'Tis The Season

“At least she waited until after we were done.”

“You always take her side.” I pout, and he chuckles.

“I’m Switzerland. I don’t take sides.”

After making my way to the restroom in the back of the building, I do my business and wash my hands. My purse vibrates. Drying my hands, I lift the phone, expecting it to be Warren.

Preston: Tick tock. I see you haven’t taken me seriously. I’m in town and willing to talk ... for now.

He’s not going to let this go. Ignoring him has done nothing.

Preston: Maybe you need a little motivation.

The phone chimes. A document link flashes on the screen. I double-tap, and the blood drains from my face at the list of cons his lawyer has made about me. My stomach cramps with each line. My home situation, the daycare I’d be forced to use, and my inability to properly split custody from Maryland. The suggestion that I relocate jars me. Can he get away with this? Past experience says yes. The best I can do now is damage control.

Faye: When and where?

The words are a betrayal to the man who deserves so much more. I return to the table.

“What happened?” James asked, instantly picking up on my new mood.

“Can we go home?”

“Of course. I’m all done here. Let me check out.”

I nod, glancing down at the hands in my lap. How can I do this? The ride home is quiet as I try to absorb every second I have left with him.

“Are you ready to tell me what happened back there?” he asks as we walk up to my front door.

I unlock the door and step inside, turning to face him.

“James.” I study the face of the man who’s become my best friend and brace myself for the pain. I turn to him.

“Don’t.” He shakes his head.

“I have no other choice.”

“There is always a choice, Faye.” He cups my cheek with his right hand. “I know how much you love Flora. You made it clear from the start that she comes first. All I’m asking from you is time.”

“I’ve run out of that. He texted me a portion of his lawyer’s argument for full custody, and it doesn’t look good.”

“Then, we fight.”

“He said he’d negotiate. It’s a better option.”

His jaw tenses and he let his hand drop. “I promised you I wouldn’t leave you to do this alone, and I meant it. Don’t make me a liar.”

My eyes well, and I choke on a sob. “James.”

“He can’t win what isn’t his.” He balls his hands into fists. “You and Flora are my girls.”

“It’s not that simple.” I cover his hands with my mine.

“Let him think we’re giving him what he wants if you must, but don’t give up hope just yet. I’ll go for now. But only for now.” He kisses me softly and steps away.

I watch him leave, holding it together until the door click shuts. Shoving my fist into my mouth, I rock back and forth. With one phone call, he’s wrecked my support system and shredded my heart anew. How can I allow this to continue? What can I do to win when he’s set to win? James sounded like he ha

d a plan. I dash away my tears. Being upset isn’t good for Flora, and I have a shift later tonight. Work has always been my savior. A safe haven to escape in and help others. Even when I feel like I can’t do the same for myself.