“Addison O’Neal. She’s one of the best lawyers in the province. I just wanted you to know so you’ll recognize the name when she serves you with the summons.”
The room gets very small, very fast. It’s like the walls are shrinking in around me making it difficult for me to breathe.
Summons?
“That’s right.” Shit. I must have said it out loud. “You’ll be hearing from her by the end of the week.”
“Why?”
“You know why. Did you think I was bluffing? Honestly, you know me better than that, Hummingbird.”
“Don’t. Call. Me. That.” Each word more bitter than the last.
“I’ll call you whatever the fuck I want. How about co-parent?”
“Shawn, please. You don’t really want to be in his life. Are you really going to drag us through hell for some perks from a hockey team?”
“A hockey team you never gave a shit about. Neither of you. I’m the one who’s been a diehard fan since the team formed. You and the kid didn’t even know any of the players’ names, and now what? You get to hang out with them? See games whenever you want? It’s bullshit.” His voice has that mean edge to it. It used to happen a lot when he was drinking.
“It’s my job.”
The line is quiet, but I can hear his breathing. It getsslower, steadier. Like he’s calming himself down from his outburst.
“Exactly. And all I’m asking is for my share in the perks that come with your job.” His tone is now cheerful. He’s flipped the switch from asshole to prince charming just like he always does. “You can do that, can’t you Hummingbird? I know you can.”
“I…” My voice shakes. “What do you want?”
I can hear the smile on his face when he answers, “That’s my girl.”
It’s a damn good thing I skipped breakfast today because if I hadn’t, I’d throw it up.
“Lets start with tickets to some playoff home games.”
The team plays Florida on Friday night. The tickets are probably sold out but I’ll find a way. I’ll have to. “Fine.”
“And I want a new Michaels jersey. The classic green and yellow style.”
“Okay. And if I get you these things, you’ll leave Sam and me alone?”
“Christ, Elliot. That’s what I’ve been saying for months now, isn’t it?”
“Okay.” I nod my head, defeated. The jersey will be no problem but I’m not sure about the tickets. “Okay. I’ll text when I have them.”
“I know you will. Was that so hard, beautiful?”
I swallow back bile as I end the call. I attempt slow inhales through my nose and exhales from my mouth. There is enough air in the room, I’m sure, but my lungs are struggling to process any of it. I keep trying to calm myself down as I figure out what I need to do next.
I’ll text Ben and ask him for a jersey. I don’t have to tell him why I need it. Knowing Ben, he’ll be happy I’m asking for his and not one of his teammates.
But the tickets. How am I going to score playoff tickets? The prices online are no doubt through the roof.
Arthur would be able to get them.
Absolutely not. I’m not going to lie to my…whatever Arthur is to me to get tickets for my ex-husband. But how else am I supposed to get my hands on them?
Think, Elliot. Think.
“Hey.”
