A Woman's Place: A Novel by Barbara Delinsky Read Free Book Online

Having lived out of these two bags for the past thirteen days, I could manage for another three. Besides, I couldn't have picked out and packed other clothes if my life had depended on it.
    I didn't look at Dennis, didn't speak to Dennis, didn't trust myself not to cry or beg or snarl. Concentrating solely on reaching the car without falling apart, I led Jack through the kitchen and the mudroom to the garage.
    The rental car was the burgundy color that I liked and Dennis hated. I found that ironic, along with the fact that he had rented another car rather than putting me in a cab I had been planning to get a rental myself tomorrow, and buy something within the week. Jack stowed the bags in the trunk. I slid behind the wheel and fumbled around for things like the ignition switch, the headlights, the gear shift. Somehow I managed to back out. I pulled around until I was beside the police cruiser, rolled my window down, and waited for Jack to reach me.
    When he did, he said, "You need to see a lawyer as soon as possible." His voice held greater sympathy now that we were out of the house. I wanted to believe he was on my side after all. "You have to put together a case by Monday to convince the judge you should be the one in the house with the children. Do you know of a good lawyer?" A lawyer. I hadn't thought that far. A divorce lawyer. The thought shook me. A family law specialist. I wanted to cry.
    The only lawyer I had experience with was the one who did the Wicker Wise contracts, but he didn't do this kind of work. I supposed he could recommend someone who did. But then I'd have to tell him why I needed it, and I didn't want to do that.
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    Barbara Delinsky - A Woman's Place
    I did know of someone else, though. He was one of Boston's more prominent divorce lawyers. I had taken notice of him not because I knew anyone who had used him, but because he was the brother-in law of my Philadelphia franchisee. Given the connection, I was sure he would see me quickly.
    First, though, I wanted to see my kids.
    Jack nixed the idea. "I wouldn't. You're upset. They'll pick up on it. Besides, what'll you tell them?"
    I opened my mouth, then shut it. I didn't know what I would say. It seemed important, for the children's sake, that Dennis and his parents and I coordinate our stories, but I had no idea what they had already said.
    "It might be easier if I call them on the phone." I could fudge it, could say I was delayed in Cleveland or something. "Am I allowed to do that?"
    "The court order doesn't forbid it, but if your husband doesn't want it, you may have trouble getting through. Things like phone calls and visitation rights will be spelled out next Monday." Visitation rights? Unreal.
    "Kikit has a birthday party on Saturday. I have to take her to buy a present. And what about Johnny's game? Am I allowed to go?" "Talk that over with your lawyer. You're allowed. But maybe you ought to speak with Dennis first. Who's representing him?"
    "I have no idea."
    "Your lawyer can find that out pretty quick." Panic was creeping in again. "I'm a responsible mother. I haven't put my kids at risk any more than any mother who lets them out of the house to play. This is crazy. So is talk of a divorce. Dennis didn't say one word when I left here a week ago last Friday. We were on perfectly good terms. We talked on the phone while I was away." I looked at the house, my house, the one from which I'd been banned. "This is mind boggling."
    "See a lawyer. You have until Monday to appear in court. There's your chance to change things."
    I headed north, toward New Hampshire and the children. It wasn't a conscious decision, just where my heart directed the car. My mind was preoccupied replaying what had happened at the house. It wasn't until I reached the highway that I came to the part where Jack Mulroy asked what I would say to the kids.
    I pulled to the side of the road and ran through the possible scenarios. Each one ended with either the children crying