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When the judge adjourned, I headed with Avery and Hailey outside. When we were alone, Avery said, “Great job. I think the judge is in your corner.”
I stretched the sore muscles in my neck. “Are you serious?”
“You had him hanging on every word. He was really impressed with the homework and football program.”
“It wasn’t just name-dropping Reid Everson?” I asked.
“It helped, for sure. He has a good reputation in the community, and he’s personally overseeing Corey’s progress at his facility. He’s mentoring him. So, it’s not just this new relationship you’ve developed with Corey, but he has ties to the community. This is great.”
“I hope so.” I wouldn’t relax until the judge rendered his decision.
“You need to pick up Corey from school, tell him what to expect, and deliver him to the courthouse.”
I nodded. “I can do that.”
“Once Judge Miller talks to Corey, he’s going to decide soon since it’s an emergency motion. The judge can come up with whatever agreement he wants. So, if you think you can work something out with Tiffany, you might want to try.”
“You think she’s amenable to it? I don’t want Corey flying back and forth to Texas during the school year. No more than he is now.”
“It wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
I glanced over at the huddle where Tiffany stood with her attorney. “Yeah, feel out her attorney. See what they’re thinking.”
When Avery left, I asked Hailey, “Did I make the right call?”
“Like you said, it can’t hurt to ask. The worst she can say is no, and you’ll be in the same place you are now.”
I pulled her into my side. “Thank you for coming.”
“I needed to be here.”
I shook my head. “I didn’t want to drag you into my shit.”
“That’s what relationships are about.” Her voice trailed off, and then she rushed to add, “Not that we’re in—”
Avery moved back over to us with a grim expression on her face. “I told them you’d be willing to negotiate custody if she moved to Maryland or somewhere closer, but her attorney said she doesn’t want to leave Texas. I have to tell you, that doesn’t bode well for her. She’s asking the judge to move Corey to a new house, a new school, and with this new boyfriend. It’s not ideal.”
“Let’s hope the judge agrees with you,” Hailey said.
That was the response I expected, but I still wished there was a way to work things out so Corey could spend time with both of us. “I still need to get Corey here to talk to the judge?”
“That’s right. You should be proud of yourself. You’ve done an amazing job with Corey.”
I nodded, unable to speak around the tightness in my throat. Avery left us alone.
“She’s right, you know. You have done an amazing job, no matter what the judge decides. Your relationship with Corey won’t change.”
“I won’t let it.” My words came out harsher than I intended, and Hailey winced in response.
“Corey comes first.” Hailey smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.
She’d said the right thing, but something was off with her. If I wasn’t so stressed about the judge talking to Corey, and the possible outcome, I would have asked if everything was okay. But I couldn’t think about anything other than this case. Everything hinged on it.
“You want me to come with you to get Corey?”
“You don’t have to. Besides, I want to talk to him by myself.”
She took a step back from me. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to intrude.”
