Page 50

Xavier

I'm not trying to snoop, but the notebook left open on my counter before I head to the courthouse makes it impossible. Brightly colored Post-It notes practically beg for attention, and the whole thing looks like one of those string diagrams you see in true crime shows. Except this one has hearts and arrows that scream twenty-year-old girl.

It doesn't take more than a glance to figure out the focus of this operation. Every line and doodle is centered on me and Vivienne. The words jump off the page at me.

Figure out how to get Ginger Daddy and Aunt Vi together.

We've been played like fucking fiddle and I couldn't be happier about it.

Tenley steps into the kitchen, freezing when she finds her notebook in front of me. "Well, shit," she tosses the empty bottle in the sink like she doesn't care--but her stiff posture gives her away. "How mad are you?"

I lean against the counter, holding up the notebook like evidence. "Why would I be mad?"

She smirks, folding her arms. "Maybe because I orchestrated your entire love life?"

"Orchestrated?" I scoff. "That's bold."

She tilts her head, unimpressed. "Look, you're welcome for the assist, but let's not pretend this wasn't my doing. I mean, come on. "

I laugh, setting the evidence down. If she only knew how her aunt and I really got our start. She'd probably beat me over the head with her notebook to shut me up. "I hate to break it to you, but this project only sped things up. Vivienne and I would've ended up together anyway."

"Really?" Her voice drips with sarcasm. "And I'm the bold one. How do you know that?"

I shrug, giving her a grin. "Because some things just work out. When the right person shows up, it doesn't matter how or why. It just . . . happens. You just know."

Tenley's smirk turns saccharine. "You'd have screwed it up if it weren't for me, Big Red."

I shake my head. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"And yet," she says, handing me Holland so I can say goodbye, "here we are. Don't forget to name your second kid after me."

I kiss my daughter and hand her back to Tenley, grabbing my bag with a sigh. Swallowing my pride, I glance over my shoulder. "Have you heard from her?"

"Only a few texts and a picture of her and Harlowe wine stomping," Tenley replies casually.

I nod. "I got that one too." She looked happy, her thrown back in joy as Harlowe clung to her. I hope she's feeling as good as she looked.

Tenley pauses, studying me as I head for the door. "Are you worried about her?"

"Honestly? Yeah. She's been stressed."

"It's like that every year when we go home," Tenley says, leaning against the doorframe. "But you're right--this year is different, and I can't figure out why. I should have gone with her."

It's not my place to tell her the things Vivi shared in private with me, but I can see this is eating at her so I stop, turning back to face her. "That would have stressed her out even more. Knowing you're here, handling your classes and helping with Holland, that's what she needs from you. She's got Harlowe to lean on out there."

Tenley nods reluctantly, her expression softening. "Yeah . . . I know. Hot and smart. Good for you."

"Jesus," I groan, exasperated. "You can't say that shit to me, Ten."

She laughs, and it's a touch evil, but I can tell she's trying to take my mind off the day ahead. "But it's so much fun seeing you squirm."

"Whatever. See you later."

"Good luck today. Everything is going to be okay." She lifts my daughter's tiny hand, forcing a wave.

She's a fucking weirdo, but we're lucky to have her. Knowing that Holland is surrounded by people that love her is more than I could have ever hoped for.

And I'm extra thankful for that today because when I arrive at the courthouse twenty minutes later to find that Kristy failed to show, it's a crushing blow. Part of me hoped she would at least acknowledge Holland today.

As if on cue, a text from Vivi lights up my screen.

Vivienne:

I wish I could be there with you today. I'm thinking of both you and Holland. Please let me know how it goes.

Xavier:

She didn't show. I don't know what to think. Can I call you when we're done here?

Vivi:

Please. I need to hear your voice and know you're okay.

I slip my phone into the pocket of my suit pants and follow Collin into the courtroom. I'm no stranger to wearing a suit and tie, but today, this one feels like it's strangling me as I step forward when the judge calls me forward.

The judge starts by acknowledging Kristy's absence, then Collin steps up to the bench and provides evidence documenting that she was properly served with legal paperwork outlining all the details of today's proceedings.

After some back and forth, the judge determines that all paperwork is in order and continues as planned without Kristy.

In theory, I was prepared for this outcome. Collin had walked me through exactly what would happen. But being here, learning that my daughter truly only has one parent, it's nothing like what I imagined. It's gut-wrenching. Bile crawls up my throat, and it takes everything in me to keep my breakfast down.

The rest of proceedings are a haze as the judge and Collin go back and forth before calling on me to testify why I'm seeking full custody. Even though I'm well practiced, I couldn't tell you what I say--if the things Collin and I rehearsed come out of my mouth.

Affidavits from Wilson, teammates, friends, even Tenley are shared.

And when the judge rules, signing the custody order, granting me full custody of my daughter, I blink back the tears. Kristy has thirty days to contest the judgement, but Collin and I both know that won't happen. She's made her stance clear.