. Or maybe this was a payoff for an affair he would deny until the end of time, or maybe it truly was an attempt at good karma for his future.
I still didn’t have any real answers, but maybe why didn’t matter, it only mattered that he’d taken steps to make my life easier. For that, I’d be forever grateful.
I spent a few minutes working through the statements and coming up with a solid financial plan, then I tucked Matt’s card into my wallet. Tomorrow I’d call and set things in motion for my brighter financial future.
My stomach did a flip as the tiny seaplane touched down in Victoria. The flight, arranged by Christophe, had given me moments of incredible exhilaration combined with a touch of abject terror.
Christophe waved as I disembarked, striding toward me and sweeping me into an exuberant embrace. “How are you?” He planted a kiss on my lips. “You look amazing as always. Let me get your bag.”
“That was crazy, but fun. I’ve never been on such a tiny plane.”
“Glad you enjoyed it.” He wrapped an arm around my waist as I admired the view of the parliament buildings, which were only steps away. “We can come here tomorrow if you’re interested, but tonight we have reservations for dinner.”
“I’m starving. I went right from work to the air terminal.” The journey hadn’t been long, being only a quick ride on the SeaBus to downtown Vancouver, which was the location of the Harbour Air terminal, but it still hadn’t left me time to eat.
“Excellent, because this place has fantastic seafood and a gorgeous view of the water.” He put my bag into the trunk of his black Acura.
“How did your assignment in Brazil turn out?”
“I took some amazing pictures. Later, I’ll show you.” He guided me toward the waterfront. “It’s a short walk. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Of course not. It’s pretty down here.” As we approached a quaint eatery on the wharf, my smile widened. “Reservations, huh? How did you know I love fish and chips?”
“Ah, Halifax girl, of course you do. Question is, which fish is your favourite?”
I tapped my pursed lips as I considered the menu. “Halibut, please.”
“My kind of woman.” He winked and ordered, adding two cups of chowder.
When our order came up, we claimed a nearby bench and looked over the water as we munched on the crispy battered fish, thick-cut fries, and tangy slaw.
“This is delicious. I thought we’d end up inside some fancy restaurant, but this is much better.” I tipped up my chin, enjoying the salty breeze and the sunshine kissing my cheeks.
“You do seem like someone who enjoys adventures, though I suspect you haven’t had enough of them. How do feel about ziplines?”
“They’re fun,” I said, immediately thinking about the trip Jake and I had taken to Whistler in early July, and the amazing feeling of freedom as we’d soared over the treetops at high speeds.
“Perfect. I have just the place, and to make it extra special, we’ll add a little twist.”
“Sounds daunting.”
“You’ll love it. Trust me. A Saturday night you’ll never forget.”
Now I was wondering what I’d gotten myself into by agreeing to spend the weekend with the man. However, I was ready to have a bit of fun, and why not? The man had been nothing but generous and kind.
Shortly after six a.m. on Sunday morning, I padded downstairs dressed in the t-shirt Christophe had left draped over the chair in his bedroom. The main floor seemed deserted, but the patio
