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There’s a knock on the door and room service arrives. We both drink our coffees in silence.
“I’m sorry,” Brett eventually says again, and I know he means it. Still, things are a mess. He’s involved with the woman who I’m in a custody battle with. And he might think that bending the truth helps people, but how do I know what he’s let slip when he’s banging Sofia? I bet he was either high or drunk. Brett is no addict, but he likes to party.
“Look, we own a company together, so this can’t come between us. Not our work lives. However, I won’t be spending any time with you outside work until the custody stuff is over and done. I just can’t.” I run a hand through my hair.
“I’m sorry, man, really. I’m planning to call it off with her anyway.”
“Good. Well, that’s up to you, I suppose.”
“Nah, it’s good. As I said, I think she’s derailing. I don’t know. Her mood is… weird. Honestly, I think she’s doing too much coke, but I don’t know. I don’t have proof of that, so don’t quote me on it.”
I nod. “Let’s get to work.”
The rest of the day goes on normally, but when I meet the kids and Maddie at the Experiminta Science Center, it’s not the same as in the previous days. The joy in Maddie’s face is gone and I have to constantly remind myself not to touch her. My dreams of starting a new family with her have been shattered. Brett doing what he did… I just can’t stand the thought of Maddie betraying me. What if she went to court and said I was a lousy father?
I chide myself. She wouldn’t do that. But how can I know? I can’t. And that’s the freaky thing.
“Look, Daddy, look!” Carmen shouts as she sees one of the exhibits. “I want to touch.”
I smile and feel my heart swell as I look at her. She’s worth losing Maddie for if that’s what it takes.
“That’s not something you can touch, sweetie. Come over this side. This is where you can experiment.”
We head to a restaurant after the museum and as we are waiting for our meals, Damien helps Carmen color the children’s menu with the crayons provided.
“How did it go with Brett?” Maddie asks and I can see concern in her eyes.
“Well, I suppose. I don’t think it was anything real between them and he says he’s going to call it off altogether. Let’s not talk about it, though. If you don’t mind, I want to leave all details of the court case out of conversation from now on. It’s not a matter I should talk to anyone about.”
Maddie looks surprised, then hurt, and she turns away. I feel like a dick for hurting her, but I just don’t know whom to trust.
“Right,” she says, and as the food arrives Damien launches into an animated talk about one of the exhibits and I’m thankfully saved from anymore conversation.
When we come back to the hotel, I put Carmen to bed and find Damien in the living room, studying, when I come out.
“Where’s Maddie?” I ask.
“In her room. Said she needed to study too.”
I nod. “All right, good night then, kiddo.”
“Night, Roland. Man, I hate math.”
I laugh. “Most kids do, but when you add up the numbers for a successful business it becomes more fun.”
He nods thoughtfully. “I think I do want to have my own business.”
I smile. “I do know. I know all about that dream. Work hard and you can make it a reality.”
He perks up. “Thanks. I will.”
I head to bed, thankful I don’t have to confront Maddie, but at the same time feeling like I’ve lost something beautiful. Still, I can’t see myself getting close to anyone until the custody battle is done. If there will even be a battle. From what I can tell, Sofia shouldn’t get custody, though, so it seems I will have to battle her. I wish she’d had a genuine interest in her daughter. Then none of this would have happened. The scary thing is that I was once in love with her. And if I was in love with her, how can I trust myself when choosing another partner?
I sigh. I better go to bed before I try to figure anything else out. It’s clear my head isn’t in the right space. I just pray that by pushing Maddie aside I haven’t caused irreparable harm. Then again, it’s better to lose Maddie than to lose Carmen.
Chapter twenty-seven
Maddie
