“This rotation for sure and I’ve got the next rotation up in the air to see if I can swing daycare or not before then.”
He had two weeks off, or close to it at this point by taking this whole rotation off then his six days between the next.
“I told Chance I can help. My mother offered too.”
“You know I can,” his grandmother said. “You wanted me at the pub less.”
“If I’m at the firehouse, I don’t think it’s wise for us both not to be at the pub.”
He’d have to find another manager if he did that and his grandmother would get her butt wrinkled.
“I meant at night,” his grandmother said.
Which didn’t surprise him she said that.
“I’m going to need night help for sure. Don’t think I’ll be able to work too many shifts either at the pub.”
Which wasn’t good on many fronts. He was used to the tip money, which he’d need with all the costs he was incurring now, but it’d hit the business with him having to pay someone to work too.
“Chance, don’t get worked up,” Jocelyn said. “I’ve got you covered and you know it. And you might find some teens who could want to earn money a few nights while you’re at the pub. I’m a planner and even I’m slowing down.”
She reached her hand over and laid it on his. “I’m trying. Maybe after this visit I’ll feel a little better.”
“Nope,” his grandmother said. “You won’t. You won’t feel better until your son is thirty, and even then, you’re still going to wish you did things differently. Trust me, I know.”
“You did a great job, Grandma.”
His grandmother had been handing more pieces of the cut-up pancake to Maverick as they talked. “Proof is how you’re stepping up.”
34
NOTHING TO HIDE
“Are you ready for this?” Jocelyn asked two hours later.
Rhea had left twenty minutes ago, and the caseworker was knocking on the door.
“Just to get it over with,” he said.
He stood up and walked the few feet and opened it.
Jocelyn saw the woman standing there with a smile on her face. That was something at least.
“Hi. Chance Drummond?”
“That’s me,” he said, putting his hand out.
“Shelby McCrace.” She held up the badge that was hanging on a lanyard around her neck. “I’m with child services.”
“Come in,” he said. “My attorney has provided you with everything?”
“I was in contact with Monica yesterday. I’ve dealt with her many times. This should be relatively painless and part of the process. Your paperwork is in order and the temporary custody filed.”
He let out a long breath. “Good. Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink? Sorry. This is Jocelyn?—”
“McCarthy. Oh my God, I thought that was you. I actually recognized Chance but don’t think you remember me.”
Oh shit. She stood up. “Shelby Carmichael?”
