Why Should It Matter?

18. Anonymous Buyer

...

Pushing the door open, Lindsey kind of crept in---the lamp on her side of the bed on, while she read through a book.

Kristen looked at him when he entered, her eyes not saying much to him at all.

"What can I do for you?" he asked as he slipped out of his jacket, hanging it on the armchair. He then came forward toward the edge of the bed, looking to her for some sort of answer.

"I have a couple things to mention... Nothing major, but you probably already know."

"Leelee, lying and Stevie, right?" he asked, letting a knee sink into the edge of the bed.

She kind of shrugged.

"Let me get changed really quick," he mentioned---grabbing his sweatpants, going into the bathroom. When he was done, he came out and slid into the bed, propped by his pillows so he could take in whatever it was she had to say.

"Okay, look..." she shut her book and and put it to the side. "I need to know that you are serious about you and Stevie and this isn't a fluke," she first stated.

"I hope it's not, Kristen," he shrugged. "And to be fair, it was Stevie who told me to apologize to you---that's when I realized how wrong I was."

"Fine," she agreed, putting her hand up so he wouldn't get so overly excited about the situation. "The main thing is, did you ask the kids to lie?"

"No," he shook his head.

Thinking back to when he left for Boston and then New York, Kristen still only knew of Boston, though Leelee did know he was going to New York as well.

"Okay--"

"Wait," he stopped her. "When I went to Boston, that's not the only place I went. I went to New York the following day to see Stevie perform for the induction ceremony. I backtracked, but I had to see the doctor for my voice."

"Don't tell me--"

"We didn't do anything, but the point is, that day, Leelee knew where I was going. She knew but she didn't call me on it---we exchanged glances, but I then explained to her what was happening. That me and Stevie were trying to be friend's again."

"But that's not all---you lied to her," she stated.

"I was being flexible with the situation. I didn't want anybody to know, nor did Stevie. We hadn't told anybody at all that we were even communicating. Only you knew that but that was because she was helping me out."

"I would have helped you if you needed help, but you are so stubborn that you didn't let me."

"Yeah, Kris, and you left... I told you, I didn't need help so you left. I didn't ask Stevie to come, she came on her own and she was there, I was there. I missed her, I missed the times we had together. I've not been ready to let go of our fifty year friendship. That's a lot of time and energy to give up on. She felt the same way and I know you feel otherwise, but it is the truth."

"I don't not think you guys love each other, I get it. But I still don't trust her. I've never been a true fan of her and you understand that---I'm not being obstinate, I'm not being biased or suggesting she will hurt you again, all I'm saying is that I personally don't trust her or care for her personality anymore. I hold no respect."

"I do get that, but maybe you should learn to respect her because she does anything the kids ask her to do. If it was up to her, she'd put them all through college---she loves them to death."

"Yeah, that, I know," she agreed. "But naturally---I have hard feelings, you guys slept together most of our relationship. I will hold that grudge as long as I feel the need to."

"And that's fine by me, but if I'm in the room---you're gonna respect her."

"Whatever," she agreed. "And lastly, Lindsey, I want a divorce."

"Okay," he nodded. "I'd expect nothing less and I didn't wanna ask so soon."

"It's fine, I'd rather get it over with," she assured. "That way by the time you and Stevie decide whatever it is you're gonna do, we'll be fully separated and you're free to wander. Guess this house worked out for the best if it's just Stella and I with Leelee dropping in. She'll probably move in with you."

"I don't mind her moving in with me if that's even what Stevie and I are doing, but I'd much rather her stay here with you. And I'm gonna have to talk to her again," he mumbled to himself.

"About?" she asked, though her mind was still on the first part of the statement about the plans between Stevie and him; knowing he was probably going to get a condo first.

"When what I was doing was becoming clear---Will was the one to tell her I was having an affair when I wasn't. It's been innocent, just planning, but he was blaming me and that's what drove me to tell you everything while he was here. But I talked to Lee a little bit ago and she told me she wasn't sorry for lying and I am telling her it was my fault, but now she is talking about talking to Stevie when she's feeling better... I'm just kind of lost with her right now," he rubbed his face as he explained. "I don't want you to be mad at her, Kris. She didn't really do anything."

"She lied to my face, Lindsey... She was trying to protect you as she always does. I don't mind, but that should be limited."

"And I get that---she shouldn't have but it was my fault, realistically. To limit, staying with you would be the best choice. But just let me talk to her again and if I can get her to apologize, will you take that?"

"Fine, if you can get her to apologize, fine," she nodded. "That just hurts me..."

"I know and I am sorry," he assured.

"Lindsey, I want you to have the money from the house," Kristen then added. "I'm fine here and I make enough money to keep the girls protected."

"I actually haven't thought of that---it already sold?" he distorted his face, thinking back to months ago.

"Yeah," she nodded. "The money is going to be coming in soon---the person paid it off in whole, but not sure who it is."

"Chance I could buy it back anonymously?" he questioned.

"It's kind of a shot in the dark, but maybe," she shrugged.

"I'll look into it, but I'll give you and the kids a large portion, I don't need all that money," he assured. "That's enough for a down payment and whatever," he waved it off. "I'm not too worried, but now that the house is in mind... You don't know who bought it?"

"No, it was anonymous. I wish I did know because I'd like to know who paid it in full like, only a few months after we put it up."

Lindsey pursed his lips, thinking over the millions of possibilities.