At the same time that Vicky and Sandy were coming out of the bedroom, Franklin arrived. Like a magnet his eyes immediately found hers. But, she quickly turned away from him.
The energy in the room had changed dramatically and it was more than the tension between Franklin and Sandy.
Vicky looked from face to face, “What’s wrong?”
Jason cleared his throat, “John Lucas just called. There’s been a change. The judge wants to see you in his chambers in the next hour. He is going to meet us over there. And, she requested that Angel is in attendance as well.”
As good as it felt to beat the hell out of Ryan, it was in the back of Jason’s mind that it could hurt their case.
*****
The ride over to the courthouse in the limo was over too fast. Jason held Vicky’s hand tightly the entire way over. It was comforting to him and her.
“I’ve been waiting for the right moment to give you something. I think now would be good.”
She looked at him curiously, “What?”
Jason reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a velvet box.
“I bought this the same day I bought Pita for Angel. There was just so much going on I didn’t want you to think I was giving it to you because of Bridget.”
Vicky accepted the box and opened it. Her eyes sparkled, “Jason…it’s beautiful. Can you put it on me?”
Jason took the necklace out of the box and put it on her. “I know I can’t physically be with you in the Judge’s chambers but know that I’m with you in spirit. I’ll always be with you.”
Vicky touched his face before slowly pressing her lips against his.
They ended the kiss when the car pulled up in front of the door. He touched his forehead to her before whispering into her ear, “You know I can have the jet ready to take us anywhere in the world on a moment’s notice?”
Vicky gave him a shaky smile, “Tempting but I love you too much to let you do that.”
A moment later, the car door opened.
*****
Jason, Angel, John and Miriam, Shirley, Franklin, and Sandy were all in a private waiting room. Vicky and John Lucas had only been in the Judge’s chambers for about ten minutes but it felt like ten hours.
Sandy was coloring with Angel. However, she could feel Franklin’s eyes every time they landed on her. She did her best to ignore him. Except for one time when they made eye contact. His half-a-smile made her stomach do a little flip.
No. She wouldn’t return it. Sandy wanted no part of the classic ‘let’s be friends bullshit.’ He hurt her and they were over. She’d made a lot of decisions about her life and as soon as Angel’s custody fight was over she planned to discuss them with Vicky.
Franklin hadn’t seen Sandy since that night after they left the hospital. He kept sneaking glimpses of her. He’d hoped the need to see her, talk to her and be with her with be less with time. So far, it hadn’t and he hadn’t felt as alive since they’d been together.
The kind of passion he shared with Sandy was unrealistic. He needed a sturdy relationship. April wouldn’t demand that he give her more than he was willing to give at least not emotionally. As long as he spent time with her she was fine. Franklin felt safe with April.
Sandy made him feel things, hope, and want things. And, for what? To be disappointed, humiliated or even worse abandoned like his mother did him? If he really unleashed his inner feelings what would it look like? What if he turned out to be like his father? He couldn’t risk it.
It was safer this way for him...and for her.
*****
Vicky was sitting in the Judge’s chamber next to John Lucas. Ryan Carter was sitting next to his lawyer Ms. Abernathy.
His lawyer seemed pretty agitated, “Your Honor, I don’t’ understand why this meeting in your chambers was called?”
Vicky was surprised because she thought they’d called the meeting.
The Judge looked irritated, “Counselor, I’ve been given some new information that might weigh heavily on my decision. Due to the high profile and delicacy of this matter, I thought it was appropriate for you and Senator Carter to see if you can come to an arrangement with Mrs. Rutherford.”
“My client’s position is that Mrs. Martin…I’m sorry Rutherford is an unfit mother. Based on what we’ve shown the court already we feel sole custody to Mr. Carter is not only warranted but the only viable alternative.”
“Ms. Abernathy, might I suggest to you again that you and your client review this new information before you come to such a hasty decision.”
The tone of the Judges voice gave Ms. Abernathy pause. She looked over at Ryan with an accusatory stare. “Of course, if you think this information is worth listening to then I don’t see anything wrong with having a discussion with my client, Mrs. Rutherford and her attorney.”
“Great. I’m glad we can agree on that after all it is the best interest of the child we’re all after. I’ll leave you to it then.”
They all stood as the Honorable Judge stood to leave the room. As soon as she’d left, Ms. Abernathy dropped all pretenses of discussing a rational agreement.
“Mr. Lucas, I’m not sure what type of shenanigans you’re trying to pull but you have nothing to offer that my client is willing to accept but full custody of Angel Martin.”
“Ms. Abernathy…if you plan to have longevity in this arena, might I suggest you find out what cards your opponent is holding before you determine what your client will
