Tyler: If you’re sure I will take you off the schedule. Can I come over tonight? You still owe me a private dance. ;)
Me: I don’t know, there is so much going on right now. I need to get my life in order. I am so scared, what if they take Jace from me?
Tyler: You have nothing to worry about. I told you, let me handle it. Let me call my lawyer.
Me: This isn’t your problem to solve, it’s mine. I made this mess. I have to fix it. I hope you can respect that.
Tyler: Does this mean no sexy time?
Me: Sexy time, is that what it’s called now?
Tyler: Anytime I spend with you is sexy time sugar. So, will I see you tonight?
Me: Maybe ;)
Tyler: Aria I’m dying here.
The word dying immediately makes me think of Brian. I lose track of time getting lost in my thoughts of Brian. My phone chiming snaps me out of my daze.
Tyler: Shit! I didn’t mean to bring up death.
Me: I know! Don’t die, I prefer my men breathing. But not tonight, I think we need to cool it for a few days, until I know what is going to come of this investigation. I can’t let my wanting to be selfish cost me Jace.
Tyler: You can have a life Aria. Don’t let that old bag scare you out of being happy.
Me: Please try to understand Tyler. I’m not saying no to us. Just give me time to get this mess lined out.
Tyler: You know how to find me if you need me. I love you Aria.
Truth is Tyler’s words do affect me. I feel guilty that I am here living and breathing, and raising our son; mine and Brian’s. It isn’t fair. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. What did I ever do to deserve a man like Tyler? And now this shit with Mrs. Case being out to get me, I don’t know what I will do if she succeeds in taking Jace away from me. He is my whole world, the air that I breathe, and the beating of my heart. Everything has been for him. I can’t lose my one reason to hold on to hope. I love Tyler too, but I will give him up if I have to. How will the courts see me dating the part owner of Indigo and a member of a motorcycle club?
I try to get some sleep; looks like tomorrow I will have to get serious about finding a new job.
**
Ugh! There aren’t any jobs that meet my needs. I fling the newspaper in frustration.
“That not nice mommy, pick it up.”
“I know little man; mommy is just frustrated.”
I received a certified letter requesting I bring Jace in for a paternity test on behalf of the state of Florida and Mrs. Beverly Case. My word, she is relentless! Will she stop at nothing? I want to call her and try to work something out to make her see that I am a good mom, but my attorney has advised me against it. I just left his office, and am thankful he has taken my case. He has said that I need to just follow standard procedure and go to all the court dates. There is no sign for concern from CPS’s investigation, however, that doesn’t mean it will be over anytime soon.
Beverly Case has been known not to stop until she gets what she wants, but this time I hope she is prepared to lose.
A few days have passed, and I am no closer to finding a job. The DNA results are in and it’s no surprise Jace shares DNA with that woman. I don’t know what kind of money she is throwing at this case, but she’s getting things moving fast.
We have a court hearing tomorrow; Beverly must have bought her way into the docket to get her case heard this quickly. Tyler has backed off and stopped trying to play hero. I know he means well and just wants to help, but I have to make sure I protect Jace’s best interest. Not that Tyler would ever hurt Jace or anything like that. I just want to make it through this upcoming hearing. I did however promise Tyler that Jace and I would go with him to visit his parents this weekend. Let’s hope I get to keep the promise.
**
It’s the morning of the hearing; I am so nervous. My stomach is twisted into knots. My heart is about to jump out of my chest and runaway. I meet my attorney in front of the courthouse and he gives me a little pep talk to ensure me that I have nothing to worry about.
“Listen, you have nothing on your record. Your son has good health, there has never been any complaints from his daycare. CPS checked you out and you passed. The worst that can happen is the kid will spend some of his summers in West Virginia.” His reassurance does calm my nerves some.
He escorts me inside and we have a seat while we wait for our case to be called. Glancing around the room I don’t see any sign of Mrs. Case. Could I be so lucky for her to be a no show? I highly doubt it. After a long hour has passed, our case is finally called.
We make our way to the front and a few minutes pass without a word from Mrs. Case. My gloating thoughts are extinguished when the clicking of heels quickly approaching the other side of the room alerts me to her presence. The judge does not appear to be happy with her tardiness.