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How do I stop it?
Tom’s right. I work long hours. That I can adjust. I have plenty of money from my Central Square days and I can tailor my schedule to fit her school schedule even if that means I have to switch jobs.
But yes, I’m single.
I know the courts will be hard-pressed to give me Katy as a single man, especially when we’ve had some safety issues with her in my care, and there are two adults who are saying they want her.
“What about the psychologist's notes?” I throw out.
“Those will help, Callan, but Katy doesn’t speak a lot during those sessions. She did mention that she likes living with you and doesn’t want to leave, so that’s a bonus we can use. But it still might not be enough given the present situation.”
“What if Callan wasn’t single?” The words blurt from Asher’s lips and everything in the room grows quiet. I spin on my heels and face him, my thoughts swirling chaotically as our eyes collide. I don’t even know what he’s saying. It makes no sense.
“What do you mean?” Aurelia questions.
“What if Callan wasn’t single?” he repeats as if it’s an obvious question. “What if he were engaged or married even? Would that change things for him?” Asher continues to speak while looking at me. My eyebrows pinch together, and I shake my head.
“What are you doing?” I mouth at him, but Asher holds up a hand stopping me, indicating I should wait for Tom to reply.
Tom clears his throat. “With Callan’s money and the fact that Katy knows him and feels comfortable living with him, yes. I think that would make a big difference in demonstrating a more stable home life.”
“Hmm. Okay. Callan will call you back, Tom.” Asher disconnects the call and I fly for my phone only to have him snatch it off the table and hold it away from me, his eyes saying I dare you to try and get it.
He’ll win. I’m not small, but this is Asher Reyes we’re talking about and I’m no match.
“What the fuck are you doing, Asher?” Zax is on his feet now and so is Lenox, who hasn’t made so much as a peep this entire time.
Asher stands too and walks backward toward the window, holding my phone in his hand. “What are you going to do about Katy, Callan? Tell me your battle plan.”
I shrug a helpless shoulder and meet my friend’s uneasy gaze. “Throw myself on the mercy of the court. I don’t know.” My hands fly up.
“I could take care of Willow’s parents. See if there’s anything there,” Lenox offers, retaking his seat and placing large arms on the table. His question isn’t threatening, though if you didn’t know Lenox and simply encountered the silent beast on the street, you’d likely piss your pants. In addition to being a brilliant pianist and a tattoo artist, Lenox is a white-hat hacker. One of the best in the world from my understanding. He’s done things like this before for us.
“What would that entail?” I ask cautiously.
“Depends on how deep you want to go. We’re talking court and minors so there isn’t a lot I can provide that won’t show up as sketchy or gained by unfavorable means. I can grab financials and basics for now if you want.”
“Tom’s people are already doing that,” I say with a rough sigh and give up going after Asher and my phone and retake my seat.
He gives me a nod. “The offer stands if you change your mind.”
“Thanks, man. I might if things go south for me on Monday.”
Asher is rubbing at his mouth with a look in his eyes as he too comes over and sits back down beside me. “You’ve been ignoring my question.”
“What question?” I shoot at him when he doesn’t follow that up. “You mean the ridiculous one about me not being single?”
“It’s probably crazy and I know that’s not your jam.”
“What is?” Grey asks, just as much at a loss as I am.
“Asher,” Aurelia warns. “No. I can see what you’re thinking because I’ve read that romance book too, and no.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Zax pushes, his dark eyes narrowed in caution.
“This isn’t me wanting to get him laid,” Asher protests, pointing at Aurelia and then at me. “This is smart, and it could solve a bunch of shit for himandfor Katy.”
“What could?” I snap, brushing the longish strands of the front of my hair back from my face as I start to lose my patience. “Just fucking tell me.”
