Page 77 of The Me I Left Behind

Maggie Oliver doesn’t need anyone’s pity. Goddamn it.

She hoped they’d sort this out soon, but she wasn’t holding her breath.

Julia was on top of the legal aspects, although she’d warned Maggie her efforts would be limited until the filing—which she was working on. Once in process, they’d stand a better chance of getting a judge’s compliance.

Bottom line was, for the time being, Max could do whatever he goddamn pleased.

“But not without consequences,” Julia advised. “Especially if he is hiding assets or moving funds to make it appear his net worth is less than it actually is. It’s risky on his part.”

“How so?”

“A judge could lean heavier on your side once things get rolling, if they determine Max was malicious in his intent to keep funds away from you and the kids.”

“But he would risk that, wouldn’t he?”

“Damn straight. I’m heading to the county clerk’s office in Rocky Mount in the morning to get the ball rolling. I’ll swing by your house first. Okay?”

“That’s perfect. Thanks, Julia.”

Fourteen

“Okay, kids. Listen up. I need everyone’s help after we finish dinner.”

The casserole and cornbread sat cooling on the stovetop.

Fortunately, she had a pantry full of staples and a stocked freezer. She was actually very good at making the food budget stretch, and had always prided herself on her cooking skills, so they should be fine for a couple of weeks in the food department—although she only had forty-nine dollars in her wallet, and another few hundred stashed away in her jewelry box upstairs. Still, that should be enough to get them through for a while, but she was going to have to figure out something else soon.

There were still too many unknowns. Would Max continue paying for the utilities? Insurance? What about the school tuition? Her car payment?

She’d talk more to Julia tomorrow.

“Tuna casserole, Mom?” Groaning, Jason stepped into the kitchen. “Ugh. I could smell it all the way upstairs.”

“Yum!” Chloe jumped up onto a bar stool, her eyes wide. “I love it!”

“Well, you can’t please everyone. Can you, Mom?” Carol grinned and nudged Maggie. “How long do you need us? Logandoesn’t have to work tonight, so we were thinking about catching a move.”

“Maybe an hour?”

“I have time to help before I go.”

“Don’t be late though,” Maggie warned. “It’s a school night.”

“Of course.”

The kids found their seats on the opposite side of the kitchen island from where Maggie stood. She placed the casserole in the center, along with a big serving spoon. “We have salad and cornbread, too.”

“Yum!”

Carol laughed. “Chloe, you’re eating like a little piggie lately. You better watch it!”

“Watch what?”

Jason nudged his little sister. “Watch your butt get bigger.”

Chloe punched her brother. “Jason! My butt isn’t big. It’s little.”

“Not if you keep eating like a pig.”