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Jake’s gaze returned to mine. “And Hailey doesn’t? Our mom showed up yesterday.”
My heart sank. I wasn’t there for her. “She didn’t say anything.”
Jake slapped a hand on the table. “She didn’t because you have enough going on in your life. She didn’t want to burden you.”
I was trying to protect her, not shut her out completely. “I fucked up.”
“We’re—Hailey’s sensitive to people leaving. You need to convince her you’re all-in, that you’re not going anywhere.”
Now that I had the judge backing the custody arrangement, there was no reason for me to leave. I had the garage, Jake, and Hailey here. “I have no reason to leave.”
“Tell her that.”
“Is she okay?”
“She stood up to our mom. I was impressed.”
“I wish I could have been there.”
“You’re the only one who can fix that. I’m heading out.” He got up without another word to me and paused by Corey to say good-bye.
The ball was in my court. The question was, what was I going to do about it?
* * *
The relief from the custody hearing only lasted so long because I needed to focus on the juvenile hearing. Avery wanted his football coach, Hailey, and his counselor from school to testify on his behalf.
I’d texted Hailey to tell her the good news and to make sure she’d be at the hearing. All I got back was a quick congratulatory message and an agreement to be there.
I wasn’t sure how to convince her I was here to stay, especially with the charges pending. I’d be able to focus on her when this was over.
When I approached Avery in front of the courthouse, her face was grim. “There was another break-in this morning,” Avery said.
My stomach sank. “Where?”
“Apparently, there’s a brand-new shop across from Remi’s Juice Shop. It’s not open yet.”
A roaring filled my ears. “How does that affect Corey’s case?”
“It shouldn’t,” Avery said, but her tone was uncertain.
I couldn’t help but worry that it would.
Avery rested a hand on my arm. “He’s not charged with the other break-ins around town. Just the one at Hailey’s.”
“That’s good.” I wasn’t sure if I was trying to soothe Avery or myself.
Avery’s brow furrowed as she looked around. “Are you sure Hailey’s going to be here?”
“Why wouldn’t she be?” I hadn’t considered the possibility.
“I assumed she’d come with you.”
“I mean—I kind of pushed her away the last week or so. With everything going on—” It sounded as lame as it had when I told Jake the same thing. There was no way she wouldn’t show up. “She said she’d be here.”
Avery nodded, but she didn’t look confident.
Inside, we waited for Corey’s case to be called. I kept watching the door to see if Hailey would appear. When she finally slipped into the back row, she didn’t meet my eyes.
