Page 22 of Anatomy of Us

“We dated,” I say, and the word tastes like blood.

Yvonne's face doesn't change, but her hand tightens over mine.

“For how long?”

“Three years.”

“I see,” Harrington murmurs, closing his folder very slowly. “So the person who decides whether you are fit to return to competitive soccer, to travel, to leave the care of your son Wesley... is your ex-girlfriend. Who also, coincidentally, travels with you to Florida for two and a half weeks.”

“Dr. Clark is an impeccable professional,” my lawyer says, even though she doesn't know Tessa at all.

“I don't doubt it. But my client states she was precisely the person who filled Ms. Méndez's head withambitious dreams years ago. Perhaps the same thing is happening again.”

Nate. Of course.

Son of a bitch. He used to boil every time he saw us together. He never understood why I chose Tessa over him.

“Ms. Méndez, has there been any non-professional contact between you and Dr. Clark since your recovery began?”

The kiss flashes through my mind: cold air, wet grass, her hand under my sports bra. The second the world stops. The way I shove her away like she burns.

“No,” I lie.

“Objection,” Yvonne says, standing. “Speculation without foundation. And it borders on harassment.”

Patricia Roberts raises both hands.

“Enough. Fifteen-minute recess,” she says, staring Harrington down. “When we return, we discuss custody. Not voyeurism.”

The room empties. Nate leaves first without looking at me. His lawyer gathers papers with slow, careful movements.

Yvonne turns to me the second they're far enough away not to hear.

“Is there anything else I need to know? Because you're making this very hard for me, you know that?” Her voice turns too cold, and she looks me straight in the eyes.

“I'm sorry,” I say. “I guess I should've told you about Tessa.”

“You guess? Why didn't you?”

“Because it was seven years ago. Because it ended badly. Because... I thought it didn't matter anymore.”

“In these cases, everything matters.” Yvonne's mouth tightens. “Is there anything else they can use against you? Anything more recent?”

I think of the kiss. I think of how Tessa looks at me lately when she thinks I'm not watching.

“No,” I say, and I grip the edge of the chair until my knuckles ache.

Yvonne nods once.

“I'm going to call your coach. I know you don't want her dragged into this, but I need Dr. Clark's full history.” She grabs her bag. “And Zoe, I hope it's spotless and we don't get any more surprises.”

The second she walks out, tears spill. I can't stop them. My son is the most important thing in my life. It would hurt not to return to the field, but if keeping custody means Nate can't get near him, I'd make any sacrifice.

I hear footsteps coming closer. Slow. Like she's giving me time to tell her to leave.

I don't.

She sits beside me, not in Yvonne's seat. In the chair next to it. Close, but not touching.