Hailey rested a hand on my forearm in a comforting gesture, and said, “I’m sorry you’re going through this.”
“Me too.” My heart was still beating fast. It was like that call had released adrenaline in my body, and I wasn’t coming down yet.
“Hopefully, she’ll come around and realize he’s better off here.”
Hailey’s sentiment was nice, but I needed to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. “I scheduled an appointment with the attorney. I hope she can help. At least give me an idea of my rights and what to expect.”
“When do you meet with her?”
“First thing Monday morning.” I was grateful that Avery was able to squeeze me in so soon.
“It will be fine,” Hailey said.
I appreciated Hailey’s support, but I felt like I’d been shaken to my core. I had so many things I needed to do: Contact my parents, then his school on Monday morning so they knew he wasn’t to leave school with his mother.
Would she take him? Should I let him go on his visitation in a couple of weeks? I’d never felt so uncertain, not even when Corey was born. Because I was in it with Tiffany then. We’d never been adversarial.
I knew it wasn’t ideal for Corey, but I didn’t have a choice.
Corey walked out of Hailey’s office, his black book bag slung over one shoulder. His hair was falling over his eyes.
“Can I get a haircut? It’s getting in the way when I work out.”
His hair was something that bothered me, but I knew if I said anything, he’d keep it long to spite me.
“You want to go now?” I followed him to the door.
“Can we?” he asked over his shoulder.
“Sure.”
Corey smiled at Hailey and gave her a little wave. “See you later.”
“Take care,” Hailey said.
“Thank you,” I said to her softly after Corey stepped outside onto the sidewalk.
That thank you encompassed everything: her support of Corey, our time together, and the concern emanating from her.
“Go. Everything will be all right.”
But I wasn’t so sure.
As I fell into step with Corey, dread filled my gut. This wasn’t how I wanted the night to go. I’d wanted to figure out a way to spend some time with Hailey. Maybe invite her to my house for dinner with me and Corey. I had visions of including her more in my life.
But that was before Tiffany upended my life. The garage had steadily increased sales, Corey was thriving, and I had this new thing going with Hailey. I didn’t know what the future would bring, but I hadn’t expected this.
Now, I was scared for me—and especially Corey.
I wasn’t sure whether I should talk to him about Tiffany or not. “You have your weekend visitation coming up with Mom.”
“Oh. I just assumed I’d stay here.”
“Why is that?”
“I’m busy. I have school and football.”
I knew he added school for my benefit. He wasn’t that crazy about it. “Don’t you want to see your mother?”