Dear Ex-Wife, Please Love Me Again

5. Amy, you are a winner, believe in yourself!

5. Amy, You Are a Winner: Trust in Yourself!

Amelia

Two long weeks have passed since the day JuanLu last came to this house. Every time I walk past the laundry room, I see his suitcases ready. I can't say that I'm over it because it would be a lie. It still hurts a lot, and I don't deny that at night I shed some tears, because his absence weighs heavily on me, but I've tried to avoid it, since, right after it all happened, Lily discovered me sobbing in the middle of the night.

My daughter's pain at seeing my sadness brought me to my senses a little. I'm not the only one suffering from this situation, however, the kids try to make everything at home seem almost normal. If they grieve, they do it in silence, so that the rest of us don't get consumed by the pain of seeing a loved one suffering. When we're together, we try to keep everything going the way we did when my ex went on a trip.

Mysteriously, two days ago I started sleeping well. I haven't needed pills, fortunately. Today, I'm going to my mother's house for lunch, while my children are at school. She invited me as soon as I got up and I couldn't refuse, although I find it very strange. She's planning something, but I'll find out soon enough.

I dress a little formally, jeans, a bone-colored collared blouse, and a high ponytail. Thanks to my good genes, they say I look much younger than I am. This is the "me" that will go out to face the world. After going to my mother's, I have the dreaded interview with Mrs. Dorantes, Cony's dressmaker.

I don't have much to show, so I made a small portfolio with the costumes and clothes I've created for Lily in her festivals and celebrations. I know it looks like preschool work, but I have nothing more than the innate talent I possess. I didn't go to any design classes, so I don't know much about techniques. Everything in my work is genuine and uniquely my own. I have faith that the person will like my designs.

I quickly check my makeup, grab my keys, and leave the house. It doesn't take me long to get there, but I'm struck by a car I don't recognize parked outside my parents' house. It's a luxury car, so obviously it attracts attention. I have to look for parking in front of a neighbor's house, who comes out to see who it is, and verifying that it's me, an acquaintance, just raises his hand in greeting. He knows I won't be blocking his driveway for long. I take out my keys to open the door, but just then, it opens as if they were expecting me. My mother is dressed as if she were going out, and that makes me curious.

"Amy! You're finally here. But come in, come in, we don't have much time."

She takes my hand and almost drags me inside. Inside, sitting at the dining room table, I see a man I don't know. His clothes are elegant, I can tell, as are his manners. He is a man of approximately thirty five years old, you could say attractive, who looks at me strangely when he sees me enter.

"Look Rody, this is my daughter I told you about. Honey, this is Rodolfo Saenz. He's the son of one of my bingo friends, and he's a lawyer by profession. An excellent lawyer. He will be the one to handle your divorce."

My mouth drops open in surprise. I haven't even spoken to JuanLu yet, but my mother already has my lawyer ready. Well, well, well.

"Nice to meet you, Amy...can I call you Amy?" the man gives me a look I can't identify. It doesn't make me feel comfortable, so I smile falsely.

"Likewise, nice to meet you. Thank you for coming at my mother's call."

My mom points me to a chair where I can sit. Right in front of the strange man.

"The pleasure is all mine. And let me tell you that you can count on me. I have the best references in successful divorce cases. If you want, we'll take your husband to the cleaners, as they say, hahahaha."

I smile slightly, so as not to embarrass the lawyer and my mother, who seems delighted with him.

"Well, we'll see. First I want to know what he's offering me. But I imagine that's something you'll discuss between lawyers. I would also like to know the cost of your fees, because as you can imagine, I don't have a lot of capital. I'm still going to get a job, and well, until I have something secure, I can't pay you."

The man gives me a slightly malicious smile. I don't know what filth is going through his mind.

As the common saying goes, a divorced woman is easy to fall for other men, but I hope this guy isn't thinking that.

"Don't worry about that, Amy, we'll get your divorce first and then we'll see what happens."

Oh, oh. I didn't like the sound of that at all. It will be better if I can figure out how to pay him quickly so I don't owe him any favors.

Lunch passes quietly, with my mom sharing anecdotes about her friend, who is "Rody's" mother. It makes me laugh how he wants to ingratiate himself with my mother, who knows what his interests are. If it's to try to win me over, he can forget it.

"I have to say goodbye. I have a job interview in half an hour. It was very nice to meet you "Rody" and we'll be in touch."

I shake his hand to say goodbye, but he holds it between his for a few moments. I'm going to use a liter of antibacterial gel when I get out of here.

"Would you like me to take you? I have my car outside," he says in a way that tries to be sensual.

Ridiculous.

"No, thank you, I brought my car. So, now I really am leaving."

I give my mother a kiss on the cheek and get out of there. Obviously, my rear end was the point of observation for a certain unpleasant man.

Trying to get the bad taste out of my head, I put on a radio station that I don't listen to very often, since JuanLu never liked it. Now, I'm free to listen to whatever I want. It's amazing how most of us women live by the tastes of our partners. But it's over. From today on, I come first, and second... I come first.

I stop my car in front of the big fashion house where I have the interview. I'm nervous. I do my mantra "it will go very well, it will go very well, it will go very well", three times to make it work.

I get out of the car, take my portfolio and like a successful woman, I walk on my high heels towards success. However, the reality is very different.

When the receptionist shows me in, I have to wait almost an hour to be seen. I can't complain, because I come highly recommended. With every minute that passes, the desperation that I have tried to keep out of my mind begins to play against me. Fear gives way to distrust. What if they don't hire me? What if my work is just garbage? The urge to cry, which has been dormant these last few days, returns with overwhelming force.

I'm starting to feel defeated. I was cheated on and my husband left me for someone younger and prettier. What good can I possibly have for someone to give me a chance when I'm a reject? In the end, I can't stop them. They come out of my eyes uncontrollably. I grab my portfolio and get up to head for the exit. But just then, someone stops in front of me. She is a mature woman, but very elegant. I look up to see her. She smiles at me.

"Are you going somewhere dear? I haven't seen your work yet." Her smile gives me back my confidence.

"I'm Amelia Fuentes, nice to meet you Mrs. Dorantes," I reply as I quickly wipe my eyes.

Come on Amy. You are a winner. Trust yourself!