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Tish: I miss you too.
My lips curled in a small smile. It wasn’t much, but it was something. I saw the gray dots appear in the screen, indicating she was still texting.
Tish: Madison told me what happened at Wildlands. I know you’re just trying to help, but I have to deal with this myself. You might not understand why, but I think until I have this sorted out, we should take a break. I need some time.
Me: What do you mean a break?
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Tish
“What do you mean?”
“Well, this is an unusual situation,” Colin explained. “You’re willing to permanently forgo child support. Paul’s insisting that he wants to pay child support. He doesn’t want any visitation with Teddy, except for his parents. But he doesn’t want you to disclose what happened to them.”
“Colin, Paul’s only doing this because he wants financial support from his parents. He believes he’ll get it this way. I think he’s trying to make it seem like he’s a caring father when he’s not.” I swallowed through the tightness in my throat. It felt like I’d been on the verge of tears for days at this point. “I just want to tell them the truth. They can visit Teddy, but I don’t want Paul involved and I’m telling them the truth. Can you arrange a meeting?”
“Tish—” Colin began.
I cut in. “I know it’s probably crazy but it’s what I want to do.”
“Okay, I will reach out to their attorney. Where would you like to meet?”
“Somewhere neutral. I know your office is in Fireweed Harbor, but I’ll fly there if I have to.”
“Actually, one of our paralegals is moving to Willow Brook. With Fireweed Industries expanding its presence there, we’re getting a lot more business from that area. Stella will primarily work from there. She flies into Willow Brook tomorrow. If you don’t mind meeting with her, we can arrange it so you don’t need to travel.”
Tears burned in my eyes again. I was a ball of emotion these days. This small kindness was almost too much.
“Tish?”
I cleared my throat. “I’m here. That would be great. If you give me Stella’s number, I’ll text her and she can reach out when she’s here. Does she have a place to stay?”
“To start, she’ll be staying in a small apartment we found for her with a little help from Archer and Chase.”
“Oh, great. Should I pick her up at the airport?”
“No need. She’s got a rental car. How about you meet her at Firehouse Café? Stella will make all the arrangements with the grandparents. You don’t need to talk to them. I would prefer if you write down everything you plan to tell them, so you and I can discuss it.”
“I understand you want to protect me, but I feel fine about this,” I insisted. Telling the whole story was about the only thing I felt at peace with, which was a relief.
Colin was quiet for a beat and I could hear a light tapping sound as if he was drumming his fingertips on his desk. “For what it’s worth, their attorney has been nothing but above board and has assured me they’re acting in good faith. I’m familiar with the attorney they hired in Juneau and he’s a good guy. He doesn’t play games. He won’t do something sketchy on their behalf. I’m not familiar with Paul’s attorney, although I can tell he is confused by Paul’s request. I’ll text you Stella’s number.”
As promised, Stella’s number came through a moment later. I immediately texted her. After I closed out that text window, I stared at the last one I had received from Griffin.
Griffin: I miss you. I understand you want this time, but I want to be able to be there for you. I know this can’t be easy.
He’d sent this late last night. I must’ve read it about a hundred times. I missed him, so much my heart felt raw from it.
Even now, I didn’t completely understand why I had asked for some space. I felt overwhelmed and deeply distressed about Paul’s reappearance in my life. Paul made me question my judgment so much. I didn’t regret, not even for a second, having Teddy, but I hated the shame I felt about how easily Paul had tricked me into thinking he was a decent guy. I couldn’t help but wonder if I still would’ve been involved with him if he had never pulled that little stunt, and if I had never confronted him about it.
I knew I owed Griffin a reply.
Me: I miss you too. I’m sorting out the situation. I promise.
I was so embarrassed about Paul, and I didn’t feel like I deserved Griffin. I shook my head quickly, trying to physically knock my thoughts off track. I didn’t have time to get caught in the repetitive loop of recriminations and embarrassment.
My phone rang and Stella’s name flashed on the screen.
