AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We’ll sit down with our calendars this weekend and come up with a schedule,” Ashton says brightly.
I plop down in the chair beside her. “When’re they starting on your pool?” I asked, wondering about the small pool and terrace she’d designed for the area off the kitchen where the girls are playing.
“They can’t get to me until after the holidays. Depending on the weather, they hope to be finished by summer.” She angles her body towards me. “So how did your meeting with the custody attorney go?”
“Not great.” I take a swig of beer. “I’ve decided to look for someone else.”
Ashton sits up straight in her chair. “Someone else? Are you crazy? Vanessa is the best in the state. Did she refuse to represent you?”
I shake my head. “She’ll represent me as long as I agree to her conditions.”
“Let me guess. She wants you to seek counseling for your anger management problem.”
“Right. And you know how I feel about shrinks.”
“You may not have any choice, Will. If the Beaumonts are using your anger issues as the basis for their custody suit, any attorney you hire will insist you get help.”
I feel my sister’s eyes on me, but I can’t bring myself to look at her.
“Do you want Tracy’s parents to have custody of the girls?”
“Of course not.” I remember Vanessa’s warning about not waiting too long. Your in-laws mean business.
“Then you’re going to have to fight for them. Even if that means stepping outside your comfort zone and seeking counseling.”
“Whatever.” I get up from my chair to check on the steaks.
“I’m serious,” Ashton says in a low hiss so as not to alarm the girls.
“Chill, Ashton. Vanessa gave me a few days to decide. I’ve been busy with the move. I’ll call her first thing Monday morning.”
“Ugh. You’re being so hardheaded right now. This is important, Will. Call her now. I don’t care what time it is. If she doesn’t answer, leave a voice message.”
Our sister’s minivan appears in the driveway, saving me from having to respond. “Here comes trouble. Did you invite her over?”
Standing, Ashton says, “No. But be nice.”
Carrie gets out of the minivan and strides angrily towards us. She gestures at the grill. “Thanks for inviting me to your family cookout. Or am I no longer considered a member of the family?”
“Don’t be silly,” Ashton says. “I would’ve invited you if I’d thought you’d come. Will and the girls moved in today. They’re going to be living here for a while.”
Carrie’s mouth drops open. “How long is a while?”
“Don’t worry about it,” I say. “It’s not permanent. Ashton has offered to help me with the girls until I get back on my feet.”
“Saint Ashton to the rescue.” Carrie glares at Ashton and then turns her attention to me. “Did you help yourself to Mom and Dad’s old room?”
“As a matter of fact, I did. And why wouldn’t I? No one else is using it.”
Ashton’s fingers graze Carrie’s arm. “You know you’re welcome here anytime. We still have two available bedrooms upstairs.”
I turn my back on them as I transfer the steaks from the grill to a platter. Ashton has more patience than me for our sister’s poor-me attitude.
“You promised to update the guesthouse for me,” Carrie says about the two-story tabby structure across the lawn where Ashton lived during renovations.
“And I’ll eventually get to it,” Ashton says in a clipped tone. “I’m taking a breather after finishing the main house.”
I turn off the grill and face my sisters. “Are you here for a reason, Carrie? Because our dinner is ready.” I glance down at the platter of meat in my hands. “I’d invite you to stay, but I only bought four steaks.”
