Relief and hope flooded my system at the idea of her not being able to threaten us in the future. “Yes. That woman has no right to him.”
“What if Declan decided he wants to meet his mother? What if he has questions about her later and finds out she did want him, but you paid her off? Think through all the scenarios. Do you want me to come over and talk you through it?”
I tipped my head back. I wanted that more than anything. I wanted to say yes, but if Avery was going to walk away, I needed to limit her contact with Declan. “I have a day planned with Declan. Maybe later, after he’s asleep.”
“Oh. Okay. Yeah, sure. That’s for the best.” Her tone was off, but I couldn’t worry about her when I had Declan to think about.
“I’ll text you when he’s asleep.”
“Okay. Hang in there, Griffin. We’ll get through this.”
I hung up, without another word. I wished that were true. I wanted her by my side more than anything.
Avery
I slowly lowered the phone to my table. Before he called, I’d been drinking my third cup of coffee at my tiny table on the balcony, wondering how to make things right with Griffin.
I’d hoped he’d give me a chance to explain, but not with Erin in town, demanding Declan.
I wanted to be there for Griffin, but I’d severed that right yesterday. It hurt when he hadn’t included me in his Saturday plans, but it wasn’t unexpected. I’d deserved it. As much as I wanted to reach out to him, I had to do things on his schedule. I’d go over tonight to help him with Erin. I’d be what he needed, his attorney. I’d fight for him and Declan.
I struggled through the day, my mind always on Griffin and what he was feeling. I made calls to friends who’d handled similar cases, searched for a case with similar facts, then drafted a termination of rights. I jumped when my phone vibrated with a message.
Griffin: He’s asleep if you still want to come over.
Of course I did. I’ll be right there.
From now on, Griffin wouldn’t ever question my loyalty. I’d be there for him and Declan. I’d let myself feel whatever I was feeling in the moment. I’d be honest with him. Hopefully that would be enough if he ever gave me a second chance.
I was already dressed and ready to go so I grabbed my keys before jogging down my steps and out to my car parked at the curb. The night was warm, couples walked along the sidewalk, families enjoying the evening, highlighting everything I wanted but couldn’t have.
I texted when I arrived, the door opening as soon as I stepped onto the porch. Griffin stepped out of the house, closing the door behind him.
My stomach dropped. Maybe I wouldn’t be able to come back from my mistakes.
“Let’s sit out here.” Griffin sat in one of the rockers I’d barely paid attention to when I spent time here. He wore track pants and an old T-shirt with Cal-U on the chest.
“Okay.” I sat gingerly on the edge of the rocker, folding my hands in my lap, not sure where to start. Should I talk about what was going on with Erin and Declan, or what was going on with us?
I opened my mouth to speak but Griffin spoke first. “You’re my attorney.”
I swallowed over the lump in my throat. “Of course.”
I rolled my shoulders back, recalling the research I’d done. “We’ll have to wait for her to make the next move. Either she’ll file something with the court or she’ll demand money.”
“I can’t—” He ran his fingers through his hair. “There’s nothing I can do?”
“No. It’s a waiting game. She might disappear. She might be back on your doorstep tomorrow, making demands. I expect the latter because I can’t see her going through official channels, hiring an attorney, filing paperwork. But you need to be prepared.”
“What should I say to her?” His eyes were filled with fear, worry, pain, frustration. I wanted to reach for him. I wanted to wrap my arms around him, but it wasn’t my place.
“You listen to what she has to say then you call me. You do not promise or give her any money unless she signs the termination of rights first, preferably with a witness present. Okay?”
“Yeah. Okay.”
“If she signs this agreement, she won’t have any right to show up demanding to see him. If she does, you can file a protective order.”
He leaned his elbows on his knees, staring at the porch. “She shouldn’t have that right now.”
“I agree she gave up that right when she walked away, but the law says otherwise.” My voice was surprisingly professional for the way my stomach was rolling with nerves.
“I get it. It just sucks.” He sounded resigned.
“It does.”
“I’m in a precarious position, aren’t I? As the uncle, the guardian. If she cleaned up her act and wants him back, the courts might allow it.”
“They might. I think it’s more likely the courts would offer her visitation first, giving her an opportunity to develop a relationship with him and a record of good parenting. What has your investigator discovered?”
“Not much new. She still moves from guy to guy, changes jobs. The investigator said she seems to target men who own businesses, who have money, but I don’t have proof that’s what she’s after. No criminal record.”
“Courts want children in a stable environment. That’s working against her. You moved into the home he shared with his dad, kept him in his school, you have the money and means to keep him comfortable. He knows and likes you.” Respect for him filled my chest.
“Declan doesn’t even know what his mother looks like.”
My heart ached for Declan. “Exactly. You have a lot in your favor.”
“Is there anything else I need to know?” He rose as if our meeting was over.
Disappointment pinched my heart. I’d hoped for something more, an opening to talk about what happened the other day, but his mind was preoccupied with protecting Declan. “No. I guess not.”
“Great. Thanks for coming over at night to discuss this. I know this isn’t usual office hours.”
He turned away from me.
I placed my hand on his forearm to stop him. “Griffin, I’m not just here as your attorney.”
“You’re not?” He turned to face me, his eyes cold.
I removed my hand. “No. I’m not. I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I was caught off guard. I reacted terribly.”
“You were honest.” His voice was biting, cutting through the feelings threatening to burst out.
I shook my head, desperate for him to understand. “No. Griffin, I wasn’t honest with myself. I let fear take over.”
“I have a lot going on with Declan right now—” He paused and I took the hint it wasn’t the time to talk about us. Not while Erin was in town causing trouble.
“Of course. I want to be there for you, help in any way I can.” If he needed me to wait to discuss us, I would.
“Thank you. Have a good night.” He walked inside, shutting the door behind him.
I was on the outside looking in. Similar to what I’d experienced in school, except this time I’d done it to myself. I pushed him away until it was too late. I didn’t blame him for having a lot on his mind with Erin showing up, but I hoped he’d hear me out, give me another chance.