Page 33

Leah Walker parks her car a couple of blocks from the bar where she's meeting Emily for lunch. When she received the lawyer's call, the urgency in her voice seemed unusual, but Leah chose to focus only on her excitement about seeing her. The tennis player feels happy; the weekend marked the beginning of a relationship Leah has been waiting for years because, although she hasn't been alone all this time, she never felt as fulfilled as she does now. She thinks about Stella and the women who accompanied her romantically in one way or another and concludes that none of them transmitted the calm and that feeling of home that Emily Harris gives her. She crosses the street when the pedestrian light turns green and spots her girl waiting at the entrance of the establishment. Both smile when their eyes meet, and Leah feels a warmth in her chest that comforts her.

"I was looking forward to seeing you," Emily says as soon as she sees her, and they exchange a kiss as a greeting.

"Me too," Leah scans the lawyer's face, noticing something troubling her. "Is everything okay?"

Emily hesitates for a millisecond, though she quickly composes herself and takes Leah's hand to enter the bar.

"Let's go, I'll tell you inside."

The smell of freshly baked cornbread hits them both. The bar is a quiet place with a rustic look, wooden tables and stools scattered throughout the room. Waiters move skillfully carrying trays loaded with plates, beer mugs, and water bottles. The aroma of spiced beef also floats in the air, and both women salivate in anticipation.

"Today's special is pastrami and mustard sandwich with coleslaw," recites a young woman wearing a gray polo with a white embroidered logo that reads Jack's Tavern.

"I'll have the special and a bottle of water," Emily orders.

"The same for me," the tennis player chooses, just wanting the waitress to disappear so Emily can tell her what happened.

Just as the girl turns away and they're left alone, Leah opens her mouth to question the lawyer. Emily speaks first, without embellishment.

"They denied the custody request we filed for Mia."

The news hits Leah worse than that old injury that cost her an important tournament and kept her off the courts for several months. Her heart seems to stop only to immediately accelerate and beat so hard it causes pain in her chest. Her mouth dries up and she can't react. Emily notices and extends her hand to hold the tennis player's. She squeezes it affectionately and decides it's better for her to continue talking and give Leah time to recover.

"The judge was very firm with her decision; despite Mia meeting most requirements, she hasn't completed the five years without committing a crime that justice demands."

"I can't believe it," Leah laments, finally reacting. "She's done everything they asked, she's reintegrated into society perfectly, she works hard, has her own home, and has proven she's the right person to take in her brother."

Emily agrees with everything she says and gives her a caress on the arm before settling back on her stool.

"We agree on that, but the judge requires compliance with all demands."

"I need to talk to Mia," Leah stands abruptly, suddenly realizing her friend must be devastated. She looks from side to side, unsure what to do.

Emily stands too and approaches her.

"Please sit down; Emma is with her. As her lawyer, she's explained everything that happened and is keeping her company," Emily speaks calmly, but with the composure of a professional. "There's an option, and that's what I want to explain to you."

Leah breathes again. Hearing those last words gives her some relief, a glimmer of hope.

"Can we do something? Please tell me yes."

Emily nods.

"It's something I've always had in mind as Plan B if our petition was denied. To be honest, there was a strong possibility the judge would cite noncompliance with requirements, but we had to try," Emily confesses and stays silent for a few seconds while the waitress places the plates on the table. "If you're the one requesting custody, we're very confident they'll grant it to you."

Leah's eyes widen. It's something that never crossed her mind, and she scolds herself for it. Her response is quick; Aaron is like a little brother to her, and she won't hesitate to support Mia this way.

"What do I need to do?" asks the tennis player. "Whatever it is, I'll do it."

Emily raises a hand indicating she should calm down; the decision isn't so simple.

"It's not just a mere formality, Leah, and as a lawyer, I must explain it to you. If you decide to take this step, you'll be Aaron's legal representative and, consequently, responsible for his actions," Emily speaks like an experienced person who knows the laws inside out. "He would have to live with you, and you'd be accountable for everything he does. Attending school meetings, ensuring he has a safe space, and being the person who legally accompanies him until he turns eighteen."

For Leah, the decision doesn't change. She knows Mia will move in with her, and in the end, Leah will be that legal figure only on paper because her friend will take care of her brother.

"I trust Mia and Aaron," Leah answers firmly. "Of course I'll have a talk with him so he's aware his behavior must be impeccable, but he's a noble kid who just wants to leave foster homes and be with his real family."

"I have no doubt you trust them, but I still ask you to think about it during the day," Emily says in a calm voice. "It's a big step, and for years you'll be tied in one way or another to Aaron's actions, at least until Mia can request custody again."

Leah understands. If the boy decides to get into trouble, Leah will suffer for it. Additionally, financially she'll be the one putting her money toward his welfare. She still doesn't care about all that; the tennis player just wants to help those she considers her siblings, but she'll discuss it with her mothers anyway and follow Emily's advice.

"I'll go to the club later to talk with my moms."

"That seems right," Emily says and smiles at her. "When I leave the office, I'll call you, and if everything remains the same, we'll meet with Mia and Emma. Now, please, let's eat, I'm famished."

The theatrical face Emily puts on makes Leah burst into relaxed laughter. Both enjoy their meal; the sandwich melts in their mouths, and Leah decides this bar will be one of her favorites. They stay there for about twenty minutes until they pay the bill and leave. Emily walks Leah to her car, and they say goodbye with the promise to talk in a few hours.

Leah wastes no time and drives to the Walker Elite Sport Club. The traffic at this hour makes her nervous because the anxiety to arrive and talk with Anne and Natalie is consuming her inside. She greets the guy at the security booth at the entrance of the club, parks in a space reserved for her, and walks at a quick pace to the offices.

"Hi," the somewhat shaky greeting makes her parents look up and simultaneously furrow their brows.

"What's wrong, honey?" Anne asks, nervous.

Leah sits in front of them and relates everything Emily told her. She leaves out no details and immediately informs them of the Plan B that the lawyer has devised with Emma Harris.

"We'll help you," Natalie decides and looks at her wife, who nods at her comment.

"We know Mia will take care of him, but we can support her in whatever she needs," Anne adds, determined.

"So, you think it's a good idea?" Leah asks to confirm, though their comments have already given her an answer.

"Of course, honey," they confirm. "You know Mia is like another daughter to us, and we'll help her however necessary."

"How is she?" Natalie asks.

Leah makes a face with her lips.

"We haven't talked; Emma is with her. Later we'll meet to tell her about the plan," the tennis player explains and stands up while checking her watch. "I'm going to send Emily a message and go to class with Ted. We'll talk later."

Leah leaves her mothers' office with a radiant smile and the feeling that for the first time in her life, she'll do something truly good. Helping Mia a few years ago benefited them both; Mia managed to get a job and a family, and Leah gained a sister and confidant. Now, they'll go a step further, and Aaron will officially become another member of the Walkers.