If Veronica was going to be a mom, she’d need to learn to deal with kids’ messes. “Just like you’re not used to being there, your mom and Leo,” no way was I calling him Papa Leo, “need to get used to having you there.”
Maisie tugged on my hand and I squatted down as her face turned serious. In a quiet tone she said, “My daddy and mommy were fighting last night.”
“Oh?”
“I could hear them in my room when I was putting on dresses to show Daddy.”
I rubbed her arms as I tried to figure out what I should ask or say. “How did that make you feel?”
“I didn’t like it.”
“Did you tell your daddy?”
She shook her head. “He was sad too. I think he didn’t like the dresses Mommy bought me.”
“Oh honey, I’m sure that wasn’t it. Sometimes mommies and daddies disagree. But they both love you. And I know your daddy loves you no matter what.”
“What’s a nanny?”
Huh? “A nanny is someone who helps raise kids. Sort of like how I stay with you while your dad works, although nannies often live with the family.”
“Can you come live with me and daddy?”
My heart squeezed. “I live next door.” Wanting to move on to a new subject, I said, “Let me text your daddy to tell him what movie we’re going to see and where we’ll have lunch.”
“Can he come to lunch with us?” Maisie’s eager eyes shone with hope.
“I don’t know. I can ask him.”
Unfortunately, Dylan had an appointment with a lawyer, so he couldn’t make lunch. But Maisie seemed to have fun and that evening she and I made lasagna, Dylan’s favorite. When he arrived home, I saw the tension on his face, but he smiled and acted normal for Maisie.
“I love lasagna,” he said when she rushed to the door to tell him. He scooped her up and held her, making me wonder if he worried that his days of coming home to her were numbered.
“I know.” She pressed her hands to his face. “Are you happy, Daddy?”
“Ecstatic.” He kissed her cheek and put her down.
“Why don’t you set the table, Maisie?” I said.
She rushed off.
“Was she okay?” he asked, as he watched her in the kitchen.
“Yes. She said she heard you and Veronica fighting.”
“Fuck,” he said under his breath.
“Did the lawyer give you any tips?”
“He thinks it will be outrageous if she goes for sole custody given her track record.”
“Well, that’s good.”
He gave a short nod. “But she’s married and settled.” He used air quotes around the word settled. “Apparently, he feels judges still have biases towards moms, especially ones that are doing the right thing and need a second chance.”
That didn’t sound hopeful. “What’s with the settled bit? Is she not settled?”
“Sure she is. Today. But Veronica gets bored easily and likes the limelight. I give her six months tops before she’s off on her next adventure.”