I don't buy this for one second. The did the same thing to him as they did Chuck. Offered him his job back for a substantial cut in pay. Neither seemed willing to take the pay cut, so they moved on to other opportunities.we had a long, long relationship. eventually, we gave him a hall pass. then he wanted to spend more and more time with the hall pass. so, does he want to be a national guy as first priority? if so, cool. we can amicably split and the kids will get used to seeing him with the new partner. but don't tell the 'canes 'i really want to be with you' while also trying to spend more and more and more time with the side-piece.