“Not quite.” She clears her throat. “I’ve been thinking about what's best for Ozzie and you're right. He should live with you, so I won’t fight for full custody. Also, I’ve decided to stay in the States permanently. After living there for so long, it’s home to me now. So, now I’ve made the decision of where my home will be, I can agree to your visitation stipulations.”
A weight lifts from my chest. Finally, I get what I’ve always wanted. Ozzie's permanent home is with me and I’m fucking ecstatic inside. Still, there’s a problem.
“That’s good news.”
“Yes. I thought you’d be happy about that, which is why I wanted to tell you myself. I’ve asked my solicitor to pass the news onto yours, so we’re all square.”
“Good.” I nod. “At least it would be if my situation hadn’t changed. I’m not coming back to the States at all.”
She tilts her head to one side, pursing her lips. “I assumed you were coming back to live in New York too.”
I shake my head. “I’ve never said that.”
“Oh, I didn’t realise. So, where will you be living?” she asks. When I don’t answer straight away, she says, “It would be helpful if you could share your plans with me, then I can at least try to work out my visitation schedule.”
I give in because she’s right. I can’t accuse her of not seeing her son, then make her life difficult when she wants to. “At the moment, I plan to stay in Braebeach, but we can fly over every few weeks or you can come here. You’ve got to consider he’ll be starting school in September.”
The band also has an upcoming tour, but that’s a complication I can’t share. I haven’t spoken to Angie yet and nothing has been formally announced. I’m also worried Chelsea will use it against me.
“I’m sure we can work something out.” Chelsea smiles half-heartedly.
She’s being pretty reasonable, but I’m still waiting for the bombshell. “What changed your mind?”
“Well, funny you should bring that up. I have some personal news.”
Yeah, I bet you do.“Uh-huh.”
“I’m buying a house.”
“You’re not living in the apartment?”
“Christ, no. I’ll probably sell it. Me and Dylan want a fresh start.”
“So, you are together,” I say crossing my arms and rolling my eyes.
“Whoops.” She smiles nervously and Ray raises an eyebrow.
“The apartment was yours as part of the settlement while you were a single mother. Shacking up with your boyfriend changes everything. I’m not funding his lifestyle too.”
“Fine. Dylan can afford a house without that money, so it isn’t a problem.”
“Good. So, we can work out visitation between the two countries.” I don’t feel great about this arrangement, but I’ll do it for Ozzie.
“Well, that makes life difficult for me,” she says, pursingher lips. “Because buying a new house wasn’t the only thing I had to share.”
Oh fuck. What now? “Okay. What else?”
“Don’t get all snappy with me, Tommy. You’re ruining my happiness.”
How did I ever live with this woman? “Whatever. What’s the news, Chelsea?” I ask, slumping back in my chair.
She’s beaming from ear to ear. “Well.” She sits up straight. “I’d rather speak to Oz myself, but he’s going to be a big brother.” She claps her hands in excitement.
My blood runs cold. “What the fuck?” She’s beaming, and I’m sitting here in shock. “You're pregnant. Are you out of your mind?” I’m so fucking angry.
Her face drops. “You’re not happy for me?”
“Weirdly, babe, no. I’m not happy at all.” I shake my head. “Unbelievable.”
