Sam leans back in her chair and her demeanor softens. She even smiles … I think. “Don’t be upset with me, Eden. It’s my job to play devil’s advocate in order to understand your true goals. You wouldn’t believe how many women I’ve represented that come in here saying one thing and expect something entirely different. Did you bring the prenup?” she asks, continuing with the same softer tone.
“Yes.” I take the envelope out of my purse and pass it to her. She opens it up and I sit quietly while she reads. When I married Blythe, it wasn’t for his money. Maybe I was naïve back then, but I really only craved his love and attention.
“You weren’t joking when you said you didn’t care about money.” Her gaze lifts to mine. “He will give you one million dollars, which is dust compared to his fortune and what I can get you. You realize you can’t even buy a small apartment in Manhattan for that amount? Are you sure about this, Eden? It also says he expects to share custody of any children that are a product of the marriage.”
“That can’t happen,” I snap.
“Well, okay …” Sam grins and takes some notes. “I’m a fighter, Eden. Give me something to fight. I also charge an arm and a leg. You’ll need to get more money just to cover my fees.”
“Grant is all mine. That is the only thing I will accept. Blythe is not a father. He barely acknowledges his own son. He twisted my arm in front of my son. What kind of an example is that?” I argue.
“That’s it, Eden, give me my ammunition. Okay, the way I see it … he will need to pay a nice sum of child support for a very long time. That’s determined according to his wealth. Above and beyond that, I say you ask for two million, not one. It’s beyond fair and will give you a better footing to start a new life with your son. I can register separation papers today. I can’t see Blythe Howard allowing this to get to court. The media will suck this up. I’m guessing he doesn’t want the fact that he’s an absent father, or that he’s had multiple affairs, becoming public knowledge.”
“Yeah. I guess. He also knows a few secrets about me. Things I don’t want getting out.” I sigh.
“It sounds like you both have secrets about each other. That happens when you’re married. I don’t think he should be a threat. He really does make extra effort to come off as a clean, family guy. He knows you could use the affairs against him. I don’t think he’ll chance it,” she argues. It makes sense. He won’t reveal my deep, dark secrets. He can’t. It would ruin everything. I hope Sam is right.
“So what happens now? What do I do? I’m scared he’ll flip when he finds out I’m leaving him. After he twisted my arm in front of Grant, I’m not sure what he’s capable of. How do I keep myself and my son safe while all this comes to fruition?”
“You need to move out when he isn’t home. That way you prevent a confrontation. Then you need to stay somewhere safe. Do you have family you can stay with?” My stomach sinks at her question. The only person I have close to family is Jenna, and she lives in a studio in Brooklyn.
I shake my head. “No, I don’t.”
“Okay, check yourself into a hotel … no wait, that won’t work. I bet he’ll try to track you down through credit cards and he may try to cancel them too. Just a heads-up. Be prepared.” She taps her pen on her desk as if she’s trying to come up with a solution for me.
My phone beeps.
Do you want to go somewhere with the kids this weekend?
I almost want to roll my eyes. Really? I don’t understand him. Does he think I can be a plaything? I’m not that girl.
“How about a friend? Do you have a friend you can stay with? Someone Blythe wouldn’t know.” She arches a brow expectantly.
I should have friends. I should have made friends in college. I was already married to Blythe, and he didn’t want me to have a college life. I got pregnant and attended school.
Please answer. The woman from last night … it’s not what you’re thinking. Even though you may just be busy and that’s why you aren’t replying, and I may have just put my foot in my mouth.
I let out a laugh when I realize Sam’s gaze trained on me.
My phone beeps again.
Are you there?
A blush crawls up my cheeks. I wonder if Dick would front his credit card and I could pay the bill.
“What if I ask a friend to give their credit card to the hotel? Would that work?”
“Definitely.” She takes a few notes. “When will you be leaving the house, then? I will call to check up on you. I need to know you’re safe.” She smiles kindly. As much as she comes off as a pit bull, she does have a heart. I decide I like Sam. Now to ask Dick for this favor.
“Tonight. I need to leave right away. I can’t handle being there anymore. Last night when he grabbed me like that in front of my son … it broke me.” I put my head down, ashamed.
Sam gets out of her chair and walks around the table. She places a hand on my shoulder. “These next couple months are going to be tough, Eden. You need to stay strong for your son. I know living in a hotel isn’t ideal; I will get things moving as quickly as possible. Do you and Blythe share any bank accounts?” she asks.
“No. I do have an account in my name. He deposits money there every month for Grant and me. I have enough money in that account to get by,” I assure her and stand to my feet. They feel more wobbly now than when I entered her office. I have to prepare myself for what’s to come.
“Good. I’m going to file for legal separation. I will send it out by FEDEX right away. Blythe will realize what’s happening at that point, and he’ll contact his attorney. I’m not expecting too much of a fight, like I mentioned. I know he will want to remain out of the public eye. You follow through and leave tonight. Don’t worry about packing everything. You can always send packers and a moving company next week to pick up your things.” She continues with her advice, which is good because all this is a lot to take in. “And remember, I’m bound by client confidentiality, so if a time comes and you need to tell me, don’t be scared.”
“Thanks, Sam.” I turn to leave her office.
“I’m calling you in two hours to make sure you’re safe.” She nods curtly with a hint of a grin. I hate that she’s mentioned me being safe for a second time. It makes my stomach roil.
“Of course.” I force a smile and leave the office.
I make my way to the elevators and look down to my phone with shaky hands. Dick’s messages pull me out of my panicked state for a brief moment and put a smile on my face. I’m surprised he’s explaining himself to me at all.
Can I ask a favor?
A moment later he replies.
You have my attention. I’m intrigued.
I don’t know why I’m blushing because he isn’t in front of me, but I am.
Can you meet me at the Plaza at 7:00?
I assume he carries a credit card with him.
Eden, I thought we are keeping this friendly. I don’t know if we should go there again.
I inwardly cringe. That message didn’t come off right. A part of me is also giggling because he is presumptuous.
That’s not what I meant. I’m leaving Blythe. I’m sorry to involve you. I need to use a credit card so he won’t be able to track where I’m staying. Of course I will pay you back every cent.
I hate to involve him. I know it isn’t fair of me, but I have no choice. I have no one else who can front a credit card, who isn’t loyal to Blythe.
What happened? Are you okay? I can come get you?
I’m fine. I will explain when we meet. Can you please just meet me?
I’ll be there!
Thanks!
I head back to my car. I’m a bundle of nerves. I need to basically pack for the next few days and get out, just in case Blythe decides to come home. He’s so unpredictable with his schedule.
Half an hour later, I’m back at the penthouse.
“Mmm, pizza. Good choice.” I smile to Grant. I reach into my purse to pay Matilda. “Thanks so much for coming on short n
otice.” I pass her the money, which includes an extra tip.
“My pleasure. He’s a great kid. We had fun together. Right, Grant?” She pats his head, and Grant stares up at her adoringly.
She leaves and I take Grant and head upstairs. I quickly grab one suitcase out of the spare bedroom and head into Grant’s room, grabbing handfuls of shirts, shorts, pants, underwear, and socks and throw them frivolously into the suitcase. He follows me into my room. I do the same with my closet. I quickly discard my blouse and skirt in favor of a white T-shirt and a pair of blue skinny jeans. I grab the toiletries quickly too. My heartbeat is erratic, and everything I’m touching is slipping through my fingers. I know that if Blythe walks in right now, this departure will get ugly. I zip up the suitcase and lug it down the staircase step by step. Grant puts on his running shoes, and I go to grab my purse when the elevator door opens.
My heart sinks.
Blythe is wide-eyed. “Eden, what are you doing?”
My mouth goes dry. My vocal cords freeze. “Uh … I’m … leaving you …” I finally get the words out.
Then I whisper in Grant’s ear to head over to his play corner so I can talk to Blythe privately. Grant runs off.
Blythe’s features soften. “Is this because of our argument last night? It was no big deal, Eden. I was thinking about it. I get that you’re a young woman and you want to go out and have some fun. That’s fine. Just be discreet,” he says quietly and my jaw goes slack. What does that mean? Is he insinuating I should have an affair discreetly, like him? I feel disgusted.
“Blythe, we don’t have a real marriage. I’m sorry. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t pretend to be something I’m not. I can’t pretend to be happy when I’m so lonely.” My voice cracks and a tear falls down my cheek.
That’s when Blythe’s demeanor changes. He goes from feeling sure about himself to realizing I have thought this through.
“Eden, look, we can work this out, I’m sure. I can do better. I will make time for you and Grant,” he answers and his tone almost sounds panicked. It doesn’t surprise me. He doesn’t care about us while we are here, but something deep inside him likes the notion of family. He craves it but can’t follow through on it. It makes me feel sorry for him because I know he had a tough childhood, but I also know it shouldn’t prevent him from being a loyal husband and good father.
“Blythe, you know it’s more than that. You haven’t looked my way since you got me pregnant almost five years ago. I don’t need your pity fucks once a year,” I whisper. “And I know there are other women,” I explain softly. I’m hoping this conversation will end soon and we can leave quietly.
At the mention of other women, his face grows angry. “Eden, that isn’t your business. You are my wife. Do you really think I will allow you to take my son and just walk out of here? That’s not happening. Now GO UNPACK!” His voice rises as he speaks. He’s angry and irritated now. I worry he will scare Grant.
I call Grant back over to me, and he comes running. I take his hand in mine and let out a quick breath, getting ready for my next move and hoping it goes smoothly.
“We are leaving. I’m sorry, Blythe.” I have never stood up to him before. Taking my life into my own hands is empowering.
I take hold of the handle of my suitcase with one hand, and I hold onto Grant’s hand with my other hand. Taking a few steps to press the elevator button, I focus on controlled breaths when I feel Blythe’s hand on my shoulder, spinning me around.
“Eden, you aren’t going anywhere. Now stop being childish about this and take your stuff back upstairs,” he orders with a stern voice.
I’m now shaking from the inside out but I can’t back down. I turn back around and step into the elevator when it arrives. Blythe takes a step inside with me and grabs the suitcase away.
“Blythe, you’re the one being childish. Just give me my things. I don’t like that you’re making a scene in front of Grant. You are being a bad example. What you did last night was unacceptable too,” I say, referring to when he twisted my arm.
It seems that he’s getting angrier by the passing moments. His eyebrows crease together. He lifts his hand up and smacks me hard across the cheek. His face is red and his breathing labored. I stumble back as my hand goes to my cheek, which is throbbing from the pain. I wonder what he’s on. His emotions seem all over the place. He was sweet at first and when that didn’t work, he turned mean and now violent. It isn’t like him to be violent.
“Get out of this elevator now.” My voice is steady, calm, and assertive as I order Blythe out. I don’t even know how I’m holding myself together. I know how bad this looks to Grant. I need to keep it together for him.
I’m surprised when he slowly backs away. The elevator doors close, and I hear him calling my name and pounding on the door above us as we descend the floors. I’m in shock. I look down to Grant, not realizing that he’s now grasping my leg and his eyes are squeezed shut. Oh no, my poor boy!
“Grant, honey. It’s okay. Mommy is okay. We’re going to live somewhere else for now,” I begin to say, wishing I could have broken this news to my son differently and not in an elevator with a suitcase after he witnessed his father strike me. “It’s going to be lots of fun. We are going to a hotel. We can swim and order room service.” My voice is shaky, despite the fact I’m trying to make this sound like a fun vacation.
“Okay, Mommy,” he murmurs with a shaky voice, still holding my leg. I reach down to pick him up and prop him on my hip. The elevator lands in the parking garage.
“We’re going to have fun,” I reassure him and myself as I take the suitcase in one hand and Grant in my other arm, making my way to the car and turning my head every few seconds to check if Blythe followed me down here. All seems quiet. With Grant in his car seat and the suitcase in the trunk, we leave the building for what I assume will be the last time. I’m scared and rejuvenated all at once. I repeat the words ‘this is a good thing,’ numerous times as I make my way toward the Plaza. The phone rings and I answer on blue tooth.
“Hello.”
“Eden. Sam Wylder here. Everything okay?” she asks and her voice seems wary. Did she expect this? A bad reaction from Blythe.
“He came home as I was leaving. He wasn’t happy.” I pause and take a look in the rearview mirror. Shit, my eye is swollen. How will I check into the hotel with a shiner?
“Did he hurt you?” she asks as if she already knows the answer.
“Yes. He smacked me across the face. I have a bruise forming on my cheek. I held my own though and demanded he let me leave. He backed away and now Grant and I are on the way to the Plaza.”
“Shit, Eden, I’m sorry. I suspected he might get violent. I should have recommended you take a guard with you. I didn’t think Blythe would actually strike. I mean he does make himself out to be Mr. Nice Guy in the media. I thought he would keep up appearances. I’m sorry for that. Regardless, this is good for our case. This will help us get one step closer to our objective. Let’s meet Monday afternoon. I’m sure Blythe will obtain counsel by then.”
“Ah … yeah, sure thanks,” I reply. I get the feeling that she knew exactly what would happen and wanted it to work out this way. I’ve heard around school that she is top notch. I should have expected her to be cutthroat.
“Bye now,” she responds quickly with a sweet warm tone. She’s a lion clothed as a lamb.
I don’t have time to say goodbye and the call has ended.
I pull into the Plaza and valet takes my luggage and the car. Dick is already waiting in the lobby. He looks confused and worried. He’s wearing a fitted, gray, cotton shirt and a worn-out pair of blue jeans with blue Converse sneakers. He doesn’t look like your typical CEO. That’s for sure.
“Eden, what’s going on?” He stalks toward us with a worried tone. When he takes in my cheek, his face scrunches and his jaw begins to tick. “What’s going on?”
“I’m sorry to involve you. I didn’t know who else to ask. You know … someone
that isn’t related or has ties to Blythe …” I begin to explain.
He pauses and his hand runs gently over my cheek. “We should get you ice,” he says then his attention switches to Grant. “Hey, buddy. How are you? I don’t have Jaden today. He’s getting dropped off with his sister tomorrow afternoon.” He crouches down to Grant’s level. Grant doesn’t answer. He tightens his hold on my leg. Dick remains at Grant’s level and looks back up at me. “Eden?” he asks questioningly. He can tell my son looks traumatized.
I can’t hold on anymore. One stray tear falls down my cheek, followed by another, followed by a stream of tears I must have been holding on to. This isn’t the place to break down. It’s too public, and who knows who followed Dick in here. I can’t help it. Dick embraces me in his strong arms. I bury my face in the crook of his neck as I register the fact that Blythe smacked me hard across the face. None of it makes sense. He always ignores me. He’s never hurt me physically. I’m glad I held my own and he backed away. At least defending myself feels good. Dick leans down and scoops Grant up in his arms, and I pull away, swiping at my eyes.
“I’m sorry, I’m such a mess.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m gathering you left …” He pauses. I think it’s because he calls Blythe, asshat and he doesn’t want to call him that in front of Grant.
“Yes.” I smile through the tears.
“It’s probably about time. You guys are not staying at a hotel. You are coming with me,” Dick says, still holding on to Grant. Grant places his head on Dick’s shoulder and hugs him and my heart breaks. Blythe has never been a father to him.
“Dick, wait. I can’t… I need to stay here … until my attorney works everything out,” I begin to explain, but he walks through the front doors and passes valet his ticket.
“Eden, I have three empty rooms in my house. Ma is a great cook and Jaden will be over the roof happy to have his friend sleeping over. I have toys and all the comforts of home. You are not staying with Grant in a hotel until your lawyer figures out paperwork. I’ve been there. It can take months,” he explains, and he’s still gritting his jaw. “Where is your suitcase?” He suddenly whips his head around.
Dick (Bad Boys #1) Page 14
