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Reaching out, I clasp the handle and open the door.See, Autumn. Nothing to fear.I step inside and meet the gaze of a young man behind the reception desk. His short blond curls bouncy. Periwinkle button-up undone at the collar. Bright smile on his face as he sits taller and faces me.
“Good morning. How may I help you?”
I step up to the counter. “Good morning. I have an appointment with Ms. Chang. Autumn Rooker.”
He reads the computer screen and clicks the mouse a few times. He nods then faces me again. “Yes, Ms. Rooker. If you’ll have a seat, Ms. Chang will be with you in a moment. Feel free to grab some water, coffee, or tea.”
I thank him and amble over to the waiting area, taking a seat and foregoing the drink. Last thing I need is to fill my bladder then excuse myself in the middle of my appointment. Not only would I embarrass myself, I would probably pay for it—literally—since most attorneys are paid via time put into the case. Every minute counts. Every minute costs.
I weed through a handful of junk emails on my phone before I hear my name called. “Ms. Rooker?”
I lock my phone and shove it in my purse, then look up to meet a petite Asian woman. Her long black strands up off her neck and swirled into a prestigious bun just above the base of her skull. Although she appears of similar height, she stands taller. Fearless. Formidable. Her black pantsuit with an ivory silk top screamspowerful womanand immediately boosts my confidence. She extends her hand.
“Theresa Chang. Thank you for waiting.”
I shake her hand and rise from my seat. “Autumn Rooker. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.”
She guides us down a short hall and steers us into a conference room. At the opposite end of the room, a floor-to-ceiling window illuminates the room. Outside the window, plush green shrubs and colorful flowers add to the view. A hint of shade from one of the oak trees balances the bright morning sunlight. A large, refurbished oak table with a small potted plant in the middle occupies the heart of the conference room. The ivory walls decorated with framed art that has nothing to do with law and everything to do with family. A watercolor of a woman at the park pushing a child on the swings. A photograph of two men side by side, each of them holding a baby. Hand-drawn crayon pictures of stick figure families. And so much more.
My eyes blur. Pulse turns wobbly. Breath comes in jagged bursts.
I chose the right woman for the job.
“Have a seat Ms. Rooker and we’ll get started.”
Over the next hour, Ms. Chang—who insists I call her Theresa—reviews the documents I received. She asks several questions regarding me, Clementine, and Leo. After our thorough discussion, she addresses the financial end of things—which is hefty, but not as bad as I originally expected. All in all, the appointment wraps up with me less stressed and a strong woman standing at my side. A woman who has every confidence we will walk away from this better than before it began.
After I pay the retainer fee and sign documents to allow Theresa to start the proceedings, I walk out the door and unlock Betsy. I start the car and crank up the heat while I gather myself. For the first time since Sunday with Jonas, I smile. Not one worthy of awards, but a smile nonetheless.
Dealing with this lawsuit won’t be easy. Fortunately, I found a woman who will fight to the bitter end beside me. Her confidence the exact boost I needed. And now, it’s time to share the good news.
I dig through my purse until I locate my phone. Without giving any thought, I open the text history between me and Jonas and type out a message.
Autumn:Spoke with an attorney. She is optimistic I won’t run into trouble.
I hit send, tuck my lips between my teeth and stare at the screen, impatiently waiting for Jonas to respond. Glancing at the time, I remind myself he is at work and might not be able to answer. But as the thought crosses my mind, the indicator bubble pops up.
Jonas:Glad to hear. How are you?
He doesn’t seem upset. Thank god. I have put him through the wringer since this started. And I worried my putting distance between us would upset him. Without a doubt, I’m sure he misses me as much as I miss him.
Autumn:Better now, but still a little frazzled. I miss you.
Jonas:Miss you too, scarlet.
As soon as the term of endearment flashes on the screen, I audibly exhale. With everything going on, I have been so laser focused on how to handle things with Leo. Meanwhile, I dropped all interaction with Jonas. Granted, I did it because I thought it was the appropriate thing to do. But Theresa told me to live life as we have been. Knowing Jonas still holds me close to his heart is a major relief.
Autumn:Can we have dinner tomorrow?
Jonas:Definitely. Mine or yours?
Autumn:Your house. Clementine misses Spartan. And you.
Jonas:See you tomorrow, scarlet.
Four days have passed since I last saw Jonas. Four very long, painstaking days. I miss him on an unhealthy level. A therapist would undoubtedly tell me this. Doesn’t matter, though. Can’t tell your heart what to feel. It also isn’t wise to deny your heart what it wants. Even if what your heart desires may hinder your future.
Theresa told me to live life how I had been. And I want to. More than anything.
