Page 16 of Resisting the Fall

I narrowed my eyes. “What?” My voice held a heavy dose of skepticism. Since I’d discovered Ben and I were still married, I’d been racking my brain for a solution on the chance I couldn’t get a divorce decree.

“If your Social Security Number is still in your married name and we are, technically, still married, it seems like you could apply for an expedited passport using that name—Maven Walker.”

The thought had crossed my mind. But only briefly. At the time, it had seemed crazy and presumptuous to consider resuming the use of my married name to go to Europe. I was adequately desperate now. With the marriage certificate to prove the connection between my two names, it shouldn’t matter that both forms of my government ID—my New York driver’s license and my nearly expired passport—were still in my maiden name. A divorce decree was only necessary if I was trying to renew my passport as Maven Price, but to apply for a new one under my married name—Maven Walker—I wouldn’t need it. I also already had all the paperwork required. I gave Ben a reluctant, albeit genuine, smile. His suggesting the idea somehow made me feel less deceptive for considering it. “It’s definitely worth a shot.”

“Well, I hope it works out,” he said.

A warmth settled into my core that I worried had nothing to do with my rekindled hope of making it to Europe. “Thanks.”

He appraised me for a moment, then leaned in slightly. “And if it doesn’t, you have round two of our divorce to look forward to.”

And just like that, the warmth inside me was extinguished. “Just because I’m in Prague doesn’t mean I can’t jump on a virtual hearing to get our divorce finalized.”

“I suppose that’s true.” His smile came out in full force. “Though we could stay married until you get home. You know, make sure you don’t get stuck oversees because you exploited the passport system.”

I gave one more yank on the door, and he released it. “Goodbye, Bennett.”

I could hear his chuckle through the closed door. It was a good thing Judge Rost’s thirty-day good faith reconciliation effort was only a perfunctory request. I could think of nothing worse than actually undergoing reconciliation efforts with Ben.

“Who wants popcorn?” Maven walked out of the Prices’ kitchen with a giant bowl.

Carson and I raised our hands in unison.

“Here.” She scooped some into the only extra bowl and handed it to her brother.

“Don’t I get any?”

She dropped onto the couch next to me, handing me the bowl. “I figured you’d eat most of it anyway, so you might as well have full access.”

It was true. This growing business meant if there was food, I would consume it, but I threw a piece of popcorn at her anyway, pretending offense.

“Hey! Is that the thanks I get for⁠—”

I threw another piece.

Her hands gripped the bowl. “If you’re going to be like that, then I’ll just take⁠—”

“Okay, I’ll stop,” I said, lifting a hand in surrender.

Maven released the bowl, grabbing a handful of popcorn for herself.

“What movie did we decide on?” Carson asked, flipping through their library of digital content.

“I’m pretty sure it was the newest Pride and Prejudice.” Maven didn’t even crack a smile. “The music is incredible.”

“School of Rock is about music,” Carson countered.

Maven scoffed at the apparent insult.

Carson looked at me. “What do you want to watch?”

“So the choice is between some old love story and a Jack Black movie?”

Maven grabbed my arm, her green eyes pleading. “I think it’s important to note that girls love when a guy is familiar with classics like Pride and Prejudice. And the movie version can be the least painful way to consume those classics. Plus, this version has Kiera Knightley.”

My gaze shifted to Carson, and he was shaking his head.

I shrugged. “She makes some valid points.”