Having Cessily come back on Wednesday at least changed the routine. Faith was willing to talk to her at dinner, but a few times Cess caught my eye as if to ask what was going on. That night, after my daughter went to bed, I told her that it seemed to be a stalemate. Faith didn't want to move, but she also didn't know what would make her feel better.
And just to add insult to injury, the next morning I had to go to the final mediation with Meredith and her attorney. Cy, Cessily, and I got Faith packed off to school, then I drove my attorney to Bonham. On the way there, I updated her on everything Faith and I had talked about, making it clear which line I was walking.
"So, the story is that because Violet didn't lie, it doesn't count as cheating?" she asked.
"No," I corrected. "I said that because Violet didn't lie, this counts as a mistake, and now it's up for me to decide how to handle it, not my daughter." I glanced over. "I have been very careful not to lie, Cess. I have not said that I was shocked or surprised. I've told her it was complicated. I said there were things that were none of her business. I said that Violet was sorry to put her in that position. I also told Faith that people make mistakes, and that there was no answer that always worked across the board as a blanket to cover everything."
She nodded. "Not bad, Luke. Not bad at all. But she's clearly still pissed about it."
"Oh, you have no idea," I admitted. "I'm pretty sure the only reason she's not demanding to leave is because I made it clear that I will always choose her first, but that Violet does make me happy, and I don't want to have to choose between them. I told her that I want to be happy too, but it's not always an easy thing, and figuring it out might take some time. I'm thinking about a week."
"Are you still sleeping with her?" Cessily asked.
I laughed once. "Are you asking about at night or fucking?"
"At night," she assured me. "I'm pretty sure the fucking is still going on."
"Then no. I've been talking to Violet at night, going into her room for a while, but making sure I wake up in my own bed."
"Perfect," she assured me just as I turned into the attorney's parking lot.
Just like before, we walked in and were led to a room. This time, the receptionist recognized us, and both Meredith and Russell Fry were waiting when we sat down. Pleasantries were exchanged, drinks were offered, and my ex glared at me. In other words, it was pretty much exactly what I expected.
Until Russell opened his folder. "So," the man said, "we're filing to have the case dismissed and primary custody returned to Meredith now that her annulment has been finalized."
"Not going to happen," Cessily told him. "We all know that Luke removed Faith for exigent circumstances. The court agreed with him. That the marriage was dissolved does not remove the history that caused the problem: Faith was exposed to a predator. Luke has not updated his custody agreement since his daughter was born, so it makes sense for him to request a greater role in her life now."
Russell just smiled, acting like that didn't bother him at all. "Luke still has the option of withdrawing his suit, Cessily. Once this goes before a judge, things may come out that will become a part of his permanent record. Certain things he wouldn't want known."
"If you're talking about the arrest," Cessily countered, "I was notified that those charges are currently being dismissed. Luke is now in a more stable financial position than Meredith. He has a lease, while she's currently living with her parents. That means she will be moving again, but Luke has no plans to. He also is in a stable relationship that is healthy for Faith."
"So healthy that she's now having issues at school?" Russell asked, flipping his papers. "I show that she was recently in a fight?"
"Yes, the girls who have been bullying her attacked her. Faith tried to get away, but one pulled her hair." Cessily lifted a brow. "The same girls who were bullying her last year which led to her cutting. She's no longer cutting."
"Yes, the psychiatrist's report mentioned that," Russell agreed. "Dr. Conway seems to think that her relationship withbothparents is within healthy bounds."
"Which means there's no cause for concern as to Luke's ability to parent," Cessily said. "Considering that Faith has made it clear she wants to live with her father, there's no reason to prevent that."
Meredith huffed, but she just looked at her attorney, clearly having learned better than to blurt anything out.
Russell patted her hand as if he knew what she was thinking. "I'm sure the purchase of a horse and allowing her to spend time with unsavory 'friends' has nothing to do with that. We know that she's started hanging out with a boy who has been suspended twice for fighting. That happened right before her own altercation, and we have reason to believe the boy was allowed to visit her at home, so clearly Luke condones this relationship."
I was pretty sure Faith hadn't told Meredith about Zeke's visit, but not positive. Granted, it wasn't exactly a secret. There were so many ways for them to find out. Another kid in school could've said something that got back around. Still, the fact that they were using Faith's friend? Yeah, that was a problem.
"We know about the private investigator," Cessily assured him, pointing out that the guy watching the place was another way they could've found out. "Southwind also isn't worried about it as no one on the property has anything to hide."
"Including exposing her to inappropriate behavior?" Russell asked.
"If you are referring to a young man who has no criminal record and who is also being bullied, then you'll have to work to define that as inappropriate."
"I'm referring to the men," Russell said.
"Ah, we're back to that." Cessily sighed. "Ash and Cy are in a committed relationship."
"I see," Russell said, jotting down a note. "Good to know."
Cessily's eyes narrowed, which made me realize that something was wrong. It was subtle, but still a sign that she hadn't expected that. My mouth went dry, but I knew better than to say anything, especially not if we were somehow losing.
