I close my eyes tightly before I turn around to face him. “I’m fine. I need to get back to work.”
“Lowe, if he’s harassing you—” I hold a hand up to stop him.
“I really don’t have the energy for this right now,” I tell him bluntly, turning my back on him as the elevator doors open. “I need to go.”
I don’t remember the elevator ride up, nor do I recall walking back into the office and sitting at my desk. I’m unsure when I grabbed my phone and typed out a text to Blue informing her of what just happened, and I don’t remember my phone ringing as she called to press for more information.
“Marlowe,” Kirstin says from behind me, pulling me out of the weird vacuum I had found myself sucked into. “What happened?”
She grabs the chair sitting opposite my desk and pulls it around to sit beside me, her hand dropping atop the one I have resting on a pile of papers. “Travis.”
“What did that fucker do now?” Kirstin’s outburst seems to snap me completely back into my body.
“He came around asking for money,” I inform her, my throat growing tight. “And he wants to see Claire.”
Kirstin’s eyes widen before a frustrated expression replaces it. “He came here, to your place of work with zero prior communication, and asked about his daughter and for money.” She shakes her head, as if repeating what I said helps her fully grasp the extent of my words. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“What do I do?” The question comes out as a whisper, and the crack in my voice gives away the turmoil swarming through me.
Kirstin leans forward and throws her arms tightly around my shoulders. The first tears spill from my eyes as I bury my head into her neck, wrapping my arms around her waist. She smooths her hand down my hair, trying to calm me down when I feel her turn slightly.
“Was Levi there? Did he see?” I nod into her shoulder, not lifting my head. “And do you want to see him?” To that, I shake my head.
I feel Kirstin’s head shake slightly as her hand slips from my hair to my back, rubbing soothing patterns up and down my spine. She sighs softly before grabbing my shoulders and pushing me back so she can look me in the eye.
“At the risk of overstepping, I think you need to seriously consider filing for sole custody,” she tells me, and I squeeze my eyes shut. “And for your own safety, and the safety of your daughter, I think you need to look into a restraining order.”
Staying silent, I let her words sink in, and as they do, I’m aware that I don’t feel dread or fear at the idea of taking that step, of taking a stand against Travis in that way. Rather, I feel an odd sense of peace and resolution.
“You’re right.” I take a deep breath and open my eyes to look at my boss and good friend. “Can you come with me?”
She nods, sliding her hands down to grip my own that rest in my lap. “Of course, Mar. Can I say one more thing?”
“Of course,” I respond, my brows furrowing slightly.
“Don’t let this get in the way of you and Levi,” she states, and my shoulders sag briefly. “That man won’t walk away from you because of your ex, and I can guarantee he won’t think you’re too much. After what he’s told me, from our discussions and his answers to our questionnaires, he’s not that kind of guy.”
“I know.” Saying those words, I’ve never felt surer of anything. “And I won’t. I just need to do this on my own and wrap my head around it and talk to Claire first. Then I can talk to him.” At the look on her face, I say, “Claire comes first, Kirstin. Always.”
Kirstin pulls me in for another hug. “I know, Marlowe. That’s what makes you such a good mom.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
A FRIDAY IN AUGUST
Levi
Just checking in to make sure you’re doing okay.
I’m sorry if my intrusion caused more problems.
I’m here if you need me, Lowe.
Please, just let me know you’re okay.
Me
I’m okay.
