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“Don’t worry. I didn’t mention it for you to apologize, but I feel as if that evening I got to know some important parts of you. We might not be similar to each other, but our personalities don’t clash either.”

“You think we complement each other?”

“I guess that’s what I am getting at. I don’t think I would have clicked that well with someone who had been the complete opposite of me. And I definitely wouldn't want to be with someone who would be exactly like me either.”

I think his words through and he is right. At first glance, we might not share a lot, but essentially, there are a lot of connections we have. Similar values, similar dreams, similar expectations. From the outside, Aden looks like a typical CEO, but inside, he has never stopped being an artist. I don’t think I would have fallen for an actual businessman.

Thinking about his job makes my thoughts run to my own problems. “Aden?”

“Yes.”

“After our talk in the car today, I have decided to get a new job,” I tell him. “Now that you set me up with that lawyer, I feellike it’s time to take back control of my life. I was thinking about asking DeeDee for help.”

His face lights up. “That’s a fantastic idea.”

“You really think so?”

“Yes, go and take back your life in whatever way you want to!”

“I guess I will.” I turn onto my back. “Say, do we have any plans for this week?”

“I’ll have a rather calm week,” Aden says. “And was thinking about decluttering my attic. It’s something I have postponed for years. It’s time to let go.”

I eye him curiously, wondering what exactly he is talking about. It certainly sounds like it’s something positive, but I don’t want to stir old wounds too much. So, instead of asking him, I decide to wait for him to come to me when he is ready to talk. “I can help,” I offer instead.

To my surprise, Aden’s eyes light up at my suggestion. “That would be great! I was thinking about asking Lynn for help, too. But with you around, I am probably more motivated to do it.”

“Then it’s set! When do you plan on doing it?”

“Thursday and Friday evening.”

“Good, I will make that work.”

twenty-four

*NOEL*

“Don’t you worry.“ Mr. Pierce, the lawyer Aden recommends, shaking my hand. He is an older man, serious and dignified, looking exactly like I would have envisioned a seasoned lawyer. “We’ll have this dealt with in no time.”

“Really? I thought it would take months or maybe even a year, or more,” I admit.

Mr. Pierce nods thoughtfully. “Normally, it does, mainly because such a case doesn’t have a high priority, but I am pushing for it to happen. I have already sent the first letters out. Your mother should have been informed also. At the end of the week, I will have an appointment at court.”

“Do you need me to come?”

“No, it’s just the lawyers and a judge,” he says. “You are not suing anyone, and you don’t need to be there as a witness. I am your representative.”

“What if my mother decides to sue?”

“We’ll see if she truly does it. She’ll need money for it. Does she have money?”

I shake my head. “She is an alcoholic. She is barely making it.”

Mr. Pierce looks at me warmly. “She doesn’t have a case. You can rest assured about this. I will get you out of this.”

I feel relieved at his calm confidence. “Thank you.”

It strikes me once again that without Aden’s help, this wouldn’t have been possible. Or maybe it would have, with a pro bono lawyer or someone who costs less. Maybe I could have achieved this with Mateo’s and Sterling’s help, but I never found the courage.