Chapter 564
“Exactly,” Rhoda chimed in. “Waiting a few more days is fine, but I’m worried this is going to drag on and he’ll miss the finalization window again. If that happens, who knows when they’ll ever get divorced.”
Rhoda had voiced the unspoken fear of everyone at the table, including Maureen Spencer. After all, Thorne and Charlene had already missed one window.
Still, Maureen tried to remain calm. “That’s enough,” she said. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Leah pouted. “Fine.” She turned her attention to her food, and the others changed the subject, seemingly unbothered by the delay.
Vesta watched them, saying nothing. She knew why her family wasn’t more anxious. It had never even occurred to them that Thorne might not want to divorce Charlene at all.
Only she knew the truth. The reason Thorne hadn’t made time to sign the papers was simple: he didn’t want to. If he did, he could easily spare thirty minutes to go to city hall, no matter how busy he was.
For the next few days, Charlene threw herself into her work. But even as she focused on her projects, she kept a constant eye on her phone, ready to reply the moment Thorne messaged her about the divorce.
Yet, by Friday afternoon, she still hadn’t heard a thing.
Stewart knew she was waiting. Seeing that a whole week had passed with no news, he couldn’t help but ask, “Still no word from Thorne?”
Charlene shook her head. “No.”
Stewart was baffled. “What in the world is he so busy with? I heard he’s been in Starfall all week. How can he not find the time for this?”
“I don’t know.”
They dropped the subject and went back to work.
On Saturday morning, Charlene went to the hospital to visit her mother. She had just left when her phone rang. It was Thorne.
Seeing his name, she assumed he was finally calling to schedule a time to sign the papers next week. But
when she answered, he asked “Where are you?” s
She didn’t answer his question. “What is it?”
“Minnie’s been practicing the drums
a lot these past two week
really got
She’s
got a knack for it and wants you to come listen. Do you have
time?” ove
s
Charlene was speechless. She never expected him to call about something like this.
After a moment, she said, “I have other plans. Maybe next time.”
She was about to ask if he’d figured out a time for them to finalize the divorce, but before she could, the phone was snatched away. Ná´‡w É´ovel chaptá´‡rs are published on.net
Jasmine’s voice came throul net
pleading, Mommy where are you? I’ve gotten really good, I promise! Please just come and listen, please?” s
When Charlene didn’t answer right away, Jasmine’s voice dropped, sensing her hesitation. “Mommy
Charlene’s hand tightened on her phone. After a long pause, she finally relented. “Okay. Where are you now?”
“I’m at home!” Jasmine chirped, her mood instantly lifting. “Come over quick, Mommy!”