Divorced! Now what?

Chapter 28

Bethany POV



The pool laps cleared my mind, and I brushed aside the pain of seeing Theo with another woman. I had no right to be upset, and for some reason, it hurt more than when I caught Bret with my sister. As long as I keep in mind that he is a booty call and nothing more, then I can cope with him being with another woman, even if it hurts. Before our agreement, I intended to go clubbing and pick up one-night stands. What is the difference between me choosing a man and sticking to that one when I need a release? I think what hurt was we agreed to be honest and exclusive. I hope he kept his side of the bargain and is not bedding the woman. I guess as long as it is covered each time, I am safe from STDs, I hope, and keeping my heart out of it and enjoying his company saves you from being lonely all the time.

I got dressed for comfort. I got a pantsuit and flat shoes. Dad and I are going to watch a game of football today. I am bringing some nibbles, and Dad has got the beer. The cab arrived out the front. I could have walked. Catching a taxi was better than carrying food to Dad's place in a crowded street. Even on a Sunday, the roads were very busy. A farmers market was set up on a side street, making traffic a little more congested. The sounds of car horns honking and yells of abuse back and forth made for an exciting start to the day. Next week, I will walk through the markets and see what is on sale; besides the usual cheap junk that seems to plague most stalls, if they have fresh vegetables, that might make the stall worth a visit each week.

The cab pulled up outside Dad's apartment, and I climbed out, relieved that this side of the market was not so busy and that pulling out front was easy traffic. With the crazy traffic, I was concerned we could get this close, but I should have remembered that cabs seemed to be able to pull up anyway and get away with it. I paid with my card and thanked the driver.

Dad was on floor twenty, and I waited impatiently as the elevator seemed to stop on every floor. When you are eager to go somewhere, every little thing triggers you. It was not the lift's fault that doors opened on each floor, just as it was not the cab's fault. It caught every single set of lights as we made our way here.

Dad opened the door with a bright smile and urged me inside, his face full of joy at my arrival. I took the food to his kitchen and got the warm hug I hoped for. It took all of my strength not to burst into tears. I don't mind admitting I am Daddy's girl, and I am where I love football and beer and chips and share it with Dad. My sister was like my mother: fancy clothes, lots of makeup, and the latest designer accessories, and though those things are fine, they are not me.

'How are you settling in, Dad?' I was looking for some hint that leaving Mum was hurting him, but he seemed to be in good spirits. The apartment was clean, and the room was set up for our football marathon day. We will be watching more than one game today.

'Doing fantastic, sweetie; I should have done this years ago. You?' He looked and sounded great. My old Dad was back again. He was looking good and laughing again.

'Catching them has saved me years of heartache. I agree. I should have done it at least a year ago. Now let us forget about them, leave them where they belong, and get that game on.' I hugged Dad again, and he chuckled.

We were sitting happily before the television. It was interval time, and I had just placed the sausage rolls and mini pies on the table. It was our lunch. We had already drunk several beers, and I needed the food to soak up some of the beer. When Dad's mobile rang, he answered it on speaker.

'What?' Dad's annoyed voice growled on the phone, and I heard Mother's voice answer.

'Is that the way to speak to me? Really, can't you at least be civil with me?' She grouched back.

'What do you want?' Dad was angry for so many reasons, and interrupting our sports day was not a good idea at all.

'You have not put any money into my housekeeping account; why?' What nerve? Dad is not with her anymore, and he does not need to. I was getting upset for my Dad to be putting up with this crap from her.

'You will not get a penny out of me, woman. I told you that you should sort your own money issues out.'

'But I have not worked in years. How am I supposed to live?' she complained.

'Not my problem, you made your bed, now lie in it, and stop calling me; you are not my problem.'

'But.' Dad interrupted her, not letting her get a word in.

'No, I'm not interested. You chose your side; let your daughter support you.' Dad hung up and stared angrily at the phone.

'Dad, why do you not block her number? Give me your phone.' Dad handed over his mobile phone, and I blocked Mother's number.

'Can you do that to your sisters and Bret's numbers? They have been calling, too, and I am not interested in hearing from any of them. I blocked all the different numbers Dad suggested, and I was surprised by the number of people Dad needed to be blocked and was harassed by on behalf of his ex-wife. 

The game started again, and we both pushed that interruption out of our minds as we began to shout and scream at the screen. a man ran down the sidelines, yelling at his team member to run, and got a touchdown. We were both out of our chairs, doing a circle of triumph around the chair, high-fives, and chest bumps, before sitting back down to watch the run and touchdown repeat, with just as much screaming at the screen on the repeat as we had on the live run.

The rest of the day was like that. With each score, both of us were out of our seats, and the case of beer and the food were soon gone. Our sports fest day was over, and I was content; my spirits lifted.

'Dad, my neighbor loves sports, and so does his Dad. He suggested we get you and his Dad together, so if I am at work, you have a person to watch the game with. Would you be interested in coming to my place and having a sports Sunday there?'

'I think I need to open my door to make new friends. I would be interested. I could bring a case of beer, and you make the food, like usual. If his Dad and I get along, and then I am okay with coming to your place on Sundays and having a sports day, the more, the merrier. Besides, you have that huge TV that is just perfect for sports day.' He chuckled, and I was glad he was on board.

'Okay, Dad, from next Sunday, be at my place if the others show up and join us. Then great. Suppose they are working or can't, so be it. Also, if I am working, please still use my place. I am sure I will be back before the last game ends.'

'Deal.' I jugged Dad and left, taking the empty containers back with me. It was ten o'clock at night, and though Dad did not like it, I promised to let him know. I made it home okay. I took the fifteen-minute walk home. The night was still busy, with many revelers walking around; some restaurants were still open, looking in the windows to see smiling people enjoying the meal and good company. A pang of wanting hit me out of the blue, and I had to brush it aside. It seemed I was always hunting for love that was just out of reach. Maybe I will never have that kind of love. Some women are doomed to live alone.

Chapter 29 - Divorced! Now what?