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My relationship with Gavin shifted quicker than imaginable. Since our conversation at Dave and Buster’s, after he packed up his life in California, Gavin and I developed a slow but great friendship. Until I met Autumn, I remained envious of him. Now, I envy the bond he shares with Cora. A bond I believe lies buried deep between me and Autumn too.
The back door closes and I step farther into the house, Cora and Gavin following in my wake. As I make it past the short hall, hints of basil, garlic, tomato, and an unfamiliar savory scent flit through the air. After I set my helmet in the living room, I join Cora and Gavin near the kitchen on one of the barstools. Cora stands at the counter, slicing up a baguette. I follow her hands as she saws the serrated knife across the crusty bread. Watch as she mixes olive oil, herbs, garlic, and parmesan.
“Want a beer?”
I snap out of my daze and turn toward Gavin. “Yeah, thanks.”
He twists the cap off and hands me the brown bottle before resuming his seat beside me. “So, what’s going on, man?”
I lift the bottle to my lips and sip the local brew, the flavor more bitter than I’m used to. Setting the bottle down, I pick at the corner of the label. “Did you know Autumn has a daughter?”
Gavin says “no” at the same time Cora says “yes.” Well, at least I am not spilling too much if Cora knows. I assume Autumn sharing with Cora would mean it is safe for Gavin to know.
“I haven’t met her,” Cora states. “But Autumn has mentioned her when we hung out—just her and me.”
After another sip, I take a few breaths. “Her name is Clementine, and she is the cutest little girl.”
Across the counter, a soft smile perks up Cora’s lips. “What a sweet name.”
“Yeah,” I mutter as I continue to pick at the label. “I hope you meet her soon. You’ll both love her.”
“Would be great. Is Clementine the reason you need advice?” Gavin asks before sipping his own beer.
I nod. “Not the only reason.” Peering up from my bottle, I glance between my friends. “Also regarding Clementine’s estranged birth father’s return.”
Cora’s eyes widen at the same time Gavin’s jaw drops.My thoughts exactly. The timer on the range buzzes and we all jump.
After Cora extracts a hefty pan of lasagna from the oven, she sets it on trivets to cool before returning to the counter. “Are they back together?” Cora asks, hesitant to hear the answer.
“No,” I answer with obvious relief. “He jumped ship while Autumn was still pregnant. Now, more than seven years later, out of nowhere, he has filed for sole custody of Clementine.”
“Are you serious?” Gavin stares at me with fire in his eyes. The same fire that roars in my veins every time I mull over this whole scenario. “Why the hell would anyone even give his case merit? He hasn’t been around.”
“Right there with you, man. But Autumn isn’t looking at it the same way. She believes his family’s money will hold enough ground to take Clementine away from her. So, she’s trying to be the supreme model parent. Which includes spending no time with me.”
Without a word, Cora rounds the bar top, sidles up next to me, and hugs me. “So sorry, Jonas.” She drops her arms and steps back. “How can we help?”
This is my dilemma. I don’t know how anyone can help. Autumn is so stuck on thinking Leo will use our relationship as a weapon. I have yet to figure out how. So what if Autumn is in a relationship with someone other than the father of her child. This is not an abnormal occurrence in the world. If I were a piece of shit, then sure, it would make sense for Autumn to be concerned. But I care for my girls like no one else. They mean everything to me.
“Autumn is convinced the more I am in the picture while the case is open, the likelihood of her losing Clementine is greater. But I don’t understand why. She needs someone to literally write it out that her ex has no chance of winning. And I don’t know where to go from here. Dad tells me to be patient, but I’m losing it.”
Cora shuffles back into the kitchen and starts portioning out lasagna for the three of us. “Do you want me to reach out to her? See if I can get a girls’ day with her? Maybe she will explain her fears to me differently.”
“Give it a try. Not sure she’ll spend time away from Clementine, though. You may only get her on the phone.”
Cora carries the plates to the dining table while Gavin brings the bread and dipping oil. I slide off my stool and join them at the table.
“I’ll send her a text first. Check in. Haven’t seen her since bowling, so it wouldn’t seem odd for me to ask for updates. I won’t mention our conversation.”
I nod. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”
Scooping a portion of lasagna onto my fork, I let it cool a moment before tasting it. The hot cheese melts over my tongue as I bite into something resembling meat. My brows pinch together as the flavors hit my taste buds.
“What do you think of the lasagna?” Cora poses the question with obvious curiosity.
After I swallow the bite and take a sip of my beer, I answer, “Thought you didn’t eat meat?” Across from me, Gavin snickers.
“I don’t.”
