Page 83 of Unexpectedly You

“I was delivered a letter from the court. My parents believe I’m not fit to care for the child I’m a guardian for, Arianna. She’s my sister’s daughter. I can’t lose her.”

“Okay, send me a picture of it.”

I do what I’m asked.

“Give me a minute to read it,” Adam says.

“Is it bad?” I ask when I can’t stand the silence any longer.

“We have over a week to prepare.” His voice is calm and reassuring. “Haden, we can win this. But you need to gather everything that shows Arianna is safe, healthy, and developing. Every little thing matters.”

“Okay, I don’t have anything to hide.”

“That’s a good thing. Keep in mind that what the court wants is to keep Arianna safe, and they will do everything necessary to make sure that happens. Do you know why they filed the request?”

“Yeah, because I’m gay.”

“It could work to our advantage if we can prove that’s the only reason.”

“I don’t want them near Arianna. They were here the other day, and my mum slapped me.”

“Okay, I wasn’t expecting that. Is there anything I need to know that could jeopardise your success?”

“Someone is living with me and taking care of Arianna when I’m working.”

“Okay, I don’t see a problem there.”

“He was soliciting people for sex in a bar when I met him. Actually saved him from one of his clients.”

“While I understand you trying to save him, it doesn’t work in your favour.”

“Jay is not negotiable. The man is running away from someone forcing him to do that so he could repay a debt his ex-boyfriend has with him. We need to find a way to make it work.”

“Haden, to be honest I’m not sure about this. I need more information. Send me everything you have on your parents so we can prove they’re homophobic, and we’ll see what to do about your friend.”

“Okay, but Jay is not going anywhere.”

“Maybe he can stay with one of your friends until we sort things out.”

“How long is it going to take?”

“If we have everything, it could be done in just over a week.”

“I’m sorry but Jay stays.”

“Let’s gather everything and then we’ll see. Can you think about this?”

“Yeah. But I hope it doesn’t happen.”

“Send me those details and we’ll see.”

“I’m ready to fight,” I say to him while grabbing pen and paper. “Tell me what I need to do.”

“I’ll text you the list. It’s a long one.”

“I’ll have it done immediately.”

“I’ll wait for you to let me know. Bye for now.”