[Music] I'm out of here I declared fine and don't bother coming back my wife shot back normally I'd toss out a go to hell as I stormed out but today I aimed for more civilized parting words we've slung similar barbs over our 14 years hitched but this time I won't be circling back in a few days she'll grasp what I meant this round over the past half year or so Jenna my wife turned into a verbal wrecking ball I couldn't figure it her Jabs to put it mildly stung I started dodging her to keep things
from boiling over each day I'd stall longer in the car sometimes I'd slip back home after Jenna and Carrie our 13-year-old finished supper I had to take care of me sometimes there'd be leftovers lately though it seems they've vanished before I return I go by Kurt Kaminsky technically it's David Kurt Kaminsky but my old man's also a David so they dubbed me Curt from the start to sidestep confusion nope not a junior dad's David John Kaminsky why he skipped the junior bit I can't fathom I'd happily answer to Junior or even DJ but nope just
Kurt or Nat yep I'm polish well sort of an American with Polish Roots heard all the jokes well most of them they keep turnning out new ones each year as the lone pole I know apart from Dad in this 10 000000 strong town I become the punchline technically I'm half polish the other half from Mom's side is German French Irish and English but since since I'm a Kaminsky I'm pole my soon Tobe ex-wife ain't who I thought I only caught wind of this four weeks back as I said I was keeping clear of her due
to the misuse after a few dinners Mia one Monday evening I hit a diner in a booth ready to order I overheard two guys chatting in the next Booth caught a phrase with pole and tuned in so how long you been with the paulus misses since they tied the knot heck I even beted her on their wedding day and he's clueless the first voice unknown but the second I knew my best bud George Cary I froze they kept yakking but I heard zilch until George spilled yeah we rendevu at least twice a month Kurt's so
clueless in the lot he's none the wiser dumb luck just then the waitress came to take my order quietly I murmured sorry got a jet I bolted making sure they didn't catch sight of me I couldn't wrap my head around it Jenna my wife with my closest buddy the guy who stood by me at the altar he's also my go-to mechanic and that's not changing anytime soon well not officially my mechanic more like an exclusive contractor I rely on solely to fix and inspect all my cars in case you're wondering I run a used car
dealership yeah I'm a used car salesman heard all the jokes and Jabs but business is booming people trust they getting top-notch cars at fair prices and if any issues crop up I handle them George has always been a top-notch mechanic and I keep him busy and compensated well I wanted to bring him on his staff but he cracked a joke about not respecting himself if he worked for for a poll said it in Gest but I sensed he meant it still I took him on as an independent contractor though he wasn't all that independent truth
is I was his sole source of income and that fact will be his undoing leaving the diner I cruised the streets doubting what I'd heard was it true or just his boasting they might have hired a pi but if what he said was legit their meetups were sparse might end up a waste of cash but I decided to snoop through her phone and email back home Jenna was her usual self fine by me I needed the truth before talking to her when she dozed off I checked her email clean her phone was locked but it
didn't take me long to crack it our daughter's birth date found a few sketchy messages but nothing from George his name in her contacts wasn't odd considering he was my pal maybe he was just talking trash I thought yet her recent Behavior hinted something's a Miss perhaps not with George but someone else I hit the hay Restless it was past 2:43 a.m. when I finally drifted off the next day at the dealership George cracked his usual polish jokes I usually let them slide but today I snapped George what do you even know about Poland bet
you couldn't find it on a map if your life depended on it you joke about polls being dim but I'm sure they could locate the us maybe even our state get to work George stared lost for words he knew I was on to something he wasn't the academic MC type more Street Smart good with engines not textbooks I guess that's why we hung out in high school I'd help him with his studies ensuring he graduated now I'm reconsidering our friendship he got me thinking about picking a spouse I retreated to my office shut the door
and molded over how to gather evidence confronting them both headon wouldn't fly they just brush it off I needed solid proof I rang up a pi in Santa Fe and laid out my worries he reckoned monitoring them would cost a pretty Penny given their sporadic meetups you could slap a tracker on her phone at least you'll know its whereabouts when you check or set up cameras at home but unless they're top-notch and by that I mean pricey they'll likely get spotted even with fancy gear if she's alert she'll probably catch on if I were you
I'd tag her phone and hope to catch them red-handed he suggested a tracking program and waved off payment consider it a freebie he said everything I told you is online anyway still you came through with valuable advice expect a check I insisted if you ever swing by Silver City drop by kaminsky's lot he offered I don't usually venture out that way but if I do I'll look you up I replied and I sensed he meant it a big part of my sales success came from making folks feel important early on I learned folks crave validation
I opted for the tracking software saving cash and hassle on camera's genomite spot that night when everyone was out cold I sneaked up and installed the track backing app on her phone sinking it with mine it'll run in the background unbeknownst to her finally I slept soundly next day at work I kept tabs on the app Jenna worked part-time at the uni bookstore 15 to 20 hours a week she called her earnings mad money and splurged at the salon she hit the grocery store and later was back home George was home most of the day
but whenever Jenna was in he was out working so at least for that day I figured nothing had gone down that evening I tried being more civil to my wife and daughter suggesting dinner out my wife seemed somewhat responsive our daughter typical teen hesitated but I insisted dinner went smoothly I casually brought up George and Jenna shifted uncomfortably swiftly changing the subject fueling my suspicions I want to find out if George's words hold water I've got to get to the bottom of this somehow that night I refrained from checking her phone my attempts to peek
at her calls or texts came up empty either she swiftly deleted them or didn't make any at all climbing into bed I thanked Jenna thanks for joining us for dinner thank you Kurt it was a nice surprise she replied meeting my gaze you might be in luck tonight it's been a while and like I mentioned we haven't been getting along lately after her usual nightly routine in the bathroom Jenna nestled beside me I felt conflicted about the possibility of closeness with her if she had been unfaithful did I even want it I resolved to let
her take the lead until I had solid evidence I wouldn't initiate we did end up being physically engaged but it was rather ordinary no need for specifics well at least I enjoyed it throughout the week I kept tabs on her phone's location finding nothing out of the ordinary on Saturday night while she slept I checked her phone for any messages or calls yet again finding nothing I was close to convincing myself that George was just blowing smoke trying to impress someone with his tails of conquests this wasn't the first time I'd known him to do
so since our school days I tossed and turned in bed once more my subconscious refusing to let me sleep at 2:00 a.m. I lay there staring at the ceiling unable to drift off I decided to go downstairs for a drink hoping it might help me relax sitting with a glass of Jack Daniels and Coke in one hand and her phone in the other I decided to check it once more entering the password our daughter's birth date I opened her phone to the homepage suddenly it hit me like a bolt of lightning our daughter's birth date
was the key Jenna's pregnant had been challenging we had feared losing her several times due to complications there was an issue with her Rh factor not matching Jenna's causing her body to reject the baby Jenna spent the last 3 weeks of the pregnancy on bed rest to ensure the baby's safe delivery and indeed Carrie was born exactly 9 months after our wedding we were Overjoyed at her health but she proved to be a demanding child she cried incessantly had trouble sleeping and struggled with nursing it was tough goinging in Carrie second year Jenna firmly declared
we weren't having another child it saddened me but truthfully the baby had drained much of the Joy from our lives I mentioned that she was born 9 months after our wedding they call such children wedding night babies because they're conceived on that night or during the honeymoon a light bulb went off in my head if George's claims were true then there was a strong chance Jenna was already pregnant before our wedding night Jenna was on the pill no we didn't wait until marriage to be physically engaged it was a significant part of our relationship the
doctor speculated that the stress of the wedding might have interfered with her hormones rendering the pills ineffective well if the pills failed that night they likely failed that day too now I know what to do there's a 50 50 chance I'm not the father you know the saying the early bird gets the worm well George might have been an early bird but in his case it seems the early worm gets the birdie I got off the couch and headed to the bathroom where I found some cotton swabs Carrie was fast asleep in her room she
finally settled into a good sleep routine at 4 years old before that it was a struggle she lay there snoring with her mouth open it was simple to gently swab the inside of her cheek with a Q-tip she didn't even stir after sealing it in a plastic bag I repeated the process for myself even if Carrie turned out to be my biological daughter it still left questions about Jenna's faithfulness if she wasn't but I pushed those thoughts aside for later consideration Sunday was for chores and we each had our tasks I took my time avoiding
Jenna and Carrie to keep my emotions in check I was anxious to confirm my suspicions but plagued by doubt all day something on your mind Kurt Jenna inquired I needed a quick answer so I replied I'm planning to buy a bunch of cars at the next auction to stock up the lot money might be tight until I make some sales just don't overextend she advised always referring to the business as ours though it was really mine I'd say set it up as a separate entity to protect my personal finances living in a religious community I
didn't want business decisions to affect my personal life negatively I'm thinking of paying off the credit cards and keeping only one open to improve our credit I told her it was a tactic to mask my strategy in case she found out about it later do what you think is best she responded indifferently the idea came to me in a Flash it's amazing what your mind can do when you let it this would minimize Fallout if my suspicions proved true so bright and early Monday I took the samples to Western New Mexico University and spoke with
someone in the science department they directed me to the department head who welcomed the opportunity I handed over some business cards and offered a 10% discount to anyone working on the samples he seemed appreciative I've been eyeing a new car to replace my Camry I might swing by and check out your selection if nothing catches my eye I'll work with you to find something I mentioned thank you I'll keep that in in mind he replied as I left the university I knew I wore a smile but it was tinged with worry the test results could
spell the end of my marriage when I mentioned buying new cars to Jenna it was merely a coverup for my troubled thoughts yet the idea started to grow on me I summoned Paul my accountant loan officer and occasional salesperson into my office and shared my plans we're going to make this work I assured him there's something else Paul I continued I want to clear the mortgage on my house can we work out a lumpsum payment let me crunch the numbers and get back to you after lunch he replied exiting my office as he left I
pondered contacting my lawyer for a family law referral but then I hesitated thinking hold your horses let's see the results first I've yet to find concrete evidence of infidelity after lunch Paul presented the spreadsheet and we discussed the next moves for both plans the following two days dragged on each moment filled with anticipation for the DN test results late Wednesday evening the department head phoned confirming the outcome and arranging to visit to discuss the car when he arrived I ushered him into my office his expression said it all before he even spoke the samples aren't
related he confirmed I nodded though the news hit hard even though I'd half expected it he gave me a moment before handing over the envelope with the results when I glanced back up my demeanor shifted so about that car you were eyeing I inquired well it might sound cliche but I've hit the big 5.0 and I'm eying a sports car thinking of Mazda Miata I shared though I didn't have one in stock I promised to scour the auction the next day for a well-kept one I'll ring you this afternoon with any updates I assured him
as he left I've told Anna I might leave early but I'll be reachable if needed I thought to myself knowing she wouldn't call she rarely required my assistance she handled most tasks herself as I drove around the city everything seemed different I made a call to my lawyer who though saddened by the news directed me to a colleague he trusted after the call I booked an evening appointment the next day over a snack at a restaurant I reflected have I truly squandered the past 15 years I couldn't even claim to have a child from this
marriage while I still regarded her as my child to some extent biologically she wasn't mine what to do next I couldn't pretend ignorance anymore I'd been aware before but now there was no turning back one thing I was certain of George would face consequences it didn't matter that he'd been my closest friend for years with friends like him enemies seemed preferable Jenna too would face repercussions I wondered if she was aware that Carrie wasn't mine even if she wasn't she kept this truth hidden from me the secret of her infidelity on our wedding day with
my best man my supposed friend now I had no reason to doubt what I'd overheard she indulged with him at least twice monthly anger began to well up inside me and before it spiraled out of control I knew I needed solitude away from everyone I should have called Jenna informing her I wouldn't be home that evening going home was out of the question I feared I might do something that would land me in jail she picked up the call hello Kurt hey I'll be spending the night in Albuquerque to prep for the auction tomorrow at
8 oh I responded flatly well okay then have a safe trip I rarely ventured to Albuquerque for auction so this deviation was notable I wondered if she'd exploit my absence for the night she'd have to come up with an excuse regarding Carrie for my parents which wouldn't be easy to explain nevertheless I'd intermittently check her phone tracker throughout the evening to see if she ventured elsewhere I navigated the roads to Albuquerque aiming to purchase at least 20 cars including a Mazda Miata I'd arranged for their pickup and delivery to my lot post auction now the
Dilemma was who to entrust for their mechanical inspection I knew George wouldn't get any further business from me once his current routine inspections and repairs were done upon hearing i' IR ired two dozen cars he'd likely Envision dollar signs and inflate his charges but that wasn't going to happen I'd keep it under wraps until the last minute I needed to consult with a local auction dealer to identify someone skilled and dependable to inspect them before shipping to our small town arriving in Albuquerque around 9:00 a.m. I checked into a Best Western Hotel despite being the
owner I couldn't justify splurging on an expensive hotel using company funds the room was comfortable as was the bed just what I needed I'm a simple person with simple needs upon entering the room I immediately checked Jenna's phone tracker discovering she was still at home or at least her phone was sleep proved elusive that night I couldn't shake off thoughts about her actions and motivations how could she justify her Affair especially on our wedding day and continue it for who knows how long I started to reassess our marriage it was never perfect but I believed
in our exclusive love now I realized it was a mistake from the very beginning in the initial years following the wedding things weren't smooth sailing naturally we didn't anticipate a baby right away our original plan was to wait 3 to 4 years before starting a family we had agreed on having three children before tying the knot however car's arrival disrupted these plans learning that my best friend was the cause of this disruption made all the struggles seem feudal 14 years of effort seemed wasted despite the good times we'd had being overshadowed by this Revelation if
Jenna hadn't been involved with George perhaps she would have conceived with me maybe her pregnancy wouldn't have been as difficult and we wouldn't have had such a challenging child leading her to not desire more children George shattered my life when he seduced my future wife on our wedding day now he entertains her at least twice a month all the while likely mocking me the oblivious pole he must face consequences I thought as I lay down attempting to calm myself and Drift Off to Sleep anger simmered within me once more I needed to regain composure or
risk a sleepless night I turned on the TV to watch a Mindless comedy show laughter helped soothe my nerves and by 11: I was ready to doze off looking ahead to a busy day the auction went smoothly I snagged some excellent cars at favorable prices and networked with dealers in the Albuquerque area spotting no Miatas at the auction I inquired with other dealers two of them had one each one red and the other black I negotiated potential deals pending confirmation of my client's preferred color naturally both dealers agreed assuring me they'd handled the transaction once
I provided details of the cars on my lot I should have frequented this auction more often interacting with fellow businessmen in the same industry inspired me to expand my operations and provided a welcome distraction from my personal troubles later in the afternoon during my meeting with the lawyer the news wasn't encouraging I faced losing half of my assets along with alimony and child support payments for a child who wasn't even mine in that moment I decided against pursuing a divorce instead I resolved to leave her with George's child paying off the mortgage on the house
she could remain there but with only my name on the mortgage she wouldn't be able to sell it by continuing to cover taxes and utilities while living elsewhere she wouldn't have the option to resign and claim the house however I needed to make a decision regarding my business although it was registered as a corporation I had a gut feeling that without proper protection I could risk losing losing IT consulting my business lawyer became a priority arriving home utterly exhausted from a demanding day I informed Jenna of my fatigue I'm beat planning to shower and hit
the sack I muttered making my way to the bedroom want dinner she inquired no had a late lunch I replied at least she cared enough to ask the shower was Blissful almost like my troubles were washing away while problems persisted I found solace in devising Solutions minutes after my head hit the pillow sleep enveloped me the past week had been stressful but with a plan in motion I finally found mental reprieve Rising early feeling rejuvenated I headed to the office before Jenna and Carrie stirred there amid spreadsheets and financial reports I orchestrated my next moves
I briefed Paul on the 23 car purchases and instructed Anna to cease assigning work to George emphasizing the need for secrecy she eyed me quizzically you're the boss she remarked thank you Anna you're invaluable at 9 sharp I phoned my business lawyer seeking advice your business is registered but she might still force a sale to claim half its value consider selling preemptively he suggested I can't it's my life I retorted let me mull it over and get back to you by week's end this news hit hard I'd poured sweat and tears into building my business
akin to raising a child unlike Carrie I thought bitterly rage threatened to consume me again but as a seasoned businessman I knew to compartmentalize I refocused on my business agenda first up contacting Doug who confirmed George's claims Doug Kurt Kaminsky here I've got Intel on two Miatas you might fancy red and black still interested if the price is right he replied which color do you prefer let me show you both we'll crunch numbers afterward even if we can't agree I can sell it easily I assured and your pick he pressed red makes a bold statement
but fades faster Black's elegant but heats up quickly here planning to garage it yes he affirmed Reddit is then when can we meet Monday or Tuesday perfect call upon arrival deal after hanging up I dialed the dealer with the red Miata to negotiate a swap he showed interest in the BMW sitting on my lot for 3 months recognizing its better prospects in a larger City meanwhile George showed up with several cars still awaiting repairs as an independent cont ractor his flexible schedule suited my needs despite my simmering anger toward him overhearing salesman discussing the impending
arrival of 23 cars George inquired about the schedule hey Kurt when are these cars from the auction coming in I want to plan my repairs he queried the auction house will handle the delivery likely late next week or early the following I informed him turly struggling to keep calm in the presence of this betrayer I managed to chuckle as he departed that weekend end I distanced myself from Jenna occupying myself with yard work and errands checking her phone tracker no longer concerned me I harbored only contempt for her raising another man's child felt unforgivable Monday
found me back at the car show I arranged to trade the BMW for the Miata setting off to Albuquerque to finalize the deal we'll grab lunch upon your arrival the dealer suggested informing Anna of my daylong absence I instructed her to hold the fort got it boss she affirmed her reliability shining through a raise was in order the journey and lunch were pleasant forging a new camaraderie with the dealer driving back in the Miata wind tousling my hair I relished the freedom deciding to splurge further I resolved to procure a black car realizing I didn't
need more than a two-seater soon I pulled into our driveway in a fiery red sports car Jenna glanced out the window and exchanged words with Carrie prompting them both to step outside to observe why do you need this car honey we need something with a back seat for Carrie she remarked patronizingly just picked it up from Albuquerque for a client thought you might want to take a ride I responded no honey I'm not a fan of small cars Jenna retorted with a hint of disdain Carrie I called motioning for my daughter to join us no
Dad I'm already teased enough because of my last name I don't want to be seen with a Polish used car salesman her words stung typical of a teenager's bluntness I was taken a back where did this disrespect come from glancing at Jenna I realized she was treating car's remark as inconsequential now both the women in my house were showing disrespect teenagers might not always be close with their parents but the hurtful manner in which she spoke made me question the authenticity of my family life I'm going for another drive I'll be back soon I announced
Shifting the car into reverse and driving off fueled by frustration I navigated the roads of Silver City until I returned home around 9:30 heading straight upstairs I took a quick shower and crawled into bed when I didn't emerge from the shower Jenna entered the room casting a bright light into my eyes squinting I closed my eyes are you sulking because we didn't choose a sports car aren't you going to spend time with your family you're not just polish you're childish she chided her sudden attitude shift puzzled me I couldn't shake the feeling that it stemmed
from George spending time with him had seemingly influenced her disregard for my heritage now passed on to our daughter yet she wasn't even my daughter despite supporting her I needed to accept that fact looks like you and your daughter would rather do without a pole around so you might as well just leave I retorted heatedly her demeanor only fueled my anger she would regret treating me this way from then on the atmosphere in the Kaminsky household grew cold and Silent the following day I contacted Doug who came over to inspect the Miata he was thrilled
with it after discussing the numbers he was was pleasantly surprised by the great deal he received three 0 00 less than Kelly Blue Book as he was finishing up the paperwork he mentioned my best friend handles purchasing for the University and we rotate about 16 cars every two years it might not be much but could you speak with him always happy to do business and I'll ensure he gets a good deal I replied I'll have Jim reach out to you by the end of the week thank you I said that's how I expanded my business
by treating people well and showing appreciation for their referrals on Wednesday my lawyer called hey Kurt I think I have a solution to your potential issue can you swing by this afternoon to discuss it absolutely I'm eager to get started the tension at home had become unbearable at the meeting later that day I heard the plan and was pleased with it it would take about 2 weeks to execute but if successful it would be worth it over those two weeks I gradually moved personal items and tools from my house to an apartment nearby meanwhile George
awaited the arrival of the two dozen cars to do some work but I kept delaying him during the past weekend I did some yard work and cleared out my closet and drawers when Jenna and Carrie weren't around Jenna did laundry during the week so she didn't notice the emptiness of my closet this brings me back to that Monday night when I told Jenna I'm leaving she once again began to show rudess and disrespect targeting me for being polish and a used car salesman in the past I would go to a motel for a night or
two depending depending on my level of anger the following Tuesday morning I arrived at the parking lot early and gathered my employees in the conference room it was a regular weekly meeting so nothing seemed unusual I began good morning as you all know the cars I purchased a couple of weeks ago arrived yesterday afternoon they've all been inspected and prepped ready for sale we won't be using George for any more work here if he asks just say we're going in a different direction you've all been fantastic you're like family to me so it's tough to
discuss what next pausing to wipe a tear I continued I've sold the business surprised they looked at me but nothing changes regarding your roles except Anna who will take on some of my duties and receive a corresponding raise despite their astonishment they began congratulating Anna recognizing her hard work and worthiness Anna please come talk to me after the meeting there are some things we need to discuss I said I'll still be involved in the company but only in an advisory capacity and may occasionally sell I I don't want to interfere with your sales I assured
her they were all relieved that I'd still be around even if only occasionally after the meeting as we exited George stood there hey why wasn't I included in the meeting he asked surprised because it was for staff only and you're not an employee I explained he seemed taken aback I see the cars have arrived I'll get to work on them he said no need they've already been prepared for sale I replied firmly leaving him stunned but I always check the cars He protested George I've sold the business and the new owner wants to go in
a different direction I informed him holding back my anger I'll save that for another day I kept it brief realizing sometimes less is more I can't believe you sold the business he exclaimed making it about himself what now you can pick up your check for the past 2 weeks work it wasn't much Anna rarely utilized your services I stated bluntly he'd been expecting to work on the cars but he was out of luck I felt no sympathy I just wished I could tell him what I really thought of him when I spoke with Anna I
asked her to keep our conversation confidential of course Kurt I'll never divulge anything you don't want she assured me here's the plan I've set up companies registered in Nevada One buys the parking lot the other buys the company I own all the shares in both eventually I'll divorce Jenna and ensure she doesn't get the business why she asked I've moved out Jenna doesn't know yet but I'm not going back she had an affair with George in fact Carrie isn't my daughter I suspect she's George's I'm not sure if Jenna knows let alone George they'll find
out soon I won't divorce but I'll keep paying utilities and taxes for our house so she can't claim abandonment and take everything if she files for divorce I don't want her to take over the business that's why I agreed to the company being bought twice let them figure it out the proceeds will be spent by the time she gets the divorce done plus I barely make anything from Consulting and a few commissions Anna you can handle daily operations I'll be available for questions but I trust you and your judgment I explained Anna smiled at the
news of the new owner but when she heard about Jenna and George her expression turned deadly serious this woman was someone I deeply admired and respected I have one more task for you before I go I need you to order a new sign and letterhead we're changing the business name to helpless car this will reinforce the idea to George and Jenna that the business is under new ownership I explained I spelled out the name to ensure she got it right she looked puzzled I'll explain the name Choice someday for now just know it tells the
whole story I told her though she seemed puzzled she trusted me enough to follow through with that I bid farewell to everyone and headed out I got into my Audi and drove towards Albuquerque about 2 hours later I received a call from Jenna I hadn't expected her to call so soon this was a familiar pattern I'd leave for a day or two she'd call we'd talk and I'd return things would change briefly then revert to how they were before we'd have another argument and the cycle would repeat I decided to answer the call curious to
hear what she would say this time hello I spoke through the car's speaker phone Kurt what's going on she asked sounding hesitant nothing much just heading to Albuquerque I replied flatly why are you going there she inquired to pick up the car I stated without emotion so what I heard must not be true George must have called you figuratively speaking perhaps he asked your mistress what's going on with her husband she speculated I don't know I responded what did you hear she pressed George called and said you sold the business she revealed why would he
call you I questioned perplexing her she corrected herself HEK your best friend he was curious if I knew best friend what a joke I was a joke to him the silly pole clueless about what's happening with his own wife behind his back apparently my family felt embarrassed that I was a used car salesman so yes I sold the business now you won't have to bear that stigma anymore shouldn't we have discussed this first she worried likely concerned about our livelihood this is my company I owned it before we got married and I can sell it
whenever I want I just hope the new owner treats my former employees well did you get a good price for it she Fred about her standard of living I didn't care I just knew I needed a change I'll start job hunting after I take some time off to relax what about the mortgage she panicked I used the money to pay off the house you only need to worry about utilities and taxes now what about food gas Insurance she almost hysterically asked guess I overlooked those do you think you could work more hours I suggested when
are you coming home this is the Moment of Truth she pressed I won't return I said casually remember what you said when I left that evening don't worry I'll figure out how to cover the bills so the power won't be shut off you can't do this Kurt you need to come back she pleaded desperation evident in her voice no I really don't want to I responded impassively Kurt please don't do this she cried I've already made my decision what about your daughter she tried to appeal to my emotions you mean Carrie the girl who's ashamed
of her last name and the fact that her old man is or was a used car salesman Kurt she's just a 13-year-old girl you can't take this to heart I retorted well it doesn't matter anymore I won't be back again so none of you will be embarrassed of me with those words I hung up and powered off the phone letting her contemplate I knew she'd try calling me back and grow frustrated when I didn't answer after calming down from the call I tried to enjoy the leisurely drive to Albuquerque I assumed her next move would
be to contact her lover for more information and to relay what I'd said upon reaching my destination I switched my phone back on and noticed five missed messages I listened to them three from Jenna one from George and one from Anna I immediately dialed Anna hi Anna sorry my phone was off I've been getting unwanted calls I explained yes I know your wife and George called me to find out where you were I told them you don't own this place anymore so you won't be coming back hope everything is okay Anna informed me great I
replied they hassle you too much tell them you'll call the police for phone molestation I like that she said Kurt you might feel like you don't have family or friends anymore but trust me you do we your family and always will be thank you Anna you know just what to say I hope your husband realizes how lucky he is I remarked trust me he does he tells me all the time never take that for granted she assured me I won't I promised after ending the call I debated whether to call my Unfaithful wife or that
idiot nah let them stew exiting the Audi I entered the parking lot office where the owner awaited I have that Audi I mentioned interested in discussing a swap he proposed let's see he admired the car's condition inside out and under the hood I could sell it in a week are you sure about the exchange feels like I'm getting the better end you can return the favor sometime he suggested I'm not here to profit just want a sports car I replied 30 minutes later back on the road top down relishing the ride now where to North
sounded good so off to Santa Fe over the next two weeks I journeyed through Northern New Mexico Arizona Sou Utah and Colorado I stayed close in case Anna needed me I checked in with her a few times and once things seemed settled I headed west of course they kept calling at first annoyance then apologies finally hints of resentment I listened but Shrugged it off when they reported my canceled credit card I chuckled George even called branding me a villain for leaving Jenna and Carrie I chuckled some more my lawyer texted me Jenna threatened legal action
if I didn't return I returned his call hello Kurt speaking so my wife made threats to you yes but if you're still paying on the house don't worry she'll struggle to prove it I assured him I can offer something better I continued I have a recording where I declare my departure and she insists I don't come back it's gold send it my way he requested if she causes any trouble I'll take it to her lawyer let them sort it out thanks I'll check in next week to see how it's going I roam the Southwest the
Miata wasn't the coest but it was a blast caught glances even a few flashes from board middle-aged women but I wasn't seeking that after all I was still hitched no matter what drove to Reno then Lake Tahoe the coast Napa Valley and zigzagged along Highway One Yos San Diego Death Valley to Vegas then Phoenix no rush chatted with folks in parking lots some envied a guy in his 30s who could just hit the road after approximately 3 months in covering 8,000 Mi I opted to head back to Silver City upon arrival at helpless Auto I
was warmly welcomed by my entire team including a few new faces they all expressed Joy at my return stepping into Anna's office formerly mine she looked up spotting me her smile widened even more rising from her chair she walked around her desk and gave me a tight hug after chatting for a bit I inquired do you think I can treat everyone to food and drinks at Wranglers can you close the store by 5 it was already 3 Absolutely I'll make sure sure of it the whole team will be there after bidding them farewell and announcing
our meeting in 2 hours I left them in High Spirits next I paid a visit to my lawyer during my travels he informed me that Jenna had attempted to claim abandonment to seize my assets but he managed to thwart her efforts we discussed our next steps at 5: I joined the team at Wrangler restaurant we enjoyed a fantastic dinner and it was delightful catching up with everyone as the evening wound down they began to depart leaving only Anna and me she gazed at me and saidou know Kurt you might feel powerless and lost but you're
mistaken you simply placed trust in those you loved I met her gaze so you figured it out yes it took some time but your mention of the new name telling the whole story lingered in my mind until I grasped it you may be polish but those jokes never truly Define you they insult your heritage and who you are thank you Anna you're the primary reason I returned I had to witness how you handled my responsibility ities I'm pleased to say you haven't filled my shoes you forged your own path I had an exceptional Mentor she
expressed gratitude we embraced and then she departed to her husband who appeared genuinely content I headed back to the apartment I hadn't visited in 3 months the air was stale necessitating some ventilation opening the windows I allowed the refreshing evening Breeze to permeate the rooms I grabbed a beer and settled on the Terrace overlooking the pool several people were swimming and a family was enjoying themselves nearby my mind drifted to Jenna and me we once harbored lofty aspirations and dreams when we tied the knot now they seem to have vanished glancing at the wall clock
I noted it was around 8:30 a realization struck me it was time for a confrontation I Rose hopped into my Miata and drove to my house technically still mine since I purchased it before marrying Jenna and my name was the only one on the deed disappointment washed over me as I pulled into the driveway the yard was uncamp it appeared the Landscaping had been neglected the porch light was on indicating Jenna was likely home I approached the door and knocked after a moment Carrie answered her eyes widened as she greeted me Dad hi Carrie is
your mom home she stuttered before yelling mother from the kitchen I heard Jenna's tense high-pitched voice what's the matter Carrie continued to stare at me and loudly exclaimed dad Jenna appeared from around the corner spotting me and shrieked where are you going I opted to respond calmly to her outcry traveling I stated evenly just then George emerged from the bedroom in his underwear oh I remarked the whole family is here Mom Dad and child what the hell are you talking about Jenna retorted sharply I guess George has stepped in to fill my role after all
it's rightfully his I remarked Jenna appeared puzzled while car's tone turned visibly enraged actually young lady you seem to be misinformed I interjected knowing she disliked being corrected George never worked for me by his own choice so I couldn't have fired him regarding bills all utilities and car insurance are covered Jenna interrupted what about groceries and gas for the car you had a job did you lose it it used to cover expenses while I was away do you think you can just Waltz back in and take over Jenna challenged no I'll wait until you and
your partner find somewhere else to live it was clear they were staying together in my house and Carrie seemed fine with it Jenna retorted I'm not leaving my home correction this is my home it was mine before we married and only my name is on the deed I asserted you left so now heun's mine Jenna insisted that's not how the law Works since I cover the utilities and taxes I remain the legal owner even though I've been away briefly it's still mine don't worry I'll give you until the end of next month to find a
new place just make sure you take your daughter with you what do you mean your daughter she's our daughter Jenna protested you couldn't have said it more accurately I chuckled Jenna looked confused turning to Carrie I disclosed Carrie I know you dislike being called polish so here's some news your real father isn't me it's George silence enveloped the room after a moment Jenna whispered what yes Jenna it seems your carelessness on our wedding day resulted in a child but not mine however it's good news for you Carrie you can can now take your real father's
last name and become Carrie I wonder if perhaps mom chose the name Carrie out of respect for her lover I pondered aloud Jenna and George exchanged looks the color draining from his face what about you George don't you want to step up as a father well that's unfortunate it's time to take responsibility but look at the bright side it's just four more years until College I remarked Jenna and George nearly echoed each other I don't believe in that with a swift motion I handed them the DNA report see for yourselves they snatched it glanced at
it and then both collapsed car inform the love birds that your mom will be served with divorce papers next week along with an eviction notice I instructed before walking away throughout my absence I couldn't shake the thought of whether this affair had been ongoing during our marriage did she choose me or was I just a pawn I felt utterly helpless ignorant and vulnerable George had mocked me behind my back and even cracked polish jokes to my face back at the apartment I drowned my thoughts in beer the next morning I visited the lawyer to initiate
the paperwork despite knowing I'd have to sell the house and split the proceeds being a barely working person meant I wouldn't owe alimony or child support especially with another man in my place at least that's what I hoped for the Betrayal by Jenna and George was devastating rebuilding trust whether with a man or woman would be a daunting task perhaps I should consider therapy as as the divorce proceedings commenced I returned to work at the dealership emphasizing to my colleagues that I was no longer the boss and only needed one sale per week to cover
my expenses I even insisted on just one when faced with court-ordered child support I ensured that my bank accounts were emptied leaving only enough for my basic needs at month's end Jenna hired a lawyer though I questioned how she could afford one perhaps he worked pro bono regardless they'd be in for a surprise despite scrutinizing my accounts in the sale itself they failed to uncover anything substantial I learned from my colleagues that during my absence George visited the dealership almost daily for the first two weeks trying to secure work from Anna however she consistently turned
him down eventually he gave up now he regretted not obtaining his ASC certification as his only job prospect was at Valene doing quick oil changes for $13 an hour I hope Jenna would work full-time or they'd struggle financially I contacted the realtor and notified Jenna that I was listing the house for sale anticipating a 50/50 split of our assets since she had already received an eviction notice she needed to vacate before the sale closed one evening Jenna knocked on my door and I reluctantly let her in what do you want Kurt can we talk she
asked I'm not sure it's a good idea we're in a legal battle I replied come on Kurt it's just us no lawyers can we have a civil conversation she pleaded all right but letun go to Denny's I suggested there'll be Witnesses I thought to myself I didn't trust her enough to be alone with her at Denny's after exchanging pleasantries I asked why Jenna she hesitated before answering I guess the simple answer is that I liked both of you and couldn't choose so you were seeing both of us at the same time I questioned Jenna looked
down and admitted yes but George warned me not to tell you because he knew it would ruin your relationship with him then why did you say yes when I proposed I inquired because I loved you and George she replied I loved him too but I knew he wouldn't make a good husband so we ended things when you proposed and I focused on us and our wedding plans so on our wedding day you were with him I probed Jenna started crying and confessed yes everything was a mess then what was it I pressed further I didn't
want to lose him and he didn't want to lose me she admitted well now you have each other and your child by the way she did a great job with the name I didn't even realize until later during my travels I didn't know Carrie wasn't yours I revealed Jenna looked at me and said CT I still love you it's nice to hear Jenna but I'm not sure you understand what love truly means I replied I loved you more than anything and clearly you can't say the same she retorted I loved you but now I feel
nothing but contempt I stated firmly Jenna realized our relationship was over there would never be an us again before she left I had to ask one final question have you ever stopped after hesitating she decided to tell the truth we never ceased we had our quiet times but we typically met twice a month she admitted I was hoping for a different response but I appreciate your honesty one more thing about a year ago your behavior towards me changed what triggered it I inquired her face flushed red then she grew slightly angry George started pushing for
a baconalia not involving you I might have considered it if you were involved but we couldn't navigate it his persistence made me resent you for something I knew you wouldn't agree to it's odd but I thought I could have both of my men together and resented you for not being open to it she confessed did you go through with it I asked no I contemplated it but then you left and everything fell apart she admitted well now you're free to pursue it your choices don't affect me anymore I remarked sensing our conversation was concluding I
settled the bill and we headed to to our cars 4 months later we stood before a judge and finalized our divorce George was present too exiting the courthouse Jenna suggested maybe we can grab a drink the traditional way certainly I agreed despite the previous animosity it had dissipated then I thought this marks the end of my association with them they can now be together let them wallow in their own mess they deserve each other ha Jenna will have to adjust to a lower standard of living all right maybe the resentment hasn't completely faded despite being
polish I demand respect [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]