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Not a lie. Go Tom.
The judge bobs his head about twenty times, possibly a bit displeased that Layla wasn’t originally mentioned, but he doesn’t comment on it further. He continues reading over document after document.
Finally, he clears his throat. “Well, after reviewing both arguments and taking in what this court considers to be the best interest of the minor child, I will rule in favor of Dr. Barrows being Katy Barrows’ fiduciary guardian. As for the elopement from the camp, that is concerning. However, given the updated information on Dr. Barrows’ living situation and that Miss Barrows clearly has the support system of both Dr. Barrows and Miss Fritz in addition to family and friends, it is the ruling of this court and the state of Massachusetts to maintain sole guardianship of Katy Barrows to Dr. Callan Barrows.”
My chest rises until he continues and drops the bomb I was hoping he wouldn’t.
“However, this ruling will be subject to four visits over a ninety-day period by a court-appointed liaison. We will reconvene after that time period and based on the results of those visits and the findings of that liaison, the court will then make a final determination on the legal guardianship of Miss Barrows. Adjourned.”
He bangs his gavel, we all rise, and he files out.
I plant my hands on the table. On the one hand, he ruled in my favor to take care of Katy’s money and I’ve officially gotten rid of Willow’s parents with that. On the other, it’s now ninety days until he’ll rule Katy as permanently mine, and that’s only if everything goes smoothly with the court liaisons.
I turn to Layla. “Three months. Do you think you can do that with me?” Suddenly I’m wary. That’s ninety days of lying in school and ninety days of lying at work all the while pretending to be a couple outside of both.
It’s a lot to juggle.
A lot that can go wrong.
“I can do three months. If Octavia can put on a show like that, so can I.”
It’s a sucker punch. One I clearly needed.
“Right. That’s great. Thank you.”
“Sure. Like I said, it’s what I’m here for.” She pats my shoulder like I’m her fucking buddy and then turns to talk to her sister and Stella almost dismissively. Something feels… off.
My expression clouds over, unsure how to speak or interact with her now. What was so easy and natural this morning is now onerous and forced. Did something happen that I missed? I thought we were in a good place. I thought we had figured it out, but now I’m not so sure. It’s as if I’ve hit a barrier she’s erected between us.
Hard and fast, I unexpectedly slammed right into it.
Regardless, I have no choice but to play her game and concede to her every desire. Too bad her desire isn’t thespread your legs wide and let me make you comekind. It’s theback the fuck off and no one will get hurtkind.
“You okay?” I ask when we start to shuffle out, trying to gauge her.
“I’m fine.” She forces a smile that doesn’t touch her eyes and then she moves past me, joining Stella and her sister as they reach the exit of the courtroom.
I pause for a beat, staring after her.
“Never believe a woman when she says she’s fine,” Lenox advises.
“He’s right. We’re never fine when we say we are.” Aurelia gives me a wan smile.
I continue on, working through the crowded courthouse lobby and then heading outside. “I’m not sure what to do there,” I admit. “We were good as far as I knew. I dropped her off at school this morning. Maybe she’s having second thoughts or maybe I’m reading more into something I shouldn’t. If it weren’t for the ninety days, I’d cut her free. Should I talk to her and figure things out or back off?” I blow out a desperate breath. “I’m being a high-school chick and I don’t even mean that in a sexist way though I know it sounds like it. That’s how I feel. I’m overanalyzing everything.”
“It is sexist, but it’s also true,” Fallon says. “It’s unfortunately part of our DNA. Can I make a suggestion?” She comes in beside me.
“Please.”
“Decide what you truly want from her before you do that.”
I tilt my head curiously. “Meaning?”
Fallon touches my arm. “What is your end goal with her, Callan? She’s young. She’s a med student. You’re now a single dad. You’re in very different places. Is this just some fun you’re after or are you interested in something bigger with her? If you are, that’s amazing and I’m all for it because I think you’re both great—possibly perfect—together. But if you’re unsure…” She shrugs as she leaves that hanging. “She was here today. Her family was here today. She moved into your home and is doing everything you asked of her for no personal gain. She’s trying to set boundaries for herself. So, the question is, why are you so determined to tear them down?”
I stare at Fallon, words stuck in the back of my throat.
She’s right. I have no right to talk to Layla about anything. She’s free to set boundaries. She’s free to do as she needs to for herself. Yes, I want Layla. In a perfect world, I’d love to try dating her. But we’re not in a perfect world. Nowhere close to it.
