Naomi stepped out of her station wagon at Leona Campbell’s store front law office. She wrinkled her nose at the sign—Divorces R Us. Ugh. Most lawyers hated to handle a divorce or anything related to one. Leona had a near monopoly among women in the city. Naomi pushed through the door. It chimed.
Leona stood shelving law books with her paralegal. Both women smiled at Naomi.
Leona waved. “Naomi! Come on in, I’ve been waiting for you. Take a seat.”
Naomi sat in a chair that belonged in the Amazon. Leona slid into the next seat. “Let’s get those papers finalized. Are you ready to move your belongings tonight?”
“That’s what I wanted to talk about. I’m not going ahead with the divorce.”
Leona stared like she’d said she wanted to boil Derrick for dinner. “Oh, God, tell me you’re not serious, Naomi.”
“Dave’s being so kind. He’s a good man at heart.”
“Good men belong beside Santa Claus. Divorce is a woman’s ultimate liberation. It was the best thing I ever did. Marriage itself is slavery for women. You’ve slaved for him all these years. He’s nice for a few days, and you’re going to lose your resolve.”
“I have to think about the kids, and I do love him.”
“Kids don’t need fathers. I only had my mother and look how I turned out.”
That wasn’t a selling point.
Leona sniffed. “And what’s love? I love my cats more than I loved my ex-husband.”
That would explain some things. “I want to give it another shot.”
“Have it your way. When you’re ready, I’ll be here to show you the path to freedom.”
“Thanks.” Naomi left. Hopefully, she’d never have to come back.
Continued Next Tuesday
Tales of the Dim Knight is coming out as book later this Summer