Read Online The Memory of Lemon by Judith Fertig - Free Book Online Page A

week?”
    â€œI’m booked with work every Saturday night through June,” said Ben, morosely. “Our timing sucks.”
    â€œI’m sorry. I didn’t want it to be like this.”
    We drove in silence.
    â€œWhat’s the big deal, Neely? Just tell me.”
    Just the thought of this new threat shot a bolt of ice-cold dread through me. I explained to Ben about my prenup with Luke. How the “unfaithful” clause applied only to me. If I were proved to be unfaithful, and Luke chose to enforce this clause, not only would I walk away from the marriage with very little, but Luke would be entitled to a portion of any properties and monies accumulated during our marriage—namely, my house and business.
    The letter from Charlie Wheeler had stated Luke’s intent toenforce that clause. I had dismissed it as chain rattling, but now I knew they were going after me.
    Ben wanted to know why I had ever agreed to such a thing, but I didn’t have a satisfying answer. In those early days with Luke, I couldn’t even begin to imagine what the end of our relationship might look like. Instead, I only thought of happily-ever-afters. So I had signed the agreement, unread, no questions asked. Back then, I assumed I wouldn’t want or need a slice of my husband’s astronomically large salary if we split. But now I was less certain. Luke had wronged and humiliated me so many times—surely I was owed
something
for that. And there was Gran to consider, too.
    â€œIf it were just about me, I could happily divorce Luke and not ask for a cent. I would have just admitted to Charlie Wheeler that we were dating. But I’ve got Gran to think about. Her care at Mount Saint Mary’s is expensive. In another few years, the money she received when I bought her house will be gone. And then what? Mom and Aunt Helen can’t take that on. The bakery is doing well right now, but not that well.”
    I twisted my hands in my lap. Tears filled my eyes, but I was too stubborn to give in to crying.
    I waited until I was calmer to continue. “If Luke drags his feet on a legal separation, I can still file for divorce when I have established residency in Ohio, which will be on May 15. Then I don’t have to worry as much when I go out with you.”
    â€œBut Luke was a bastard. He’s got no room to talk. This isn’t 1860.”
    â€œIt’s the way things work if you’re trying to divorce a wealthy man and want a settlement, even a modest one. Big double standard.”
    â€œIs that why Charlie was taking all those photos? Not just for old times’ sake?”
    â€œI don’t know,” I said miserably.
    â€œMaybe Luke doesn’t want to let you go,” said Ben quietly.
    â€œIt’s too late for that. I’ve already gone,” I said, reaching across to touch Ben’s arm.
    â€œBut he can make it really difficult for you.”
    â€œI don’t think Luke would do that. He’s got too much pride.”
    â€œThen why is he looking for proof that his wife has been unfaithful?”
    We looked at each other and then sat in silence.
    Ben drove carefully to my house, but didn’t look over at me, didn’t reach for my hand. He leaned over to open my car door, but didn’t get out.
    â€œWe can’t see each other, then, Neely,” he said, looking straight ahead. “It’s too risky for you. Luke has enough money that he could have you followed twenty-four/seven. Maybe he’s having you followed right this minute. Someone could be taking photos of us sitting here. The last thing I want is to hurt you.”
    â€œBut I will see you. Tomorrow. We’re all going to Augusta, remember?” I said. “We can’t let Luke control our lives.”
    â€œI have to think about that. Good night, Neely,” Ben said.
    I walked into my house alone. He waited, as I knew he would, until I was safely inside before he pulled