Chapter 11: Splits

Barry was truly conflicted after the merger and the surprise announcement that Tammy had been made partner. On the one hand he was hopeful the new role would mean they could settle into a better work-life balance. On the other hand, he was enamored with Sara, and was enjoying her company and conversations as much as, if not more, than the times they exchanged pictures of their naughty bits. Other than the party Barry had not been in the same room as Sara.

Chirp.

Barry looks to his phone and sees a text message from Tammy. Working late again. When she expressed interest in helping shape and lead interns she was granted her wish and given the role of herding that flock of aimless sheep.

She was also given a handful of the clients from the retiring partners so she needed to spend time getting to know them and what they needed and expected from their lawyer. It all meant Tammy’s work weeks were still clocking in at almost a hundred hours per week, but now she was doing so at a much higher billable rate.

It was almost ten when Barry heard the garage door open. Tammy entered the bedroom a few minutes later after dropping off her briefcase in her office. She was pulling her shirt out of the waistband of her pants.

“Did you hear the news that broke this afternoon?” calls Tammy from the bathroom as the shirt, bra, and pants were tossed into the hamper. She comes back into the bedroom twirling her hair into a bun over head as her breasts gently move from side to side as she works her hair into place.

“No, what’s up,” asks Barry.

“Sounds like there is trouble in paradise. Sean Brady, our managing partner, and his wife Sara, announced they are getting a divorce.”

“Oh, really? I spoke with Sara earlier this week about a possible mixer or dance event and she didn’t let on that anything was amiss.”

“I think it was really hush-hush. He must have called in a favor with a judge because the paperwork is all sealed and it was fast-tracked. From the rumors, it sounds like she’s making out very nicely.”

Barry whistles. “If so, that sounds like he may have been stepping out on her.”

Tammy crawls into bed and pulls the covers to her chin.

“Yeah, maybe. Good night,” she says before quickly falling asleep.

The next few weeks continue in the same track. Tammy works very long hours. Barry tried to engage her in some playtime on a few occasions, but is routinely denied. After the third attempt Barry finally calls her on her lack of interest.

“What’s wrong? We’re married. We’re supposed to have sex.”

Tammy looks at him with a bewildered look. “We do, but right now I’m not in the mood.”

“You’re never in the mood,” Barry retorts. “It’s been almost a month and the only time I see you naked is when get undressed for bed, then crawl under the sheets and immediately go to sleep.

Tammy snaps.

“Well, fuck you. I’m out there busting my ass to make a difference. I’m also making the majority of the income for this family. I can’t help it if you’re happy with your pathetic career drive. That you are content to sit in a dark room and type gibberish into the computer all day long.”

“I’m now a partner. That means I have to set an example. I can’t be content to act like I just got tenure and rest on my previous success. I have to prove myself to both my firm and my clients every day.”

Barry can’t help himself. “Sounds like a rather fucked up way to earn a living if you ask me.”

“NO ONE ASKED YOU,” Tammy screams. She stomps out of the bedroom and he can hear her yell as she heads down the hallway.