Disclaimer, unbeta'd. :)


James:

The house is quiet. Too quiet, and I don't know what to do with myself.

I look around and I hardly recognize my home.

Victoria has made this place cold and unwelcoming. I can't help but frown at the thought.

She used to be so loving and supportive. I spoiled her rotten because I loved her so much and I wanted to make sure she never wanted for anything.

Over the years though, she's become a different person. Demanding, needy, never happy with what she's got.

The door to the garage opens and she walks in pulling off her sunglasses.

I take in her appearance and realize that she looks nothing like the wild girl I fell in love with. The girl that loved a good game of touch football, barbeques and beer; the girl that left her fiery, red hair curly and chaotic.

Today she's all straight lines and designer clothing. Stick straight hair, severe make-up, and so skinny that I wonder if I should be worried about her health.

"What are you looking at?" She snaps at me.

I look into her eyes and frown.

"I don't know who you are anymore," I answer honestly.

She laughs. "Yeah, well, I don't know who the hell you are either. You used to want to play football, but that seems to be changing."

"I play football because I love it but I'm not willing to risk my health for it."

"Whatever," she waves her hand, dismissing me and walks into the living room.

I stare at her and think, why the hell am I here? Why am I putting up with this? I decide I'm going to walk away for a little while. Get my head straight, make some decisions.

"I'm going over to McCarty's. I'll be back later."

"What? Why? We should go out to dinner. Get some publicity before the season starts."

I laugh. "That's all I am to you, isn't it? A free pass into the gossip rags. A way for you to brag to your friends about what you have. Well, you know what? That stops here."

Her eyes narrow at me. "What do you mean 'that stops here'?"

"I'm cutting you off. You have one credit card. Make it work. You also have a bachelor's degree, I suggest you start using it."

I pick up my keys and smile to myself. That felt pretty good.

"You do not know who you're messing with, James."

"Oh honey, I think I do. It would do you good to remember who I am," I smile, and walk into the garage.

I hear something hit the door and shatter.

Damn, I hope that wasn't the vase my mom gave us for Christmas.

As soon as I pull onto the highway, I hit the Bluetooth.

"Call Jenks."

"Jayson Jenks."

"Jay, it's Jimmy Cacciatore. How you doing?"

"Jimmy, I'm good. How are you? I haven't heard from you in a while."

"Yeah, I'm doing alright. Listen, I need a PI to check up on my wife. Day to day and finances. Also, can you look over the pre-nup and let me know where I stand?"

Jayson is quiet for a moment before he asks, "everything okay, man?"

"Not really, but there are going to be some changes soon and I need to be prepared for them."

"Sure thing. Come into the office on … Wednesday."

"Thanks, Jay. Say hi to Camille for me," I say and then remember that I forgot one thing. "Jay, do me a favor and cancel all of Vic's credit cards except for the gold AmEx."

He laughs and says okay.

I disconnect the call and am amazed at how much better I feel.

I have no doubt that when Coach announces Cullen is going to be the starting quarterback, Victoria is going to demand that I start scouting teams and if I refuse, she'll threaten me with divorce.

I'll be ready for her.


a/n: Hi! I'm so sorry I disappeared for two days! Thursday was a late (and amazing) night. Just picture Alex Turner walking onto the stage, smoking a cig and playing his guitar. Gah ... I'm still swooning. I crashed when I got home from work yesterday. Surviving on three hours of sleep is not as fun as it was when I was younger. :/