Chapter 4

Ashley's POV

I don't know what processed me to mention that my mother had to adjust to my lifestyle. That just opened up a whole can of worms, as soon as I uttered those words. I knew the question was coming, I'm just waiting for Spencer to say something. Although I was quietly praying she would let it pass. A remark like that could not get by an inquisitive and intelligent woman like Spencer. But she asked the question, I had to give her an honest answer. For some reason I didn't want any secrets between us. Don't get me wrong, I am not ashamed of who I am. I just think she didn't need to know about my sexual orientation so soon. Damn! I am so screwed.

Spencer's POV

Sometimes you get what you ask for then regret asking. When Ashley mentioned lifestyle…well my inquisitive nature got the best of me. I needed her to explain and explain she did. Two words…I'm Gay. I guess I never realized Ashley could be gay. Not that she did anything to make me think it. I feel bad because I didn't answer her when she asked me was I okay with it. I was in shock to say the least. It doesn't bother me that she's gay, I know a lot of people who are gay. Sometimes I wonder if I'm…

I hope Ashley's not too upset with me. I love being around her, she makes me feel something and I don't want to lose that right now. Maybe she can help me understand some of these crazy feelings I've been having. We'll I have to deal with Ashley later, right now I need to concentrate on the reason why I'm here and that's to get a divorce.

Spencer entered the receptionist area of her lawyer's office and gave his secretary her name. "Mr. Townes, Mrs. Carlin-Hall is here for her appointment. Thank you Peggy, send her in."

"Well, well, Mrs. Carlin-Hall it's a pleasure to see you again." "Thank you, Mr. Townes."

Attorney Ron Townes was a tall lanky man, fortyish with light brown hair that was graying at the temples, tanned complexion and green eyes. He came highly recommended by a colleague of Spencer's who taught at the University law school. Mr. Townes began his career as a criminal lawyer, but decided it was too dangerous especially after one of his clients threatened him with bodily harm if he didn't get the murder... charges dropped. So he decided divorce cases may be a little safer. Maybe!

"Mr. Townes I'm using my maiden name Carlin now." "I understand," Mr. Townes said.

"So, we need to establish grounds for the divorce. I need to know everything that you think will help you."

"Well, Mr. Townes my husband had numerous affairs throughout our marriage. One affair in particular was very embarrassing for the both of us. He was sleeping with the Assistant to the President of the University's daughter." "Why didn't he get fired?" 'Dexter's tenured... the bastard. He didn't even try to hide any of his lascivious behavior." Spencer got quiet. "Go on Ms. Carlin," Spencer taking a deep breath continued… he would come home intoxicated and try to force himself on me. Many nights I had to fight him off of me. I was not going to be treated like the whores he was screwing." "Did you call the police when he tried to assault you?" "No," Spencer answered, shaking her head in disgust. "He was also verbally abusive. It use to be only when he drank, then it became constant."

"Okay, we'll work with that," Mr. Townes said. "Ms. Carlin do you think that your husband might contest the divorce?" Spencer thought about the question wondering how much she should tell her attorney regarding her financial situation. "Well he told me he would not contest it. He wants out of this marriage as much as I do. But there is something you should know. My grandparents left me an inheritance worth twenty million dollars." A little shocked, Mr. Townes continued to listen to Spencer. "I only have limited access to it right now. I get monthly allowances from it. It seems my grandparents added several stipulations to the will regarding the money. Dexter constantly harassed me about it. He thought I should try and get the will changed so we could start living the good life.' Spencer laughed, "we were already living a good life money wise. I received the inheritance a year before we got married. I think he feels he's entitled to some of it, community property he was always saying to me when I mentioned divorce." 'I'm glad you told me about this Ms. Carlin, we don't want any surprises when we go before the judge," Spencer nodded. "I'm going to look into what your husband may or may not be entitled to. You may have to pay him something." "But!.. Mr…calm down Ms. Carlin, "I was thinking out loud, let me do some research. We'll meet back in my office next week."

"Thank you, Mr. Townes"… "my pleasure Ms. Carlin have a good day."

Ashley arrived at the Lonely Hearts Nightclub where Madison Duarte was waiting. What could Ashley say about Madison, she was her best friend, her only friend in this world of half truths and innuendos. Ashley and Madison had a special kind of relationship, one that went beyond the boundaries of friendship. It was understood between the two women that no jealousies would exist. They were not bound to each other.

Madison was a tall Hispanic woman two years older than Ashley. At twenty-five Madison was content with being a nightclub singer, but her first love was dancing. That changed when she shattered the bones in her ankle, the damaged prevented her from becoming what she dearly wanted to be a ballet dancer. So she settled on a singing career.

Madison had long auburn hair, dark emerald eyes, the slender body of the dancer she once was and a singing voice that anyone would fall in love with. Ashley met Madison in high school. They became friends after realizing how much they had in common. They both sang but Ashley also played the guitar, so after high school they formed a band with Madison being the lead singer and Ashley singing backup and was lead guitarist. Every now and then Ashley would she lead.

Madison was also engaged to Joe her boyfriend of two years.

"Well hello there, my little butterfly.'

"Hey, Madison!"

"We're all set up to rehearse the new song for tonight. Ashley are you ready for tonight's solo?" "Yeah, I'm ready, lets get started with the rehearsals," Ashley said, a little disinterested.

"Ashley I thought after the gig tonight you could come home with me and keep me company."

"Where's Joe at, isn't he keeping you company tonight?"

"Joe had to go out of town on business, he won't be back until Thursday. I can fix us a late night snack and you can make the drinks and we can talk about why you don't have that sparkle I so love to see in your eyes. How about it my little butterfly."

It didn't take Ashley long to consider the invitation. Of course she would go to Madison's house and she knew where they would end up before morning came.

Spencer had finished her meeting with her attorney sooner than she expected, so she decided to take in the some of sights of Reno. It was three o'clock in the afternoon and still the heat was oppressive. Reno was just too hot for her. She preferred the winters of New York. Her attorney's office was located in downtown Reno, so it was not difficult for Spencer to find places of interest to explore.

She found it impossible to stroll down the street, people were either standing or walking in a hurry to get where they were going or just killing time. Much like Spencer. She found herself walking pass casinos, strip bars, nightclubs all located in downtown Reno. Downtown Reno, where men and women could be seduced into entering certain establishments and coming out where fortune favored the foolish or sent them home without money to even buy a bus pass.

There was a nightclub in particular that caught Spencer's eye. The Lonely Hearts Night Club where Ashley said she sang and played at. It was still early in the day, so no live entertainment was going on inside the club, but she figured she could still go in and cool off and perhaps get a cold drink…and perhaps see Ashley. Spencer was not a big fan of bars, but her emotions got the best of her. She needed to see Ashley. To lose herself in those deep dark brown eyes that belonged to the young captivating woman. She needed to apologize to Ashley. So, with that in mind, Spencer ventured inside the club.

Back in New York

'So, what are my chances of contesting this divorce, winning and getting a large settlement?"

"I think we have a chance…a good chance. Even though your wife received the inheritance one year before your marriage to her, it still may entitle you to some of it. I'll get the papers processed and have them delivered to her attorney. Do you have the name and address of the attorney? I need the Reno address.'

"Yes, I have his card right here."

"Excellent! Attorney Ron Townes, Reno, Nevada. I'll get the papers to him as soon as possible. In the meantime, you need to make a list of things, events, incidents that we can use to counter your wife's allegations."

"I'll take care of it as soon as I get home. Thank you, Glen...for taking my divorce case. Especially since my soon to be ex wife is your...sister.'

"Your welcome Dexter, what can I say business is business. We'll discuss my fee when I get the papers sent to Spencer's attorney. Good bye."