Is Vicki Gunvalson from ‘RHOC’ Headed for More Heartbreak if She Marries Steve Lodge?
Vicki Gunvalson from The Real Housewives of Orange County has been pretty specific with boyfriend Steve Lodge. She wants him to a put a ring on it. A number of times during the recent season she’s dropped hints about getting engaged and even buddy Tamra Judge has joined the wedding bells chorus.
But Lodge has been coy about his marriage intentions, even ducking out of awkward marriage talks to freshen his drink or check on the grill. And while Gunvalson continues to push, should she be so anxious to walk down the aisle with Lodge?
Her “man-picker” has been off in the past (hello Brooks Ayers). And while Lodge seems like a solid and loyal boyfriend, is he everything that is seen on the show?
He’s not on good terms with his ex-wives
Lodge has been married twice in the past. Both marriages ended with divorces filed under “irreconcilable differences” but Lodge seems to have a contentious relationship with both, Radar Online reports. Second wife, Tonya Compton filed a restraining order against Lodge, a retired police officer.
Compton made this shocking statement about why. “Mr. Lodge appeared at a hotel I was staying and checked in at the same hotel. He called my room from the lobby twice and attempted to identify my room number. Mr. Lodge assaulted me, including but not limited to punching me in the face multiple times.”
Plus he went MIA on his kids
Lodge and his ex-wife Karla of 19 years share custody of two children. However, Karla asserts that Lodge never sees his children, despite having 50/50 custody, according to Radar Online. “Our daughter Amanda has spent 99 percent of her time with me,” Karla wrote in a complaint obtained by Radar Online. “She has stated to me and Steve more than once that she doesn’t want to spend much time at her dad’s house. Our son, James, has spent minimal time at his house. I know that 50/50 visitation is not in the best interest of our children and would be extremely hard on them, especially Amanda.”
Karla adds Lodge doesn’t accompany her to any of the kids’ appointments, school events and more. She adds that Lodge often tells her he can’t attend because he has to work and that “He has not been an active parent.”
Please don’t let it be about the money
It’s (likely) about the money. Court documents track a money struggle between Lodge and his ex. In divorce documents, Lodge said he earned $6,801 when working as a police detective at the City of Santa Ana, plus earning about $3,631 monthly in overtime.
The couple then battled over Karla’s monetary contribution, arriving at Lodge paying $1,536 a month in child support. Plus he pays $5,500 a year for his daughter’s volleyball costs. Additionally, Lodge was ordered to pay Karla $1,113 a month in spousal support. Compared to what other OC Housewives are receiving, this is chump change. But that also reduces Lodge’s monthly income down to about $4100 a month, not including the volleyball expense or overtime. The ladies wondered if Lodge was dating Gunvalson for her money, which throws some shade on the situation.
Now Gunvalson is confused
Gunvalson is completely exasperated now that Lodge’s past is leaking out, Radar Online reports. “She knew that Steve and his exes did not end on good terms, but these details that are coming out and that are undeniable have really caused some serious issues between them,” a source close to Gunvalson said.
Now “Vicki feels betrayed” by Lodge and “Vicki trusted Steve 100 percent and right now she just does not know what to believe anymore.”
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