The sooner we started the proceedings, the better.It would already take at least six months before we could finalize anything.And that was only if we didn’t go to court, which wasn’t likely.Because there was no chance I would give him full custody without a fight.
“You have a lawyer?”
Don’t roll your eyes, and whatever you do, Mae, don’t, under any circumstances, kick his shin.“Yes, I have a lawyer.”
“And how do you intend to pay him?With cupcakes?”
I eyed the front door.Winston had never liked Hank.He’d love a chance to sink his claws into him.I could say it was an accident.All I had to do was open the door just a little wider.
“That’s none of your concern.”I stepped back, Elana fused to my side.He had yet to acknowledge her.“Now, if that’s all, enjoy your event.My lawyer will be in touch.”
I had almost closed the door when his words froze me to the spot.“You can’t keep me from my kids.And we’re still married, so there’s nothing preventing me from seeing them.I’m picking them both up on Saturday morning and keeping them until Sunday afternoon.Tammy wants to spend time with them.”
Elana tugged on my hand.“Momma, I’m busted.”
Fighting the urge to flip off my husband, I nodded at him.“I’ll see you on Saturday.”
I ushered Elana inside and firmly closed the door behind me.“You mean you’re busting, pumpkin pants.”
She had only recently stopped wearing diapers and always waited until the last minute to go to the bathroom.
Heading straight there, I helped her put her little seat on the toilet, then left to give her some privacy.
The door always stayed open in case she needed me.
We had about an hour before it was time to pick up Adelaine.I usually spent any time I had between appointments prepping dinner.The girls had dance classes twice a week, and it meant we’d get home late.They also used to play soccer and take piano lessons, but there was no way I could pay for all three.Even one was a stretch.
But dance was their favorite, and I didn’t have the heart to tell them I could no longer afford the tuition.
I curled up on the couch, Elana leaning into me.It didn’t take her long before she was snoring softly.Untangling myself from her octopus arms, I fished my phone from my handbag.
Vance’s assistant picked up instantly.“Moore and Shelton, this is Nathaniel speaking.”
“Hi, Nathaniel, this is Mae Porter.I had an appointment about an hour ago and was hoping I could speak with Vance again.”
“One moment, please.”
There was a click, and then Vance’s deep baritone rang down the line.“Mrs.Porter.What’s wrong?”
I didn’t know why, but at the sound of his voice, I burst into tears.
There was a lot of throat clearing before he spoke again.“There, there.”His words were stilted, and the unease he clearly felt at my breakdown came through as clear as polished glass.“No need to cry.Now, can you tell me what’s happened?”
I did as he commanded, his voice oddly soothing.“My ex-husband dropped by a few minutes ago.He wants to have the girls this weekend.Is there anything I can do to stop him?”
“He’s their father and has a right to see them.But I’ll call his lawyer to make sure all communication goes through me from now on.”
Robot Vance hung up.My emotions must have caused his synapses to overload.
If I didn’t know he was one of the best divorce lawyers in the country, I would look for someone else.Rationally, I understood that my lawyer should stay impartial and clearheaded, but my brain didn’t care.A little bit of empathy would go a long way.
So I called Malena.Thankfully, she picked up.
“Hey, honey.How did your meeting with Vance go?”
“Apart from the fact that he’s an emotionless robot who hates kids, pretty good.”
My voice still wobbled, but at least I had found the ability to talk again.
