[Music] growing up in a small town life was predictable yet comforting my father worked long hours at the factory while my mother kept our modest home running like a well-oiled machine from a young age I learned the value of hard work and consistency I remember my dad's Pride when he bought his first car a used 1970 Chevy Nova though it was old and weathered the sparkle in his eye Whenever he polished it showed me that sometimes material things could be symbols of dreams and Ambitions as I moved into my teenage years cars became more than
just objects they were symbols of Freedom my friends and I spent weekends tinkering with engines in dimly lit garages we'd save every penny from part-time jobs to buy parts or take our barely functional cars for Joy rides those nights were filled with the sound of revving engines and laughter Embedding in me a lifelong passion for automobiles when I met Dana in college life took a turn she was everything I was spontaneous adventurous and bold she brought out a sight of me I didn't know existed we spent countless hours planning for a future filled with shared
dreams eventually we got married and had Erica our wonderful daughter I thought I'd achieved the perfect balance of family life and personal passions Despite the challenges I cherished The Quiet Moments we built as a family whether it was a late night movie marathon with Erica or weekend car shows I tried to create memories that would last life wasn't perfect but in those moments it felt close enough little did I know cracks were beginning to form in the foundation we had so carefully built Saturdays in the suburbs had their own Rhythm a familiar Cadence that carried
Us through the day my routine began by driving Erica to swim practice often swinging by to pick up her friend Kylie on the way the girls had a packed schedule group exercises one-on-one coaching and strength training sessions some lifted weights while While others tested their speed and time trials when Erica was younger she asked me to stop watching her practice because it made her nervous go live your life dad she'd say now I drop her off and go home to Wash my car I drive a 2013 boss 32 Mustang which I keep in pristine condition
by only using it in the summer in the winter I drive my other Mustang or Jeep which handles rough weather better while I washed the car Dana did the weekly shopping when she got home we joked and she teased me about fixing the bed you better remember the lube I quipped I don't buy stuff for your Mustangs she shot back heading upstairs a few moments later she returned with Her yoga mat kissed me and reminded me the bed still needed fixing I know I said smiling at our playful Dynamic she rolled her eyes put on
her sunglasses and left for class that's when I started to relax enjoying a few hours to finish washing the car before a car show life felt perfect great wife wonderful daughter a nearly paid-off house and a thriving career but then my phone buzzed it was Nancy frantic Eric I can't reach Dana Ronnie had a heart attack I tried To stay calm are you in the hospital we in the ambulance she sobbed which hospital CC Cedar Springs in Michigan I took a deep breath Nancy heart attacks are serious but not always fatal stay calm I'll get
Dana and head there I kept washing the car as I spoke finished and jumped in my everyday Mustang to head to the yoga studio Dana wasn't answering and I knew the studio had a no phone policy I pulled into the parking lot of yoga bear a place I hated Dana had been going more after I told her not to and I didn't like seeing her with those young guys who made snide comments about my cars I was frustrated but knew I couldn't control her I stopped talking to her even stopped sleeping with her which got
her attention she started teasing me the guys in your yoga class see more i' joke they can't touch she'd wink back in the end she won after weeks of passive resistance I Gave in when she joined me in the shower stop being like that she said the only one this hurts is you she continued yoga but cut back to two classes a week Saturdays when we did family activities the lack of closeness frustrated her we often thought about it and Erica would defend me but Dad loves these cars and I love my dad she'd say
hearing Erica stand up for me gave me a warm feeling I love Dana but i' do anything for Erica even carrying her to bed when she was Too old for it later the argument continued Dana whispered why are you such an a-hole I put up with your running around I muttered I put up with your obsession with mustangs she shot back it's not the same I said when I run I'm alone when I'm done I go home Dana raised her voice and with the cars I always check with you before big purchases I explained even
though it's my money Everything Is Ours she nodded but asked if everything's ours why do You act like an idiot when I drive one of our cars because your car is dented and scratched I muttered so you think I'll wreck our cars she teased I protect my body just like you protect the cars she said yoga keeps me in shape so you don't have an outof shape wife but why without clothes I asked it's not about the nudity she replied I love this place and the people but when you reject me it makes me feel
worthless she added we agreed to think it over but the issue Lingered later I showed up at the studio to pull Dana out of class the receptionist indir nodded as I explained she's in the office the instructor a bearded guy I called Jesus told me Dana's getting one-on-one lessons with the guru I felt irritation rise the guru was a vegan anti-car type I didn't want near near my wife keep this between us he whispered Dana's struggling so the guru is giving her extra lessons I nodded and headed for the back just then A message from
my mother-in-law about my father-in-law's hospital room came through I opened the door to find Dana Tangled in a yoga pose with the guru my voice cut through the room and Dana screamed in pain as he pushed too hard on her leg hi guys I said coldly they froze and Dana screamed what's going on here I demanded this looks more like zeex than yoga I swear you didn't see what you think you saw the guru stammered now you're Quoting Will Smith I said incredulously before he could backpedal I punched him he went down hard spitting out
teeth Dana groaned clutching her leg I snapped while you were cozying up with him your dad had a heart attack stunned Dana asked if I was going to the hospital remember when I bought my Mustang you made me promise no promiscuous women would ever get in it well guess you're not getting a ride now I shot back I turned to leave the weight of the moment Sinking in just moments ago I was happily married now everything was falling apart on my way out I ran into the yoga instructor and one of his disciples blocking my
path listen Jesus I said keeping calm if you don't move I'll show you just how unpleasant this can get the tattooed guy scoffed so I grabbed his glasses and set them on the floor he scrambled to find them only to step on them and curse move I told the instructor and he stepped aside as I Left chaos erupted in the reception area Indira was trying to calm an Angry Crowd demanding refunds but I couldn't focus on anything but the storm in my mind it took me 10 minutes to get to the hospital another five to
find my mother-in-law she was barely holding it together as soon as I hugged her she broke down they put a stent in one of his arteries she sobbed now he's going vegetarian no more fried food no snacks no barbecue nothing unhealthy I squeezed Her tightly trying to smile maybe wait until he's recovered before telling him that why she asked still crying it doesn't matter what he thinks I replied he'll be fine she looked confused but when he finds out he'll wish he never lived where's Dana she asked changing the subject shek at yoga I said
I came here after telling her what happened she'll be here soon you're a good son-in-law Eric she said hugging me again about half an hour later the Surgeon came in with good news my father-in-law would recover with some Diet changes and light exercise but he'd need to stay off work for 3 weeks longer if his job was physically demanding while my mother-in-law asked questions I noticed the surgeon was an older beautiful Indian woman I'd seen before but I couldn't Place her after the surgeon left we went up to the room 10 minutes later Dana was
wheeled in her leg propped up like Dad she asked what Happened to you my mother-in-law asked sh shocked Dana looked at me pleading for help then answered I pulled a muscle in yoga like Dad my mother-in-law filled Dana in on her father's condition but Dana kept staring at me I needed to leave so how was the car show Dana asked I couldn't go I said flatly your mom called me and some things are more important you always put Family First Dana said with a strained smile we can forgive anyone things happen and we move On
Dana what are you talking about her mother asked Eric knows your dad didn't have a heart attack to stop him from going to the car show Dana continued stumbling over her words no one owes anyone forgiveness you're not making sense her mother said frustrated Dana looked embarrassed I saw my chance to leave Dana with your leg you won't be able to pick up Erica from the mall I should go I said relieved you two can pick me up later I think it's better if You go home with Mom I suggested she shouldn't be alone I'll
call you later I hugged my mother-in-law and left the weight of everything sinking in I drove to the mall parked and texted Erica to let me know when she was ready in the car I looked up divorce lawyers the reality hit me now my father-in-law and I were in the same boat both happy earlier now facing life-changing situations his problems were physical mine emotional he'd need to change his Lifestyle to survive I had to decide if I could look at Dana again her smile her face how could I ever sleep with her again she was
no longer the woman I loved she was a problem to fix I felt numb like my heart had stopped the phone rang it was Dana Eric she said regretful I'm so sorry please forgive me it won't happen again I stayed silent her breathing was Heavy Dana was this the first time I whispered not really she sobbed it's not even the first time with M right I didn't need more answers it means something Dana I said coldly it means the woman I married is a cheater and this probably won't last my heart raced and pain Shot
Through Me Like A Punch to the stomach I struggled to breathe and felt nauseous what's wrong my mom asked I didn't want her to know and I didn't fully understand it myself nothing mom I lied Eric and I were just talking about how lucky we are that Dad is okay desperate I called Erica what She answered sleepily that's not how you answer the phone young lady I scolded her oh hi Mom she mumbled I was tired from swimming and walking around the mall where's your father I asked trying to stay calm heun's outside washing his
car Erica replied he doesn't feel well can you ask him to pick up the phone I asked my mom to talk to Eric but she said you know how he is when he washes the car I'll tell him to call you when he's done she Hung up and I was Furious Eric had spoed spoiled Erica so much she did whatever she wanted without consequences I waited for the phone to ring but when I couldn't stand the pain anymore I took some painkillers and fell asleep when I woke up the house was empty and I realized
I had slept much longer than expected a cold shiver ran down my spine I had no idea where my mom or Eric were I dialed Eric's number but it went straight to voicemail which freaked me Out normally it rang a few times before going to voice voem mail now it was blocked and all my messages would be deleted I called Erica again after a long pause she answered yes Mom where are you I asked Dad took us to the movies she said then heun's going to the hospital to visit his grandfather did you know he
had a heart attack anyway Sarah's mom will pick us up after the movie and Dad will get me from her house I decided I needed to talk to Erica Eric Had spoiled her so much that she only listened to him this morning proved that Eric had arranged everything for her and left me out of the picture I calmed down a little remembering Erica was only 10 she was a kid and spoiled ones often think the world revolves around them how could I explain everything to Eric I knew it would take time to fix things but
I was sure I could I took another painkiller and went back to sleep for the next few days I stayed in bed Letting my leg heal I called called my dad but felt incredibly lonely my mom seemed angry with me and I didn't know why so I asked her you never came to the hospital she snapped Eric's been there every day he even brought Erica a few times mom I said the doctor said I might need surgery if I strain my hip I'll make it up to Dad I added feeling desperate but he'll probably recover
faster than I will frustrated I called Peggy after telling her everything she Replied you're taking this too seriously you should divorce him it won't work I said Eric makes more money than I do but not enough for me to get much alimony quit your job then Peggy suggested why work when he can take care of you I laughed why does he put up with me you married him because you were pregnant and thought it was your best option she reminded me you were going to leave him when Erica got older and you could cheat him
out of Child Support he'll do Anything for Erica even though she's not not his Peggy shut up I snapped my mom's here and she doesn't need to hear your crazy ideas why are they crazy she asked genuinely confused think about it I said you can have as many guys as you want but who's going to really care about you who's going to be there when you're sick who loves you Peggy you can find men to entertain you but who's going to love you for who you are the line went quiet for a while finally I
spoke again Peggy Neither NE of us can fit into our old cheerleading outfits after a long pause Peggy sighed for some reason Eric still thinks I'm hot he gets jealous when other guys look at me he'll love me forever but I just broke his heart I'm so stupid okay Peggy said we need a new plan a few minutes later my mom came in and mentioned Eric had dropped off some clothes for me I was Furious I would never allow that Disrespect in your home I told her Peggy and I brainstormed ways to win Eric back
but nothing seemed to work Eric left me messages through my mom and Erica suggesting I leave town while I healed I didn't know how much he had told Erica but things had cooled between us Erica thought I had abandoned her and I never had a chance to explain why then Peggy had an idea give me a divorce she said I nearly slap her you're crazy trust me she said if Eric thinks he's going to Lose you and Erica he'll beg you to drop the divorce if it goes further we'll ask for counseling I found a
new lawyer and Peggy set things in motion Eric got called into work and my bad feeling only grew we hired a tough baith to deliver the summons and when Eric took the envelope I saw a tear fall down his cheek it struck me hard my lawyer wanted to meet with Eric's lawyer but Eric refused he wanted to go straight to court the judge ordered Eric to Counseling but he refused and a hearing was scheduled Ed when I dressed up for the court I thought I might be winning but when Eric walked in I saw how
much he'd been hurting the judge soon revealed the truth I had set the trap for myself the recording played showing that Eric had known everything all along when it ended I looked at him and his eyes were empty Eric I I began but he cut me off you don't know everything he said coldly what else do I need to know No I asked you didn't marry me because you loved me he said you married me to raise someone else's child and you've been cheating on me if I hadn't caught you you would have left me
once Erica was old enough Eric you don't understand you fooled me he interrupted I loved you like there was no tomorrow but it was all fake Eric unknowingly broke my heart but I knew there was no convincing him my feelings had changed that's one of the worst things I've heard the judge Said your divorce is approved no alimony he looked at me you have a choice jail for fraud or give up your rights to the house he can take the house I whispered the judge nodded Eric turned to me I'll need time before I tell
Erica about the divorce I said it's going to be hard don't do this he replied do you know who her father is he asked Eric this was my first time away from home I was Reckless I I said shaking I chose you because you Were cute and stayed when I told you to leave how do you know she's not mine he asked DNA test I answered 2 years ago I cried for hours then decided never to tell him she doesn't know she loves you you're the only dad she's known I need time don't do this
he said again it's enough for one of us to be heartbroken he added I'll pay child support and we'll share custody why did you I started I love her too he said she's all I have left we'll tell her when she's Older what about the divorce I asked could we I looked at him shek be fine he said she has friends with divorced parents the judge glared at me if I see you again you're going to jail he muttered as I left the courtroom all I could think about was how to win Eric back despite
the hurt Eric's decision to stay in Erica's life spoke volumes I knew he needed space to heal so I decided to wait it was a trap Peggy hissed what do you mean I asked I spoke To Mitch she said Eric and his lawyer planned everything he had the evidence but didn't file for divorce right away he was waiting for you to pay the legal fees he loves your child not you she added he gets the house no alimony and half custody over the following weeks things got worse Eric insisted I tell my parents parents the
truth but not about Erica's paternity my dad was disappointed but supportive my mom was Furious kicking me and saying next time Dana men your age want younger women Eric must have been crushed but he never said anything bad about you she added he came to the hospital every day he took care of your dad and Erica while you pretended to be hurt it was a serious injury I protested but no one believed me I realized I destroyed my marriage and hurt my relationship with my parents I stayed with them until I found an apartment but
things didn't improve the next day my mother handed me the phone Disgusted Dana I need your help the voice on the phone said I froze what do you want I snapped haven't you cost me enough my yoga studio shut down because of Eric he said he's suing me for ruining your marriage I laughed I was actually pleased Eric thought losing me was worth suing someone from what I hear these lawsuits rarely go anywhere I said it's not about money he's suing for $25 but he's really trying to ruin me and now everyone knows about me
my wife and Our problems he continued my wife's a heart surgeon and this is Wrecking her career I felt sympathy for his wife she didn't deserve this let me make one call I said are you calling Eric he asked no I replied he won't pick up but I know someone who will a few minutes later I called my mom what now Mom she said Dad's taking me to Cold Stone for her age she was stunning smooth creamy coffee colored skin and deep brown eyes that glowed with Intelligence though sadness lingered there french fries aren't great
for your heart she started I run a lot I can afford it I replied what's your 5K time she asked 5:30 p.m. I said proud wow that's fast she said in college I couldn't get under 20 minutes despite everything her smile revealed who she was and I liked her instantly it made me feel small especially considering how I'd acted I realized I'd been punishing the innocent along with the guilty she Wasn't to blame for what our spouses did just like I wasn't how can I help doctor I asked sincerely let me help you she said
I know you're hurting so am I I'll drop the lawsuit and media coverage everything I offered what's it going to cost me she smiled I've already offered your lawyers half a million I can't afford more I said though I knew she could how's your divorce going I asked we have six kids she smiled we have an old-fashioned marriage no divorce I Smiled back there was an undeniable attraction between us if you're thinking what I'm thinking we need to keep it a secret she said it would make us know better than them I replied it's a
shame we're better than the people we married she added how much money does your husband have I asked I don't want your money but I want to hurt him she said he probably has $150,000 from my dowy and 2 years rent on a yoga studio that's now closed That's exactly what I want I said $150,000 and the studio but I offered you three times that she laughed you're not yourself I did it to hurt him I said I never meant to hurt you but promise me you won't replace his money I'd like to hurt him
too she said but I won't give him any money except for household expenses so I became the owner of a closed yoga studio with a good job and little debt it was a nice surprise I bought a 2003 SVT Cobra convertible and Put the rest into a college fund for Erica two cars still remained on my dream list a 67 Fastback and a 2014 Shelby GT500 my in-laws didn't understand my love for cars but they were glad I was planning for Erica's future my mother-in-law seemed sad so I asked her about it it's hard to
accept I'll only have one grandchild she said is there no chance for more I hugged her she never loved me I said if it weren't for Erica She wouldn't have married me I was too boring you need to talk to her my mother-in-law said her feelings for you changed she loved you by the end I think she just got used to me I said I was like an old pair of shoes this isn't the love I want but she'll find someone else maybe you'll get more grandkids in the next weeks i f focused on work
and making life easier for Erica the fact that she wasn't my biological daughter didn't matter I'd raised her And legally she was mine the first week went smoothly Erica and I stuck to our routine School runs activities cooking homework avoiding the big change by week two Dana still didn't have a place to stay and I had Erica again but by week four Erica started speaking negatively about her mother and I got involved I visited my in-laws with a plan listen Mrs I began Eric you've always called me Nancy or mom she said surprised I'm not
Your son-in-law anymore I Shrugged who said that she asked I have an idea I said Erica's angry about Dana's absence I know she hasn't found a place yet letun give Dana the house next week so she can have her turn Nancy said she hugged me that's a great idea where will you stay I'll rent a room near work I said no she replied stay in the guest room upstairs so I stayed with my in-laws for a week on Saturday I invited them to dinner Sunday I arranged for Erica to go to an amusement park after
my run I returned to a messy house Erica had tried to clean but it was chaos after a quick cleanup I was pulling Erica's clothes from the dryer when Pam's mom called to say she was on her way I missed you so much Daddy Erica said hugging me goodbye I went to change into my running clothes and found Dana half drunk on my bed when I opened the door she stirred I grabbed my clothes threw my sneakers over my shoulder and Left I changed in the kitchen and headed out my phone rang it was Dana
Erica is gone she said I calmly explained everything oh she said you're really good at this single parent thing I need to get it together I replied it's easy for me I added she cried she loves you more I understand she said voice breaking I'm a witch who destroyed my family have you ever thought you feel better because you have the damn house she asked bitterly we fell silent then I Heard her sobbing I didn't mean to but I said it it's easy for me because she's all I have you have a big family she
said I was an only child I replied my parents died before we met I'm obsessed with Erica because she's all I've got her gasp was audible I'm sorry Eric she said weakly I don't handle this well I might have a place to stay but I don't want some apartment I want the house I chose that you paid for I said that's not right she protested when I first Came here it felt empty without you this house means nothing I want my family back I want my husband back she paused I saw that Indian guy last
week he and his wife are working on things why not us I don't have all the answers I said I need to pick up Erica okay Eric she said softly do you think we could ever talk about I hesitated someday I said but not now it's too soon I'm not strong enough bye Dana I meant everything I said but the Anger inside me was overwhelming Dana's betrayal had shattered me I didn't trust women anymore not even the ones I worked with it wasn't healthy but a counselor told me it was normal and I needed to
release it I reached out to divorced friends who had experienced infidelity we formed a support group and at our third event we turned the yoga studio I inherited into our clubhouse with help from contractor members the place became a man cave with bars TVs a gym and Punching bags we installed a sign BBC some guys didn't like it but we joked welcome to the broken hearts club the club became a success with trips parties and activities but one day at the club a woman approached me while I was washing my car thanks I said as
she handed me a microfiber cloth her voice was deep raspy and melodic zexi with a Southern accent I couldn't stop staring at her she was everything I didn't expect you hate Women remember she teased why should I do you a favor I said coldly because Nancy says her brother-in-law is the sweetest guy ever she grinned I softened what favor she laughed I want you to break the rules of this man hater Club no way I said not me Eric she teased my dad did your mom cheat on him I asked never she replied but she
lied to him that's almost worse I muttered she shared a story about her parents High School sweethearts who'd been through Illness recovery and rebuilding but her mom kept the truth about her cancer from her dad until she passed away my dad's devastated she said and angry he feels betrayed she wanted me to help her dad cope I agreed to meet him the next day we hit it off with her dad Tom a big strong man with a massive truck Tom joined the BBC and the club thrived with trips and parties but one day I spotted
her on a ridge it was her she teased you're still at war with yourself I was Taken aback what are you doing here she explained how her dad was struggling with grief and it hit me hard I think you're still stuck she said softly I was surprised by her Insight you haven't told me what you and Ralph are doing here she explained that her dad needed help I agreed to help the next day she left with a smile Nancy was right you're really cute I barely stopped myself from kissing her drive safe I said conflicted
she laughed this wasn't over Dana get up You're late for work my mom's voice cut through my hangover like a shovel through mud you don't need to go to work today I muttered I took some time off it was selfish and stupid Dana you've got Erica next week she replied you could handle it then my brain wasn't functioning yet still clouded by booze why can't I just get a break for a few days I snapped why can't I relax and breathe she answered quickly you've had that for 10 years you divorced him Remember now you
need to work and take care of things like everyone else I stood up and realized I was still in the clothes from last night Dana you look ridiculous and smell like booze she said I walked past her into the bathroom Mom I'm in my 30s I said I can have fun sometimes it's it's part of my plan I can't do anything for a year so I might as well get it out of my system Dana what are you talking about she asked every article online says it takes a man A year or two to get
over a betrayal I explained if I try to get Eric back too soon he'll just be angrier and he's already angry did you know he's the president of some woman hating Club she asked yeah I know I said but now I get why Eric's too good to act that way without a reason you cheated on him I was stunned over the past couple of months things had been spiraling my relationship was falling apart my parents looked at me like I was a burden I felt like a parasite doing nothing but slowing everyone down even my
daughter seemed like she blamed me I tried to tell her Eric was the reason I left that I'd come back once he allowed it but hearing how well Eric was doing without me his promotions raises was unbearable Peggy was the the only one who understood after giving me terrible legal advice she felt guilty and started helping me adjust to life without Eric even encouraging me to go out and let Loose think about it Dana she said you're not cheating you're not married anymore so I did I went out a lot met new people it wasn't
planned but Peggy said I was young and needed to get this wildness out of my system after a couple of months I thought it would be over but the truth was I never really understood why I started sleeping around in the first place it was just a quick fling with my yoga instructor nothing that threatened my marriage Eric was the one I truly cared about but lately everything was reminding me that I couldn't get back what I had with him Peggy helped me realize something I was looking for the love I had with Eric every
guy I slept with just reminded me of how good he was he loved me they didn't that was the difference and now the people I slept with were all linked to Eric if it ever came out there'd be no going back as the memories cleared I faced a new problem my mom was right I Had Erica next week but I'd promised Peggy I'd go to Vegas with her my job search had been unsuccessful I'd missed too many days and was fired for poor productivity and staying at my parents place was getting more uncomfortable every day
they were getting tired of me and Eric certainly wouldn't let me stay in the house again after I left it inside such a mess I thought about calling Eric to ask if he could keep Erica for another week he'd probably say No but I knew he'd stick to the schedule it would mean he'd have her for 3 weeks straight and despite not being her biological father he loved her like she was his own as I thought about it I realized that Eric was such a good dad to Erica but I had messed everything up I
had convinced Eric she was his but it turned out she wasn't that DNA test had shattered me if if I'd handled things differently maybe I'd still be with him maybe I'd have the perfect life instead I was living at my parents house like a failure I took a deep breath and decided to call Eric hello he answered his voice calm and familiar Eric I need your help I said Unsure how to phrase it why me we're not married anymore he replied almost playfully this is about Erica I said quickly I need to leave town next
week could you take care care of her his tone softened what's going on I need to go out of town next week could you take care of Erica I asked trying to sound Casual but my voice betrayed me I was going on a cruise he sighed a cruise I couldn't believe it here I was struggling to get by and he was going on a cruise and he hadn't even considered taking me I'll call you back he said I have an idea I didn't know what to think maybe he he was going to make some arrangement
to take Erica I was left in disbelief 20 minutes later he called back I arranged everything he said sounding too pleased with himself have a Nice trip I was Furious I had dreamed of going on that cruise it was on my bucket list but I realized too late that Eric had never even considered taking me it could have been an opportunity for us to reconnect but that door had closed before I could say anything he hung up it was like he knew how I would react I called him again what Dana he asked clearly irritated
I just wanted to thank you and tell you I'm sorry you'll miss your Cruise I said voice tight Erica has a great dad I'm taking her on the cruise he interrupted I called her teacher she can miss school bye the call ended I stood there staring at the phone feeling worse than ever I was about to make a stupid decision but I had to I called Peggy I'll go to Vegas with with you I said trying to sound upbeat what's going on she asked confused heun's ruining my life again I said so you're worried about
your ex-husband now she asked Almost disbelieving and you're planning to go with guys from another state he's going on a cruise and I can't even pay for an apartment he planned it all last minute I said let's just go to Vegas and have fun she suggested trying to cheer me up but how are we going to pay I asked already knowing the answer I have a rich friend who throws parties she said it'll be fine I wasn't so sure but I didn't have many other options so I went along with it I called Erica sure
Eric wouldn't want to talk to me but Erica was thrilled about the cruise and couldn't stop talking about it the more she told me the angrier I became this was my dream trip I wanted to be there but then I realized maybe a cruise was the perfect opport Unity to get closer to Eric again I called The Cruise Line the prices for a private cabin were outrageous worse most cabins were already reserved the ship was sold out it made sense now Eric had probably Booked it through his woman hating Club securing discounted rooms this divorce
had changed everything I had focused so much on Eric and me that I ignored my relationship with era she was getting closer to him while I drifted further away I promised myself I'd fix things with Erica when I came back but I couldn't help thinking about all the things I was still avoiding finding a job getting an apartment getting Eric back and now fixing my relationship with Erica I didn't know when I'd get around to it later I was talking to the guys about the trip and everything was fine all 40 club members were on
board and I wasn't the only one bringing a guest will had brought his mom a lively funny woman I had to decide whether to bring Erica I didn't want to be distracted by her while manag maning the club's needs but I also wanted her to have fun on the cruise Nancy thought it was a good idea but her husband's recovery was slower Than expected limiting her options so I asked if Erica could stay with Nancy and her husband for a while now standing on the deck I was scanning the crowd wondering where Erica was suddenly
I heard her voice Jenny she called out excited I turned shocked Erica had been so attached to me during the flight and now she was talking to a complete stranger how did she even know her name Jenny was stunning dressed in an elegant white hat and a form-fitting blue dress She exuded confidence she grinned at me teasing you're looking again I froze I was just worried you wouldn't be able to handle it she laughed clearly not taking me seriously dad and I got here ahead of you we've already figured out what we'll do Erica wanted
in I want to have fun too Jenny winked at her we'll let your dad join us if he's good the next few days were a blur of fun I spent most of my time with Erica and Jenny enjoying the cruise and getting to know the guys But two days before disembarking everything took a turn Erica and Jenny were at the pool and I went to join them after the club's competition I sat down next to a guy I knew someone from another group he was chatting about a girl nearby making crude remarks my temper flared
but before I could act Tom grabbed my hand he turned to the guy you know her the guy didn't realize who he was talking to you're part of that club the ones who hate women Tom unfazed Punched the guy hard knocking him off his chair the guy's friend surrendered immediately the crew came over but I lied saying the guy just fell off the chair afterward Tom joked that we were in a gay club to confuse them Jenny walked over concerned are you okay I almost kicked the guy I muttered Tom laughed I punch him first
Jenny winked you can kick the next one later Tom and I sat down to discuss Club business he had a serious look we need to talk about Your future here he said what if you leave the club I was confused what do you mean Tom reminded me of last night's dinner what did Jenny eat spaghetti with shrimp I replied and me I thought for a moment you had steak Tom leaned back see my point I still didn't get it but Tom went on Jenny's not the same she used to wear jeans and teas but now
she's buying fancy clothes something's changing before I could respond Jenny and Erica returned ready for dinner Erica looked At me we're tired of eating out let's grab something from the buffet and sit on the deck I smiled at her sounds good I noticed my daughter's accent was shifting she started dropping the g at the end of words and stretching syllables what were you and my dad talking about Jenny asked narrowing her eyes some secret Water Buffalo lodge stuff I don't know I replied we talked about your dinner the club your clothes and Trains Jenny smiled
I need a favor she said her eyes sparkling I raised an eyebrow what's up she winked want to ask what it is her tone grew serious get dressed and take me dancing she grinned okay I said Erica's probably asleep by now all that swimming wore her out Ellie's watching her Jenny reassured me her smile lighting up everything I asked Tom and will to look after me that evening they were more than happy where are you going Tom asked uh dancing I Said damn trains he muttered they can't be stopped I took a quick shower and
changed into a tuxedo I adjusted my tie a few times before settling on a red bow tie James Bond style I felt pretty good I knocked on Jenny's door and she opened it before I could knock again she whispered she's resisting sleep where are we going Erica asked barely holding back a yawn sleep I said kissing her forehead she mumbled I love you Daddy as I carried her back to bed when I turned Around Jenny was standing there wearing a stunning black dress I couldn't take my eyes off her she smiled at me and everything
else faded we didn't really dance we just stood there holding each other swaying a little at one point I got drinks I grabbed a vodka martini for myself shaken not stirred and a glass of chilled white wine for Jenny for someone who hates women you're actually pretty confident Jenny teased I feel so warm and safe suddenly I rushed To the side of the ship looking at my drink in disgust this is horrible Jenny took a sip then spit it out it tastes like medicine I Shrugged it's a vodka martini shaken not stirred why would you
order this she asked surprised I paused being with you makes me do stupid things I wanted to feel like James Bond tonight Jenny smiled and put her hand over my mouth silencing me if you were trying to get in my pants it' work I was stunned not sure how to respond letun Get back to dancing she said pulling me toward the floor we stood there lost in each other's eyes the lights around us seemed dim in comparison to her gaze Eric I can't breathe she murmured her face pressed against my chest I loosened the hug
but she held me tighter that's not the point she said softly you can hold me as tight as you want but it feels like there's just not enough air we stepped out onto the deck under the Moonlight it felt like the two of us Were the only ones in the world a voice in my head said resistance is feudal and then our lips met time Stood Still when we finally pulled away my heart was racing Jenny I I started she laughed I know stupid just shut up and kiss me again I thought to myself this
is perfect I want to remember this forever but reality intervened what the hell a voice shouted from behind us hey it's Eric someone else called some woman is attacking him another voice added damn Trains a familiar voice muttered the moment shattered I turned around to face the angry faces of my club members some angry others confused I had no words but then Jenny took my hand and I felt a surge of energy I didn't need to say anything real friends would understand I stood tall wek talk about the future when we get back I said
Tom And will will handle things good night everyone looked confused will shook his head for three damn days you've been talking About trains why didn't you just say it Tom Shrugged something this strong you can't stop it you just get out of the way the next morning was strangely quiet I thought something might happen but trouble came from an unexpected Direction I woke up early I didn't want to stay in bed lost in thoughts of Jenny when she and Erica showed up packed and ready for breakfast I felt as surge of relief later as the
ship docked we stood on the upper deck watching with a little Anxiety as the massive ship approached the pier it was smooth though no jolt by afternoon things started to unravel I was holding Jenny's hand Erica's on the other side when my phone rang Eric came the voice where are you we have a problem big dad having another seizure I asked almost there The Voice replied is Erica with you Nancy asked her voice urgent yes I said make sure she can't hear Nancy said I stepped aside trying to Stay calm the ship just docked I
muttered Nancy was frantic Eric how soon can you get to Las Vegas about 5 hours by car I replied but we can fly there in an hour if it's an emergency it's an emergency she said but don't take Erica with you she added she doesn't need to see this I hesitated we already have our return flights booked but I could change my ticket Nancy pressed what's going on I explained the situation and my anger flared daddy why Is your face red Erica asked Jenny I need a favor I said no Jenny replied firmly I was
stunned but I did you a favor last night I protested she silenced me with her hand last night was the best night ever but this is different if you need something ask I'll do it because I love you Erica giggled Daddy and Jenny sitting in a tree I need you to take ER home I said my voice more urgent Jenny's face softened I'll take care of it she said Eric I always call You she added with a laugh you know my number right of course I said with a small smile I woke up with another
brutal hangover but this time I knew where I was why are you awake Peggy asked sarcastically I turned away from her I didn't need more of her lies I was in a jail cell with about 20 other women a policeman came in to let us make calls one by one one some had already called the night before but the rest of us too drunk to do anything had to wait it was 9:00 a.m. which meant it was around noon in Michigan I had the phone in my hand and thought about who to call if I
called my mom she'd be furious if I called Eric my marriage would end for sure there was no saving it I called my mom mom I'm in trouble I said trying to stay calm Dana you're always in trouble she replied cheerfully like it is no big deal I'm in jail I said feeling the weight of the words well that's one way to get your own place she said Sarcastically this is serious mom someone needs to bail me out I said frustrated you can pay the bail with a credit card but you need to show up
in person she said sounding clueless I don't have money I said my patience running out what did you do she asked curiosity in her voice I'm not sure I lied it's one of those tourist things the laws are different here how much is your bail $22,000 i s well you only need 200 to Get out right she said still mocking me no Mom I need the full $2,000 I explained I'm considered a Flight Risk where are you exactly she asked finally sounding concerned I gave her the details let me make a few calls she said
it'll take some time when I return to the cell Peggy was waiting for me can you get me out too she asked desperate why should I help you I snapped anger Rising again because I'm your best friend she smiled Peggy you set me up I Said coldly I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you she claimed it was all for fun but I wasn't sure if she was sorry or just trying to cover her tracks it didn't matter I'd made the mistake by trusting her and now I had to deal with it the truth
was I thought the rules didn't apply to me I'd gone wild and now my life was a mess because of it I cheated on Eric and for a while he stood by me but I never told him the truth I didn't tell him about the DNA test that Could have saved us from so much pain but I never gave him the chance to choose I let him love me blindly and that only encouraged My Worst Behavior then I slept with a yoga teacher and everything I'd built with Eric started to crumble Peggy's bad advice kept
the fire burning but it was my own mistakes that ignited it time flew by and I didn't realize how quickly it passed until Peggy Shook Me Your bails been arranged the officer said come with me I Smiled relieved that my mom had helped even if she hadn't really fixed anything see you Peggy I called still feeling some relief but when I saw Eric waiting for me my relief vanished the look on his face disappointment and disgust was worse than I expected the flight back to Michigan was the longest quietest most stressful one of my life
Eric and I had grown so distant that it felt like We Were Strangers he seemed reluctant to touch me like I was diseased thanks for Coming for me I said trying to break the silence even with the divorce I'm not sure about coming to your hearing he replied flatly if there's still something between us you'd come I said trying to reach him what else would I do he asked his voice distant but with a small sincere smile Jenny wants a wedding in June he added I think I'll marry her or go on a honeymoon his
words Hit me hard he was moving on Jenny was everything I wasn't sweet and beautiful And they were perfect together the hardest part was realizing that my actions had pushed Eric away I had procrastinated until it was too late to fix things I received a 2-year suspended sentence and had to stay in Vegas for random check Eric took care of Erica but he still brought her to see me regularly the three of us plus Jenny even discussed Erica's future and she decided to focus on equestrianism instead of swimming After my father died I returned to
Michigan living a quiet life with my mother I work for Eric's company now and maybe someday I'll find my Mr W Erica burst into the room you smell like a horse she said wrinkling her nose I fed them I replied not bothered by her comment we had moved into a big house with space for two horses and a paddock for Erica to train there were also trails nearby for riding and running have you told me Yet Erica asked Jenny excited no Jenny replied shaking her head why does he wear sunglasses in bed Erica asked pointing
at me with a grin he thinks it's funny Jenny said smiling I'll give him a hint Erica teased Dad how many people live here Erica asked clearly curious five I answered quickly you me Jenny and your two horses she asked raising an eyebrow no I chuckled four one of the horses died Erica asked seriously of course not Jenny said Rolling her eyes people said they live at home I explained unsure why I felt the need to clarify suddenly an idea clicked is your grandfather moving in with us I asked half joking he's really dumb huh
Erica asked Jenny with a mock disgusted face but he's cute Jenny laughed Erica couldn't hold it in any longer we're having a baby daddy she exclaimed bursting with excitement I froze staring at Jenny like I'd been hit by a truck she nodded glowing with Happiness it was one of the happiest moments of my life Jenny and I were completely in love and I was sure we'd be together forever my life felt perfect Tom convinced me to help with his truck rental company which led to an idea using trucks to start a home delivery service for
medical equipment in 2 years the delivery service was out earning the rentals by three to four times we also began installing and servicing equipment with the growing elderly population the Medical field was booming Dana my ex-wife worked as a clerk at one of our properties we weren't close anymore too much at happened sometimes thinking about what she did still stung but we could manage when necessary one of those times came 8 years after our divorce when Erica was about to turn 18 she was a champion show jumper and still my favorite person Jenny and I
I had two other kids but Erica was always our baby we loved them all but Erica had a Special place in our hearts Erica was going to college for veterinary science focusing on ewine studies Dana and I met and agreed it was best not to tell Erica the truth about her birth that I wasn't her biological father sometimes the truth does more damage than good I'm no longer part of the Great British club after a cruise I gave a speech and told the guys I was done the club had been a way to heal during
tough times but I didn't need it anymore I hoped others Would heal too I left Tom and will in charge and gave them the lease to the club [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
