“Sure.” I waved to him before entering the room. I really needed to finish my rounds if I wanted to have a chance of getting out of here on time.ooooooooo
“Dr. Blake?” I’d just seen my last patient for the day and of course Donna picks now to tell me whatever’s been going on.
“Yes.” I sighed as I leaned against the nurse’s station. I needed to look annoyed, but I was actually a little amused.
“You know, Thanksgiving is coming up in a week.” Donna smiled but I could tell there was more here.
“Un huh.” I nodded.
“Well, we always cook a big meal at the house and we never eat it all. I was wondering if you were off that day.” She grinned even bigger.
“I actually am.” I shifted on my feet. We rotate holidays here, and it was my year to have this one off.
“I was thinking maybe you could join us. I’m sure Brooke would be pleased.” She leaned over on the counter as if she was sharing something with a girlfriend.
“Why do you say that?” I mused. It seemed like Donna was trying to play matchmaker, but I didn’t think she’d be that obvious or devious.
“I have my ways.” She tipped her head. “So, what’d ya say. Lunch? Around two?”
“I will do my best.” I laughed. “Now you just need to keep something bad from happening and calling me in here,” I joked as I handed off the last of the patient files, and turned to leave.
“Where you off to tonight?” Donna called out.
“Drinks with my brother.” I waved without turning around.
“Invite him for Thanksgiving too. The more the merrier,” she yelled, causing my shoulders to slump. Why oh why did my brother have to be included in this too? ooooooooo
Brooke
It’s been pretty quiet the last few weeks. I’ve only left the house a handful of times. Ava’s had doctor’s appointments, and then sometimes I just enjoy getting out for a walk. I’ve run into Cal a few times, but all we’ve talked about is how my case is proceeding. Warren’s been served all the papers, and now it’s just a waiting game.
Thanksgiving is coming up, and Donna says it’s a big deal here at the house. All the women cook and eat together. She says it’s a step forward celebrating a holiday about family. Most of us have come from a broken family/relationship. It helps to be around people who understand, but always ones who will help build new memories.
Donna told me she had a special guest coming to lunch. I have no idea who she means, but all I can think about is that Roni is supposed to come by tonight with news. She called this morning, and said she needed to talk to me, but wanted to do it in person.
I’ve been pacing the office for the last hour since I hung up the phone. I have no idea what could be so big that I need to see her in person, but it has me chewing my nails and wearing the carpet thin.
“You ok?” Donna rounded the corner. She’s been working the early shift this week.
“Sure. I guess. Not really.” I shrugged as I paced some more.
“Why don’t you sit?” Donna pointed to my chair.
“I don’t think that will make it better.” I sighed. “Time needs to speed up, at least for this afternoon,” I muttered.
“Don’t wish time away. That little girl will grow up fast enough,” Donna lamented.
“I know. I just need to know what Roni has to tell me.” I flung my arms out in exasperation.
“Why don’t you come help me with dinner. It’ll make the time pass faster, and give you something to do.” Donna smiled as she left the office. ooooooooo
Dinner was consumed rather quickly tonight. We had burgers, a house favorite. Most of the women had gone to their rooms after eating, but I was watching out the front window. It was strange; I used to do this when I lived with Warren, and now I found myself doing it here.
Headlights shown through the curtains just as I was getting ready to give up. I assumed that Roni had something come up, and needed to reschedule. I watched out the window, and she climbed out of her car. She trotted up the steps, but before she could knock, I swung the door open.
“You’re fast. I almost knocked on your face.” Roni smiled.
“Come in.” I moved out of the way. I was trying not to sound too eager, but I was dying to know what the news was.
“He signed away his rights.” She thrust a folder in my direction. “Ava is yours, and he can’t take her away.”
“Are you serious?” I clasped my hand over my mouth as I sat down on the couch. “But the assistance? He contested it? He said she was his dependent?” I was so confused.
“I don’t know. These were delivered today by courier. Signed and sealed. He doesn’t want rights to her. You can get your assistance now, and he can’t stop it.” I was so overcome, I flung myself into her arms. “See why I didn’t want to tell you this over the phone?” She laughed lightly.
“Yes!” I nodded vigorously. “What about the divorce?”
“That’s going to take a little while. He’s refusing to sign at the moment,” she grumbled.
“What? Why?” my forehead crinkled in confusion.
“No idea. Some of these men are complete assholes. They fight until they either run out of time, or money. Fortunately, your time apart counts toward separation.”
“Warren has plenty of money,” I murmured. “What now?”
“I’m going to call his attorney in the morning and see why he’s refusing. It could be that he just wants something you have.” She shrugged.
