“He took a job for an underground contractor. He’s being paid illegally and isn’t reporting any income. To the court, it looks like he doesn’t have a job or money so they can’t force him to pay child support,” she says. I’m having a hard time hearing her with the snow blowing and the kids screeching so I take her arm and force her to turn around, keeping my eye on the kids at the same time.
“How did you find this out?” I ask.
“My lawyer called.”
“What’s next?”
“I don’t know, Hunter. Please, I don’t want to talk about it.”
“I can’t help you unless you give me the details.” I realize she didn’t ask for help but she clearly needs someone to at least talk to.
“I didn’t ask for your help. There’s nothing you can do for me,” she says. “All that matters is I’m going to lose my house if I don’t figure this out.” Sadness tears through my chest as I consider the thought of Charlotte and Lana not living across from us anymore.
“I won’t let that happen to you,” is the only thing that comes out of my mouth. I’m not sure how I can promise that but it seems like the only thing to say and the only thing I want to say. “We both know I have plenty of space in my house, so just know you have that as your backup.”
“Hunter, how could you offer such a thing?” How could I not?
“Charlotte, how are you still questioning how much I care about you and Lana?”
“I’m not questioning that. I’m questioning every other part,” she says, pulling her hood back down so it hides her eyes. She turns around and continues walking as she pulls her phone out of her pocket. It’s lit up and ringing a soft tone. I take a step closer as she studies the name on the phone and intentionally brings it in front of her so it’s out of my sight. It doesn’t matter though because I already saw it. Someone by the name of Lance.Lance. Who the hell is Lance?I’ve never heard her mention a Lance, and why wouldn’t she pick up the call? Although she has taken her glove off and is now texting someone—Lance, I assume. Is she seeing some guy named Lance?I am still the one she asked to look at her washing machine.Is that a good thing?
I give Charlotte the space I’m guessing she wants and grab the two girls, one under each arm, as I shuffle down the snow-covered street. The girls are hitting me and shaking their snow covered fists at me through laughter. I love how much these two love each other and it’s just another reason I would be heartbroken if Charlotte moved.
As we approach our driveways, I assumed the lack of conversation might get awkward but there is zero awkwardness as Charlotte takes Lana by the arm and leads her up their driveway without so much as saying goodbye.
“Is Charlotte mad?” Olive asks. Obviously, it isn’t in my head if Olive is noticing it, too.
“Not sure,” I tell her, tugging her into the house. “I need you to go change your pants because we have to go out for a few minutes.”
“Where are you going?” AJ asks from the other room. “It’s horrible out there.”
“Yeah, where are we going, Daddy?”
“The store,” I answer.
“We have food,” AJ responds. “Dude, you shouldn’t be going back out in that.”
I’m looking back and forth between AJ and Olive, both looking back at me. I take my phone from my pocket and thumb in another text to Ari.
Me: Are you still there?
A minute passes before the three little dots flicker beneath my text.
Ari: Unfortunately. I don’t think I’m going anywhere tonight.
I replace my phone in my pocket and glance over to Olive. “Do you want to come with me or stay here with Uncle AJ?”
AJ is glaring at me and crosses his arms over his chest. “Olive, why don’t you stay here and help me make something yummy for dinner.”
Olive covers her mouth and giggles. “Uncle, you can’t even make Lucky Charms.”
I laugh along with Olive because it’s true. AJ lunges for her and flips her over his shoulder. “Oh yeah, little girl?” Giggle fits erupt as he tickles her until she’s breathless. “That’s why I need you to stay here and help me.”
“Okay, okay,” she agrees. “Daddy, I should stay here with Uncle so he doesn’t ruin the food.”
“Where are you really going, Hunt?” AJ asks. I look at Olive, now realizing that bringing her with me wouldn’t have been a good idea, nor do I think she should know where I’m going. Allowing her to get attached to any other woman in my life right now isn’t healthy for her. Not yet, anyway.
“Go upstairs and change your pants,” I tell Olive. “You’re soaked.”
