The next morning, I had the kids and myself packed and ready to go. When I took them over to James and Sammie's house, they both seemed nervous, and I couldn't help but laugh. I was feeling the same way. Even Lauren was there. We'd said a quick hello, but that was it. Sammie had breakfast made, so I ate with the kids before getting ready to leave. On my way out, Lauren shocked me. She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tight.
“It won't be long,” she whispered near my ear, “and you'll be free of that dirt bag. We're there in seconds if you need us. I'll kick his ass good myself.”
We both laughed, as I hugged her back.
“Thank you!” I said.
I hugged each of the kids, including both new babies. Then I gave my three an extra hug before walking out the door.
The drive to my parents' wasn't too bad. I listened to the radio the whole way. It was the first time I was driving back to Michigan, and the drive seemed much longer than when I'd gone in the opposite direction. Part of me couldn't wait to be turning around and going back home. That was when it hit me that Pennsylvania was my home. I was building a great life for the kids and myself there. I knew it bothered my parents, but I also knew they understood why I'd chosen to go there.
When I got to their house, it felt like I'd always been visiting, even though it had been years. Grandma had made dinner, so we sat down to eat right away. The game was starting, so we ate in the living room. My dad might not have been a Pirate any more, but he never missed a game, not unless he absolutely had too. My mom and grandma were both just as bad as he was.
As soon as I sat down, I pulled out my phone to send Parker a text.
Me: I'm here, boss man. I hope you're having a great game. They're making me watch it. Can you believe that?
“Are you texting James?” my mom asked. “Tell him I said hello.”
“No,” I answered, and my grandma laughed.
“Is it Sammie?” my mom asked.
“No,” I answered, and my grandma laughed again.
“How do you know everything?” my mom asked my grandma, with irritation in her tone.
“I'm just good like that,” my grandma said, as she shrugged.
By the time I finished eating, I was stuffed. It had been a while since I'd had my grandma's cooking, and I missed it just as much as I had before.
As I watched the game, I noticed that Parker looked more tired than usual. I'd been watching every game, but I hadn't told him that, and I didn't plan to either. I only watched them all because I missed him, and that was not something I wanted him to know. He knew they were making me watch that one, so I was safe there.
I picked my phone up again.
Me: Are you okay? You look exhausted out there. Late night? You must have gone out after you messaged me.
“Okay, who is it?” my mom blurted out.
“What?” I asked, not sure what she was talking about.
“Who are you texting?” she asked.
“Parker,” I answered honestly.
“What? Why would you be texting Parker?” she asked.
“I can have friends, Mom,” I said.
“Of course you can, but,” she began.
“Leave her alone,” my dad said, cutting her off and shocking me. “She can text whoever she wants.”
“And you're okay with that?” my mom asked him.
“I am,” my dad said, as he looked over at me with a smile.
What the hell was going on, I wondered? My dad would never be okay with me and Parker, would he? I looked over at my grandma, and she shrugged innocently. I knew her too well, that shit was anything but innocent.
“What are you going to do once everything is final?” my mom asked, as we sat watching the end of the game.
“I'm not sure,” I answered. “I was thinking about selling the house and staying in Pennsylvania.”
“In that tiny apartment?” she asked.
“It's not that small,” I said. “I like it. Plus, James likes my work.”
“You're going to keep working for your brother,” she said. “You'll have money, so you won't have to anymore.”
“I'm not using Jeff's money to live,” I said, shocked that she'd even said that to me. “He will not be a part of my new life.”
“What are you going to do with it?” she asked.
“I'm not sure yet,” I answered honestly.
“I'm proud of you,” my grandma said. “You saying that just confirms what I already knew, Cassie. I love you.”
“You could always use the house when you want some time away,” my mom said.
“I could,” I said. “I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet. I just need to make sure that whatever decision I make, I make for me.”
“Very true,” my grandma said. “Someone wise tell you that?”
When I looked over, she had a huge smile on her face.
“You know what?” I said. “Mom has a point. How do you know that?”
“I already told you,” she said, “I'm good like that.”
I was tired, so the second the game was over I went to my room. Only one thing had changed since I'd left, and that was grandma being just down the hall. It was a good change. I loved that she was close by.
The game had just ended, so I knew Parker would still be busy, so I grabbed my phone and sent him a message.
Me: Seriously, are you feeling okay? You looked rough out there. Get some rest tonight. Maybe when you get home in two days, you need to give yourself a break and relax. You guys did really good tonight. Great game!
I was just falling asleep when I heard the ding of my phone and hurried to grab it.
Parker: I'm fine. I've just got a lot on my mind. I was not out last night. I was already in my room for the night when I text you. I can't wait to be home. Maybe I'll come rest at your place.
I couldn't help but smile.
Me: Do you honestly think you'll get any rest at my place? It's a zoo. I'm glad you're okay. What's on your mind? Is everything okay?
Parker: I feel horrible that I won't be there for you tomorrow. Do not let that asshole near you.
Me: I'm fine. Everything will be okay. I'll have my parents and grandma there. What's he going to do in the middle of a courtroom anyway?
I sent that message, and a few seconds later I sent another.
Me: I'm totally lying. I can't lie to you. I'm scared out of my mind. What if she's there with him? What if he pulls something crazy at the last minute? I just want this over with. I can't stand feeling like he can pull the rug out from under me at any moment. I just need to know that I have my kids, and I want my life back.
Parker: Thank you for being honest with me. Just one more day. Then you'll be free to live your life without worrying about him. He won't have any hold over you. I bet that feels good. Can I come over when I get home the night after tomorrow? I've got some things I want to talk to you about.
Me: Is everything okay?
Parker: Yes.
Me: The kids will be at James and Sammie's house that night as well. I'll get some pizza, and we can watch a movie.
Parker: I'll get it on my way over. I'm not exactly sure what time we're flying in, but I'll come straight there.
Me: Sounds good. Are you getting the twins while you're here?
Parker: For one day. I can't wait to see them.
Me: I bet. Take them someplace fun.
Parker: No way! I want them to myself for the day.
Me: A quiet day at home sounds good too. Good luck at the game tomorrow.
Parker: Good luck to you too. Text me as soon as it's over. It should be before the game even starts. Who knows, maybe they'll make you watch that one too.
Me: Maybe they will. Goodnight, Parker.
Parker: Goodnight, Cassie.
I tried to sleep, but between court looming over me and Parker's comment about wanting to talk, I couldn't. My mind kept bouncing back and forth between the two. By the time I fell asleep, I only had two hours before the alar
m would be going off and I would be getting back up.
I was exhausted, as I walked out to my dad's car the next morning.
As soon as we walked into the courthouse, we met with my lawyer. He seemed like a nice guy, but I could tell he was no joke. The man oozed control. I was just hoping Jeff and his lawyer felt it too.
When we walked into the courtroom and sat down, I saw Jeff. He turned, our eyes connected, and I felt nothing. Not hate, sadness, or loss, but nothing at all. Instead, I thought about the kids and how happy they'd been since we left. Then I thought about all of the pictures I'd taken of us together. We were happier than we'd ever been. I'd come a long way in such a short time, and thinking about it made me so proud.
I wanted to text Parker so badly, but I couldn't. Phones weren't allowed in the building, so I'd had to leave mine in the car.
Before long, the room was full. There were so many people, so many cases. I was hoping we'd be called early, but we weren't. When I couldn't take sitting and waiting one more second, I got up and headed for the bathroom. When I opened the door to walk back out, I jumped. Jeff was standing right next to the door, waiting for me.
“Cassie,” he said, and hearing my name leave his lips had my nerves instantly working. “I've missed you. Why haven't you been using your phone?”
“For you to track me, no thanks,” I answered. “You can shut it off.”
I stood looking at him for a second, and something seemed off. Had his nose always looked that way, I wondered? It couldn't have. I definitely would have noticed.
“You can still use it,” he said.
“I don't need it,” I said.
“Why? Did your brother buy you one?” he asked, and the innocent tone in his voice that had been there seconds before was gone.
“No,” I answered, which was a total lie, but the next part was true. “I actually have a job and an apartment.”
“Yeah right,” he said with a laugh.
“I do,” I said. “No thanks to you.”
“Just come home, Cassie,” he said.
“Home,” I said. “I have a home, but it's not with you.”
“You could have everything you did before,” he said, with a smirk. “It's more than you're getting.”
“I don't want a damn thing if it comes from you,” I said.
“What about the house and the money?” he asked. “That's coming from me.”
“That was more my lawyers than me,” I answered. “I'm not keeping any of it.”
“What?” he snapped. “Is it him? Is this all because of him? Is that how you got more than one law firm?”
“Who?” I asked, totally confused by the words spewing from his mouth.
“Cassie,” my grandma said, as she walked up behind Jeff. “They've called your case. Leave her alone, Jeff.”
“But I miss her,” he said, in an innocent tone, as he turned to look at her.
“I never liked you, Jeff, but you already knew that,” she said. “I was the only one that wasn't afraid to say that shit to your face. But, I've got to give you credit.”
He looked at her like she was going to compliment him. Guess he should have gotten to know her better. That was not at all what was coming his way.
“I never thought you were as big of a loser as you really are,” she said, and his mouth fell open. “I thought you at least cared about her. I didn't think you'd cheat on her. I never thought you'd do something as low as reporting her cards stolen, which hurt your kids in the process. I wouldn't have thought that you'd try to take those same kids from their mother either. But, the one thing that shocks me the most, is that you put your hands on her, and that is not okay. You should be happy you're walking right now.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but she stopped him.
“She will never come near you again,” she snapped. “Do you hear me? She has us. We are her family. We've put up with a lot over the years because of you, but those days are over. You ever come near her, and we will all be there, in one big line, waiting to kick your scrawny little ass all over the place. You don't touch one of ours. Do you hear me?”
Before he had a chance to respond, she grabbed my arm and pulled me away from him.
“Who was he talking about?” I asked. “He asked if it was because of him? Who's him?”
“I don't know, Cassie,” she answered. “He's just trying to do anything he can to get you back. He should have realized how great you were before he lost you. Come on, we've got a loser to get rid of.”
“He never even asked about the kids,” I whispered, as we walked back into the courtroom. “Did you see his nose? The damn thing is crooked.”
Our actual court part wasn't that bad or long at all. Jeff stood, giving me a stern look, the whole time. It was almost as if he thought he could will me to change my mind, but that would never happen, especially not after I'd seen how much better life could be without him.
I stood, thinking, as the lawyers went back and forth. Sex with Parker that one time was better than I'd ever had with Jeff. I trusted Parker. I told him the truth, never once being afraid not to. He'd made me feel safe. Even when he was beyond pissed and my body reacted, I never feared him. He would never do to me what Jeff was doing, staring at me like I'd better change my mind. Shit! He'd never try to take everything he possibly could away just to hurt me. Parker was cocky and demanding, but I wouldn't have changed him for anything. If that was what loving someone was like, then I'd never loved Jeff. Wait.
“Shit!” I blurted out, and everyone looked at me. “Sorry! So sorry!”
No, it couldn't be, I thought. I was standing in a courtroom, in front of a judge, in the very last moment of my marriage. I wasn't in love. I couldn't be, not with Parker, not with anyone.
The second the judge said we were divorced, I signed on the dotted line. Then I turned and walked out of that courtroom, and my grandma was right behind me.
“Cassie,” she called out to me. “What was that about? You should have seen the look on your face. Did you finally realize that Jeff was just a giant asshole walking around?”
“No,” I said. “That wasn't it at all.”
When we stopped, she looked at me, and our eyes connected.
“Are you okay?” she asked, with concern in her words.
“I'm not sure,” I answered. “It's been a really long day. I think I need some rest.”
“If we hurry home, we can catch the second half of the game,” she said.
I nodded but didn't speak.
My mom came out and handed me her keys. My dad was finishing up with the lawyer, so she went back in to be with him, while my grandma and I walked out to the car.
I pulled my phone out, and the second I turned it on, it dinged. I had four messages, and they were all from Parker.
Parker: Is everything okay?
Parker: Are you still in court?
Parker: The game is about to start.
Parker: Text me as soon as you're done.
I looked toward the front seat to see my grandma typing away on her phone.
“What are you doing?” I asked. “Are you texting each of them to tell them? You can send a group text.”
“It's not them,” she said.
“Really?” I asked.
“You're not the only one that can have friends,” she said, not once looking up from her phone.
I shook my head, as I looked down at my own phone and typed a message.
Me: It's over! I'm free.
The front doors opened, and my parents got in the car.
“You'll be able to pick up everything you need at the lawyers in a couple of days, but you have this for now,” my dad said, as he handed me back some papers.
I folded them up and stuck them in my purse without even reading them. I didn't care what they said. I had my kids, and it was over. That was all that mattered to me.
We headed back to my parents, and my grandma took off for the house the second the car was parked. When we w
alked in, she already had the game on, so I sat down next to her. My dad sat down next to me and wrapped his arms around me.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I am,” I said. “I can't believe it, but I am.”
“He said he had all of yours and the kids stuff in boxes. I told him to ship them to your brothers. He doesn't need to be at or know anything about your apartment,” my dad said. “He also said to just throw out anything of his at the vacation house.”
“Thank you,” I said.
I leaned in close to my dad, and we watched the rest of the game together.
Parker had the same tired look in his eyes, and I couldn't help but want to see him, take care of him, and know that he was okay. He wanted to come over as soon as he got back, but he wanted to talk. What did he want to talk about, I wondered? What did he have to say? He was staying through the season. Had he heard something about the following year? Was it something else? Had he found someone else, someone that wasn't just a friend? Was he going to cut me loose? There was no way. I couldn't let him. He was my friend, but I wanted more, and I was willing to risk it all. I was willing to put my heart on the line. It was stupid of me. It could have put me in the same situation I'd just gotten out of all over again, but I had to do it. The thought of him walking out of my life hurt so damn badly. I couldn't let that happen. I had to try. I had to fight for him.
I grabbed my phone and sent him another message.
Me: You look exhausted. Get some rest tonight. Are you still coming over? I have something I need to talk to you about too.
Not long after, the game was over. They'd won. The cameras showed the guys. There were ladies everywhere, and one of them was draping her arm over Parker's shoulder. Just as she leaned in to kiss his cheek, I shot up off of the couch.
“I'm tired,” I said. “I want an early start tomorrow. I need to get home.”
I took off for my room, shut the door, changed, and got into bed. My phone dinged from beside me. I thought it was him, but when I picked it up, I saw that it was my grandma.
Out of My League: Complete Box Set Page 34