Chapter 17

Brent

C limbing out of my vehicle, I grab my jacket where I'd laid it on the passenger seat. Locking up and walking to the elevator where I have a third floor condo. Reaching the front door, I stop and stare at the large notice that states clearly, ‘For Sale.'

"I didn't know you were thinking of moving, Brent. I've told my son you have it up for sale. He may contact you about buying."

Turning toward the voice, I look at Mrs. Danbury, who lives opposite. It shocks me that someone has done this and someone as quickly wants to buy it. Ripping down the notice, I snap at the woman, "This is a joke, a bad practical joke. My condo is not for sale and I'm not moving."

Storming inside, I slam the door behind me, and throw the notice into the trash can before dumping my jacket on the back of the couch, and heading to the cabinet where I keep the liquor. After pouring and downing a glass of Jack Daniels, I walk over to the balcony and notice something flapping in the breeze.

Placing the empty glass I'm holding onto the small table on the balcony, I lean over and see a huge 'For Sale' sign flapping, tied with thick string. How the hell has someone got into my condo to place this shit here?

Oh, you can imagine I ripped that sign off too, and I'm cursing up a storm because someone is messing with me, and messing with me where it hurts most. I've spent most of today organizing payments for the debt Philomena had placed on my head. Now coming home to this feels like the last straw, but I have a feeling maybe not!

Grabbing the keys to my vehicle, I rush out of the condo and over to my parents' house. I've been leasing this and making a profit, which I've put into an account to cover any repairs or replacements I have to make. I'm thankful Philomena didn't know about that money, or I'm sure she would have spent that too.

Stopping outside the house, I close my eyes and feel like screaming. There is a huge ‘For Sale' sign in the front yard of the house. Jumping out of the vehicle, I quickly remove the sign and when the door opens to the house, I don't wait for her to speak. "Gloria, this is a practical joke by friends. Don't worry, the house is not for sale."

"Oh, that's good. I was worried."

"As I said, it's just a joke, and I've taken it down, so carry on with your evening."

"Okay, Brent, thank you for coming and clearing it up for us. I'm sure Charlie will be happy to know too." Gloria gives me a finger wave before closing the door.

I spend the next two hours calling the number on the signs, but as I expected no one answered. You couldn't even leave voicemail. This is a crock of shit, but I'm thankful I've at least taken the signs down and can sleep tonight.

The next evening I'm sitting in the kitchen eating a microwave meal wondering how the hell my life has turned to shit so fast. The partnership I was after at work has fallen through because I don't have the money any longer to put into the business. I also, according to my boss, don't have the morals required to have the business name linked with me.

Throwing the meal in the trash, I head for the shower, dropping my clothes onto the floor as I walk. Cleaning up after myself these days, they can lay where I've dropped them until I'm ready to restart my spirit, which is at rock bottom at the moment.

I gave notice at my job after losing the partnership. I'm going to lease the house and condo and move to another state, start again, but have that safety net of ownership in case I need it. I will always have somewhere to come back to if things don't work out.

Saturday and I'm going to be doing something I should have done right away. I'm going to face Philomena and her use of my credit cards. They are maxed out and all the statements show she has bought clothes, jewelry, spa days and all types of shit that should never have been used on my card, especially without my permission.

I know I've spent more than I should have on weekends away for the both of us, but at least I did that. I knew I was racking up debt for these luxuries. But for her to take my card without my knowing is theft, and she's going to face that fact.

Walking into The Medusa, I see Philomena behind the bar and seeing me she tries to turn and walk away, but I shout her name to stop or the complete bar will hear what I have to say.

In the bar's office I look at the woman I thought was good enough to replace Suzie, and what the hell I was thinking I don't know, because it's more than obvious she is nothing in comparison.

"I have proof you have used my credit cards and maxed them out, and on idiotic shit that I would never use my cards for. Now, you either pay me back every last dime and pronto, or you'll be speaking to the cops once I've given them the evidence."

"Brent, I don't have that money…"

Oh, I cut her off before she can give me any bullshit. "I don't care, you can sell your vehicle, sell everything you own, get a loan, sell your butt on a street corner. I.Don't.Give.A.Shit. You will pay me within a week or I'll take all the evidence I have that you used my cards without my permission to the cops. Oh! I'll contact the companies too because they take this kind of shit seriously.

"I'll be back next Saturday for the money, or you can send it to me. But I'm done here. I'll be leaving before the month is out, so you can't delay, as I'm not fucking around." I storm out of the office, giving the boss a nod as I pass him. I don't give a shit if he heard or not. I'm done with people, myself included.

Back home, I grab another glass of Jack. Seems to be something I'm doing regularly at the moment. Sitting, I close my eyes for a moment when my phone rings. Picking it up from the coffee table, I sigh when I see the caller.

"What can I do for you?" I know I'm going to be blowing this woman out of the water in a minute. She is Suzie's mother, yet they've disowned her because she won't give them money. Her father should have more about him than allowing this bitch to lead him about by his dick.

"We have arranged a meeting with our lawyer and Suzie's lawyer. Do you want to come along?" Brenda asks and I sigh because this woman is just a menace to herself and her daughter.

"No. I'm leaving town and not coming back for a long time. Why can't you leave Suzie alone? You are her parents. You shouldn't be trying to take her inheritance, not when you've had and spent your own."

"Well, you were all for going along with it…"

"Yeah, and that makes me an asshole. I cheated on her. I lost the best thing that ever happened to me, because I was too stupid and blind to see what I had. You had a fantastic daughter and one that deserved better than the both of you. I hope she finds a way of stopping you in your tracks, and I have a feeling she will. Never ring me again, I'm done with you, and as I said I'm leaving town, in fact, leaving the state." I cut the call before she can say more. She's nothing but a nasty bitch who I hope ends up with nothing.

A week later, I have a check from Philomena that went into my bank with no trouble. I can wash my hands of her. I've found a couple to lease my condo, and made Mrs. Danbury's day when her son organized to move in as soon as I leave.

I've contacted Suzie and asked for a meeting at a diner where I can clear the air. Watching her climb out of a Ford truck, I sigh as I see her kiss Noah, her boss, before walking toward the diner where I'm waiting.

Walking inside, I can't help but feel like crying when I know this is more than likely the last time that I'll see my ex-wife.

"Would you like a drink?" I ask as Suzie takes a seat in front of me.

"No, I'm okay, thank you. What did you want to say, Brent?"

"Thank you for agreeing to meet me, and I'm grateful you are giving me this opportunity. I'm leaving town and the state. I've found another job and am moving away. I'm keeping the condo and house but leasing them, for now at least. Before I leave I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for what I did, and what I put you through. Losing you has been the most traumatic thing that has happened since losing my parents. I was a stupid asshole, and I know I ruined my life. I can't blame anyone but myself, but I'm going to pull myself back up and be the man you first met, the man you loved. I'm sorry, Suzie," a tear rolls down my cheek and I don't wipe it away because I want and need her to see how sincere I am.

"I'm sorry too, Brent, that I wasn't enough for you. Maybe one day you'll find that person. I wish you well now. I've gotten over my anger and taken my revenge."

"Yeah, I thought it was you causing all the shit. The coffee, sparkles, and selling my house. But I'm okay with it, and deserved it." Standing, I lean over and kiss the top of Suzie's head, then walk out as I whisper, "Bye, Suzie."

"Bye, Brent…" I hear whispered in reply.