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A smile instantly touches my lips when I see her holding the certification. Her hair’s in braids, and she looks like she’s been in the sun today. Joy floods through me, knowing I’ll get to see her again soon. She’ll never understand how much I needed this good news, especially today. Trying to juggle the practice with Olivia in town would’ve been difficult. It’s not anything I couldn't have handled, but having Elizabeth here means more time with my daughter. It’s also another reminder that she’s my employee, and I need to keep my distance.
I immediately text her back.
Connor: Great. Come in Monday morning, and we’ll discuss the future of your employment here.
Then I remembered I told her I’d tell her my test scores after she got the official document.
Connor: Also, I got a 97.
Elizabeth doesn’t text me back, but I grin, knowing she’s probably calling me a bastard right now. It was hard to keep a straight face when she told me her test scores. I was convinced she’d get every question right because she’s way smarter than I was. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot, but I didn’t have the amount of experience she now has when I graduated.
When I’m done eating and heading back out, I finally get a response from Vivian.
Vivian: Fine.
I roll my eyes and go to my truck, then drive over to the Millers’ ranch. Once the horses have had their annuals, which take a few hours, I’m ready to crash for the night. On the way home, my mother calls. I can tell she’s smiling just by the tone of her voice.
“Hey sweetie, will I get to see Olivia tomorrow?” she asks.
I suck in a deep breath. “Not sure when we’ll get home. I have to drive to Vivian’s to get her.”
“What changed?” There’s concern in her voice.
“Apparently, there’s car trouble this time. Vivian suggested I just skip having her this summer.”
“Connor,” Mom huffs. “You need to speak with your lawyer. She’s trying to get out of the custody agreement, and that’s not right.”
“I’m aware. She was being really difficult today and even hung up on me when I didn’t back down,” I explain. My parents are the only ones who know the whole story of what happened between us and all the drama I deal with.
She lets out a sigh. “It’ll work out. I totally understand if you’re too tired tomorrow when you get back. It’s gonna be a long drive.”
“Eight hours. Not looking forward to it, but I’d drive across the continent if it meant seeing my baby.”
“You’re a good father. I’m proud of you, son.”
“Thanks, Mom. Appreciate it. I’ll keep you updated with how things go tomorrow and text you when we get home.”
“Sounds good. Maybe you can bring her by on Sunday.”
“Sure thing. It’s a date. I’m sure Olivia misses y’all,” I tell her before saying goodbye.
When I finally walk through the door, I kick off my boots, eat a sandwich, then take a shower. I crawl into bed and immediately fall asleep, knowing I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.
I wake up feeling refreshed though I’m still frustrated about Vivian. After I’m dressed, I fill a travel mug with coffee and make my way to New Mexico. The drive is boring, but I’m alert, trying to watch out for the deer grazing on the side of the road in the early morning. By the halfway point, I’ve already figured out exactly what I’m going to say to Elizabeth on Monday.
Thanks to traffic and a couple of accidents, it’s almost noon by the time I pull into Vivian’s apartment complex. I park next to her car and walk up the sidewalk that leads to her place. Knowing I need to stay calm in front of Olivia, I take a few deep breaths, then knock.
Vivian opens it, and she’s barely able to stand. “Oh, it’s you,” she slurs.
My face contorts as I study her. “Are you drunk?”
“No.” She shoos at me, then uses the doorframe to steady herself.
“Daddy!” Olivia runs forward, wearing a huge smile. Her hair is in messy pigtails, and her shirt is filthy.
I put on a big grin and drop down to give her a hug. “Hey, baby girl. Are you ready to go?”
She nods. “Uh-huh.”
“Okay, grab your stuff,” I tell her, and when she runs off, I stand up straight and glare at Vivian.
“You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re wasted, and Olivia’s clothes are dirty.”
“She’s a kid, Connor. Kids play and get dirty. Not like you’d understand,” she throws back with creased brows.
“This is why you couldn’t meet me halfway, isn’t it? Because you’ve planned to drink all day,” I hiss, noticing how everything’s in disarray, including her.
Olivia runs back to the living room with her suitcase, a blanket, a baby doll, and a backpack. “I’m ready, Daddy.”
