Valerie
Steve left me for Natalia. His boss gave me two weeks to vacate his house. I saw the writing on the wall, but the news still shocked me. Natalia got me fired from my job, a complication I didn't need. Something always came up, and I had to dip into my savings.
I should have accepted Stephanie's offer to move home. Angie was almost seven years old, and Mary Alice was five. I didn't have another option. Though I would admit, it was for the best. Steve and I couldn't be in the same room without fighting. He said it would be better for my children to end the insanity sooner than later. I had to agree. Angie and Mary Alice know Steve isn't their dad. Whenever they called him Dad, he corrected them.
The school year had already begun, but I had to ask for my daughters' school records to register them in Trenton. Mary Alice was excited to start at a new school. Angie was upset to leave her friends behind. She was only angry for a few days after I told her.
Stephanie paid for my daughters' flights to Trenton since I could only afford mine. She wanted to accompany me but couldn't go on a plane. My sister was pregnant with baby number three. I didn't know Stephanie had children.
Her oldest child's name was Ricardo Carlos Manoso. He turned four in January. Stephanie named him after his father, who missed the delivery. She had a daughter named Liana Rosa Manoso, who shared her birthday with Carlos. Liana was two. Stephanie's husband retired from special ops and opened a security business called Rangeman a year before his contract with the military ended. Stephanie was working in the research department at Rangeman in Miami. She described the company's mission statement and the other perks of working with the company.
"Why are you telling me about Rangeman?" I asked.
Stephanie sighed, "Valerie, if I have this little guy on time, Carlos and I are moving to Trenton in a few weeks to open a Rangeman branch. We would like you to work as the office manager. You know, ordering supplies, managing weapon licences and fleet vehicles. You'll also have receptionist duties, such as answering the phone and scheduling appointments."
"When are you expecting to open?"
"Well, Teddy is due in two weeks. Dad, Uncle Joe and Tank found a building. Tank said it would take a month to get the onsite apartments ready. We can still run the control room since Lester will set it up within a few days. He has people helping with the hardware," Stephanie replied.
"Don't you have to purchase it first?" I asked.
"It was already empty. The owner wanted to unload it and offered it to us below market value. We took immediate possession. Uncle Joe and the mayor are excited for Rangeman to open for business," Stephanie explained. I couldn't understand why the chief of police would be excited about a security company opening in Trenton. "Valerie, our cousin Vinnie needs help capturing the high bond FTAs - people charged with crimes who never reported to court for their trial. Most of the men working at Rangeman are ex-military or ex-cop. We're interviewing men to work in Trenton. When you settle in Trenton, Dad and Tank…wait, a second, Val. Can you repeat that, Carlos?"
A man replied to Stephanie. His voice was deep and sensual. I could understand why Stephanie fell for his charms. "Oh. Sorry, Val, Lester will help get you situated in Rangeman. Tank returned to Miami after signing the deed. Uncle Joe started work on the weapon permits. We need you to ensure all Rangeman employees have appropriate certificates before they can work in the field," Stephanie explained.
"You said they were ex-military. Don't they already have permits to carry concealed?"
"They do, but we aren't using their service weapons in the field. Rangeman will purchase specific guns for our employees. We have a list of weapons and the employee's preference," Stephanie replied.
"So I need to match the serial numbers with the certificate and employee," I said.
"Yup. Oh. Um. I've got to go," Stephanie announced. "Shit. Carlos, it's time."
"Go have my nephew. I'll talk to you later, Steph. Thanks for everything." My sister was the kindest woman I know.
"Ya. Bye," Stephanie replied before hanging up.
I smiled, knowing Stephanie was in labour. Stephanie would be arriving in Trenton sooner than she expected. It would be around six months before Stephanie could fly with the infant so she would be driving from Florida to New Jersey. I couldn't wait to meet her husband.
Stephanie said Carlos was a second-generation Cuban-American. His grandparents came to the US as migrant workers. After living in Miami for a year, they applied for citizenship and became US citizens. Stephanie didn't give me any more details than the basics.
Britany and Bethany helped me get the girls to the airport. I hired a moving company to transport the furniture Steve let me keep. Mostly, they were items I purchased for the girls. Thank goodness Stephanie helped pay for the flights, or I wouldn't have money to move the furniture to Trenton. I couldn't afford to replace them and pay for the flights.
The moving company owner gave me a great rate since he was related to one of Stephanie's friends in Miami. He only charged for mileage and fuel costs. I didn't deserve the help. Everything I did to Steve was unforgivable.
Returning to Trenton with my head hung in shame was my punishment. Everyone would know what I did. Amy, my soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law, probably told her friends I cheated on Steve. She had no proof my daughters belonged to Joseph Morelli. But I knew, and that was all that mattered.
Stephanie thinks I should sue Morelli for support and ensure I have custody. I wanted to leave that sleeping dog alone. Why risk getting bit? Besides, I had girls, not boys. Joseph Morelli would only be interested in his children if they were male heirs. Thinking about another Morelli heir made me shiver.
"Are you cold, Mommy?" Angie asked.
"A little," I replied, unwilling to explain why I shivered without being cold. Angie had to know everything. Mary Alice was sitting on my lap, playing with her stuffed horse.
The girls cooperated when our flight got called. Mary Alice fidgeted but held onto my hand. I had to put her horse inside my purse. Angie was on Mary Alice's left side, holding her other hand, helping me keep her contained.
Our flight felt long, especially when Mary Alice complained about her ears hurting. Angie chewed gum to relieve the pressure. I didn't give Mary Alice gum because she ate it like food. The flight attendant gave me apple juice with a straw. She suggested having Mary Alice drink the juice. I smiled and accepted the offer. Mary Alice stopped fussing a few minutes later.
When the lights to fasten our seatbelts turned on before the flight descended, the attendant returned with two drinks. She passed one to Mary Alice and the other to Angie. Both girls were happy when the plane landed.
Dad was waiting at the baggage claim. He correctly assumed I would need help with the exhausted children. Dad carried Angie and Mary Alice, leaving me with the large bag I packed with our clothes. The girls were too heavy for me to lift.
"Thanks, Dad," I said when he buckled the girls into the backseat.
"I'm afraid you'll have to live with your mother and me for a few days," Dad said.
"Only a few days? I thought my furniture was getting stored until I found an apartment."
"Peanut, I found a two-bedroom condo for you to rent. Actually, Stephanie found it, but it won't be ready for two days. The owner is replacing the carpets," Dad explained.
I shook my head. My sister was too kind and generous. The money she spent on my daughters came from her earnings. She never used her husband's money, much to his displeasure. After ensuring the girls were asleep, I asked, "Why would she do that, Dad?"
"Stephanie loves you and the girls. She doesn't want Angie and Mary Alice to pay for your lack of judgment," he replied. Dad knew about my affair with Morelli. "Don't repeat your past mistakes, and stay away from Joe." Yup, Dad knew.
Unable to speak, I nodded and stared at the passing scenery. How was Mom going to react to my divorce? Mom doesn't know Steve left me for another woman. It was challenging not to feel sorry for myself.
My phone rang when we got a few blocks away from my parents' house. "Hi, Steph," I greeted.
"Hey, Val. Is Dad with you?" Stephanie asked.
"Yes."
"Put the phone on speaker," Stephanie ordered. I smiled and complied with her demands.
"You're on speaker," I announced.
"Great. Daddy, you have a new grandson. His name is Theodore Frank Manoso. He was born thirty minutes ago," Stephanie said. "Carlos and I are moving to Trenton when the hospital discharges me."
"Are you sure you want to move home?" Dad asked.
Stephanie giggled. "Yes, Daddy. Carlos has family living in Newark. We're moving closer for the children to spend time with their grandparents. Maria and Ricardo are anxious to see them. You already know about Rangeman. We're only expanding to Trenton to be closer to family," Stephanie replied. She gave Dad their reason for leaving Florida.
"Steph, tell Carlos I accept the job offer," I said. I used the time on the flight to make up my mind. Mom could watch the children while I worked. She might admonish me for not staying home to raise my daughters.
"Sure. I'll pass along the message. We'll have a contract prepared when we arrive. Oh, Val, the moving company is delivering your furniture to the condo in three days. I gave them the address, and I hope you don't mind."
"Didn't you just give birth? Where did you find the time to contact the moving company?" I curiously asked.
"I didn't call them; Lester did. His brother Javier owns the company. Lester asked for the address of the storage facility. I mentioned you were moving into a condo in a few days. He contacted his brother with the new address, and the rest will eventually be history," Stephanie replied. "Val, this isn't my first baby." Stephanie's son fussed in the background, forcing her to end the call.
A few seconds later, I received a text from Stephanie.
Stephanie: Who cheated first? You or Steve?
Me: I did. Before we got married.
Stephanie: I meant after exchanging vows.
Me: Steve.
Stephanie: Are you sure?
Me: Positive. Steve told me when he started cheating. It was before I spent a night with JM at Christmas.
Stephanie: Did you happen to record the confession?
Me: No. Where are you going with these questions?
My phone pinged with another message, but it had to wait. I needed to help Dad carry the girls into the house.
Mom waited by the front door. She opened it and held it from closing as Dad and I walked past her with the sleeping children.
Stephanie: Read your prenup: second page, third paragraph.
"Dad, where did you put that document I got you to fax?" I asked.
"Where I found it," Dad replied.
I dug inside my closet for the shoebox, smiling when I found it exactly where I left it. The prenuptial agreement was safely tucked inside. My hands shook as I flipped to page two and read the paragraph. Steve had to pay me alimony if I could prove he cheated on me first. How did I miss that in the fax?
Instead of messaging Stephanie, I called. A deep and sexy voice answered the phone. "Um, Carlos?" I asked.
"The name's Tank. Stephanie and Carlos are busy at the moment. How can I help?"
"I'm not sure you can. Have Stephanie call me when she can," I replied. Tank hung up without saying goodbye. "Rude!"
"What was rude?" Mom asked. She was standing between the bed and dresser, unpacking my luggage.
"One of Stephanie's friends answered her phone and hung up without saying goodbye."
Mom clicked her tongue a few times. "It's the same with your father. I'm sure he wasn't being rude. Is he in the military?" Mom asked.
"He is, but what does that have to do with hanging up without saying goodbye?"
"Everything." Mom didn't bother elaborating. I helped Mom fill my dresser with clothes. She borrowed two cots for the girls to sleep on. Mom stacked them against the wall. Dad and I put the girls in Stephanie's room.
"Why do we have the cots?" I asked.
"For when Stephanie comes home and needs her bedroom," Mom replied. She was under the impression Stephanie was moving into the house. I knew Stephanie wouldn't want to live with Mom. Stephanie was married with three children. She would stay with her in-laws before moving back home. I knew Mom would never approve of Stephanie's husband.
"I wouldn't count on it," I mumbled. Mom either didn't hear my comment or ignored it.
The following morning, I went to the lawyer's office to enquire about my rights regarding alimony. He retrieved the document from the file and brought it to me. I read everything twice. "Um. Is this the right one?" I asked.
Derrick Moore read the opening paragraph and the date and signature line. "Yes, Mrs. Corelli."
"It can't be," I said, removing the copy from my purse. Derrick read the document I provided and tapped his fingers on the desk.
"Mrs. Corelli, you signed this document," he explained, pushing the one he grabbed toward me, "a few days after the initial one. I'm sorry, but you don't have an alimony claim. You signed away those rights."
"But…but… I didn't. It's a forgery," I insisted.
"Do you recall signing anything a few days after the prenuptial agreement?" Derrick kindly asked.
"Our application for the marriage certificate. Are you saying Steve got me to sign this agreement without my knowledge?"
"You willingly signed the document. I'm sorry, Mrs. Corelli. There isn't anything I can do unless you want to file a lawsuit," Derrick answered.
I shook my head. Steve would drag it out for months. It wasn't worth the risk.
That night, Mom made matters worse by inviting Joseph Morelli to dinner. When Joe mentioned he wanted to date Stephanie, I collected my girls and left. I didn't want to date Joe per se. He had the right to be in his daughters' lives, but I refused to get used as the conduit to Stephanie. Everything Stephanie warned me about was true. Joseph Morelli didn't love anyone except himself.
Dad promised to bring our belongings to the condo.