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I glanced toward Stella, because I knew my emotions might get in the way here. I picked up the black pen.
She jumped right in. “This meeting was for both parties to get a sense of how to move forward. We’ve already drawn up a visitation agreement. To start, it does involve only visits in public locations and those will be time-limited.”
I was beyond grateful for Stella. She deftly kept the conversation rolling over the next few minutes. We even scheduled a time for them to officially meet Teddy. After they left, I threw my arms around her, the intensity of my own relief overwhelming me.
She smiled when I finally released her. “So you feel okay?”
“Thanks to you and Colin. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you being here today.” I paused and took a shaky breath, trying to compose myself. “So what do we do about Paul now?”
“Colin will follow up with his attorney. At this point, it doesn’t seem like we need to be concerned about demands from him with regard to his parents. I’ll keep you looped in on any updates. You just go about your day now.”
I left, feeling a sense of lightness gusting through me like a soft breeze. The stress I’d been carrying had felt so heavy for weeks now. I wanted to see Griffin so much. I shot off a quick text.
Me: I’d love to see you.
Chapter Forty
Tish
I was almost done for the day and was busy checking email on my laptop when my cell phone rang. I should’ve thought to check who was calling, but I was feeling more relaxed. My guard was down after finally dealing with the stress of the last few weeks.
“Hi, it’s Tish,” I answered.
“Fucking bitch,” Paul opened with.
“Paul?” My heart started to pound in a rapid, sickly beat.
“Yeah. Why did you tell my parents that?”
“Because I don’t trust you. I’m not asking for anything from you. No child support, no visits, nothing.”
“You fucked me over, Tish.”
Just as I was about to end the call, the line clicked. Restless, I stood from my desk. I needed some water. I started to cross my office, but I should’ve known better. My blood pressure began to plummet and I stumbled. I reached for my desk just as my knees gave out. I distantly heard something falling with me.
I had no idea how much time I was out, but it must’ve been a few minutes. When I dragged my eyes open, Archer was kneeling in front of me, telling someone, “I’ve already called 911. I have no idea what happened. I heard something fall and then a thump. I came in and she was unconscious. Oh wait, her eyes are opening. Tish? Are you okay?” He waved his hand in front of my face.
“I’m fine, Archer.” I straightened slightly. I’d fallen at an awkward angle.
“She says she’s fine,” he said.
“Who are you talking to?” I mumbled.
“Griffin. He’s on his way over with whoever’s coming from the station.”
“Oh, my God, you turned this into a whole drama,” I muttered. I started to move, but my foot slipped out from under me on the carpeting, and I fell against my desk again.
Chapter Forty-One
Griffin
Tish sat across from me, alternating her glare between Archer and me.
Adrenaline was still pumping through me. I knew she was safe, but Archer’s call had sent fear skyrocketing through me. She sat before me, looking seriously annoyed.
“You could have told me this is something that happens to you sometimes,” Archer was saying. “Forgive me for getting stressed out when you passed out.”
Poor Archer appeared genuinely flummoxed by Tish’s obvious annoyance with him. “It’s not a big deal. You don’t need to worry about it. In fact, it’s in my HR file. I have syncope episodes, which basically means sometimes I faint. That’s it.”
