“Be sure to tell him to let the judge know how little time you’ve actually spent with your daughter.” Yes, I was a dick, but where Maisie was concerned I didn’t care. I’d fight to the death for her.
“Sure, when he comes over for dinner. Leo has lots of judge friends.”
Fuck. I stared at her. “Why are you doing this? Did I do something that made you want to hurt me?”
“As you said, Dylan, this has nothing to do with you. It’s about Maisie and how she’s at an age where she needs a mother.”
I thought of Tessa, who was more of a mother to Maisie in the last year than Veronica had ever been.
“She does need a mother. She needs one who will be there, not treat her like a doll or pawn her off to nannies and tutors.”
“You pawn her off to a babysitter.”
“I don’t. I’ve never missed a school meeting or function. I’ve never missed a soccer game or dance recital. It takes a lot of time. Think about that. There’s no going out every night when you have to check homework. When she’s sick, you have to cancel everything to care for her. Can you put her needs before yours? That’s what she needs.”
“Do you really think so little of me?”
Yes, I did. “I only know that you put your needs first for the last few years.”
“I’ll be in touch.” She stormed down the walk toward the waiting car.
“Daddy?”
I turned and shut the door. “Oh, I like that one.”
“These are my jammies. I was tired of changing.”
“And what pretty jammies they are,” I said picking her up.
“Are you and Mommy mad?”
I sighed. “Mommy and I are having a discussion.”
She wrapped her arms around me. “I’m glad I’m home.”
“Oh? Did you have fun?” I carried her to the kitchen, thinking for once we could indulge in something unhealthy. I’d break out the ice cream I hid in the back of the fridge.
“Yes, but I missed you. Can you come next time?”
“How about some ice cream to celebrate your being home?” I said not wanting to answer her question.
Her eyes lit up. “I love ice cream.”
We had ice cream and then played a game. I read her books in bed, and then tucked her in to sleep. If Veronica took this away from me, I don’t know what I’d do. I couldn’t let that happen. I found it difficult to believe she’d win given her track record, but if her husband had friends in high places, that could be a problem.
The next morning, I woke early, showered, and dressed, skipping the rest of my usual morning routine. I called my lawyer, who wasn’t happy about being woken up at the crack of dawn, but seemed to understand my urgency when I told him my problem with Veronica. He referred me to a lawyer who specialized in family law.
“She says her new husband is connected,” I finished explaining my situation.
“Up here? Because they’ll need to file at the local court.”
“I don’t know. I suspect that someone they know might know someone here.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Call Stephen. He’ll let you know what to do.”
When I was off the phone, I got Maisie up and made her breakfast. At the knock at the door I’d remembered Friday night and fucking Tessa on the couch. Guilt and regret filled me, but it couldn’t overcome the fear and anger over losing Maisie.
“I’ll get it,” Maisie said jumping down from her chair.
A few minutes later, Tessa followed Maisie into the kitchen. She looked at me with hesitancy. The awkwardness that had been there Friday night hadn’t dissipated. At least for her. Not for me either, but I had to push that away and focus on Maisie.
“Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked Tessa.
Her brows lifted in surprise. “Yes. Of course.”
“Mais, finish your breakfast and then get dressed, okay?”
“’Kay.”
I motioned for Tessa to follow me to my office. Once there, I shut the door part way to keep our voices from going up the hall.
“Veronica is going to sue for custody.”
Tessa’s breath hitched and her expression was pained. “What?”
“Maisie doesn’t know at this point. I’m going to fight—”
“Well, yeah. What can I do?”
“Keep an eye on her. I don’t think Veronica would do anything crazy, but right now I have sole custody, so if she comes when I’m not here, she’s not to take Maisie. Call the cops and me if that happens, okay.”
“Yes, of course. God, Dylan, I’m so sorry. If you need me to testify or anything I will.”
It was another reminder at how important Tessa was to me, as a friend, not a lover. “Thank you.” I didn’t want to mention the other night, and yet I couldn’t not check on her. “Are you okay?”
She flinched. “Yes.”
I studied her, wishing I hadn’t crossed the line that put this awkwardness between us, and at the same time wishing I could have her all over again. “You looked lovely the other night when you went out.”
She looked down. “Thank you.”
“I hope you had a good time. I suspect that opportunity presented itself … maybe even desire.”
She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I met a nice guy … but so far, just opportunity.”
“Daddy, can I wear one of my new dresses?” Maisie called from outside the door.
“Ask Tessa. I don’t know what fun plans she has for you.”
“I’ll go help her,” Tessa said moving to the door.
Feeling like I dodged a bullet, I finished getting ready for work. On the way, I called the lawyer referred to me.
“She seems to think now that she’s settled in New York and married, she can take custody,” I finished explaining to him.
“From what you say, a judge would have concerns about her lack of involvement,” he said, but there was a hesitancy. “With that said, there is still often a bias where moms are concerned, especially ones who are recommitted, settled, and secure.”
Fuck. “The fact that I’m the only parent that has been
