Page 160 of Wherever You Are

Our lives are about to split, fissure, and fracture by this one decision. But I think it’d break worse if he didn’t choose the job. I think we’d both resent each other in the end.

I lean closer to him, a breath apart. “Don’t be afraid,” I whisper. “You can do anything on your own. I know you can.”But can I be without him?The question rips through me, and my glasses fog up.

I take them off.

His reddened eyes meet mine, and he’s a little fuzzy in my vision now, but it’s not too bad. He clasps my hand, threading his fingers. “I love you,” he says.

Tears crease my eyes.

“No matter where we are,” he tells me. “You’re always going to be my girl.”

* * *

The future feels different now that Garrison and I are planning to live apart. More somber and up in the air. But I try to push the reality behind me to focus on what’s before me.

The courtroom quiets as Robert Moore approaches the bench. My dad and I already stand in front of it. I hold my arm to my chest, nervous that everyone is looking at me.Because everyone is.

I try not to glance at Robert. Not wanting to have my earth shattered today with a mental image of his expression.

The judge looks to him. “Since the means of Mr. Hale outweigh most, I wanted you here in person. I need to make sure you haven’t been coerced, threatened, or swayed by financial means to give consent.”

The court reporter’s fingers move quickly, capturing the judge’s words.

“This is what it’s come to. I’m not surprised.” Robert’s words are a battleax to my heart.

He did raise me. Before the divorce, before things soured, he raised me.

“Are you in agreement surrendering your parental rights, Mr. Moore?” the judge asks.

I glance over at that.

Wrong move.

Robert shrugs. This nonchalant,I don’t give a shitshrug. “All along, I think I knew that she wasn’t my kid. It’s not just about looks, but no one in my family needs glasses.”

It feels like a hole is being chiseled through my chest. I’d have loved going the rest of my life not hearing Robert’s opinion about me.

But he crosses his arms and keeps going. “She doesn’t act like any kid of mine. She’s practically mute half the time.”I can’t breathe.“She dresses more like a boy than a girl.”Please stop. “She has no friends.”

Feet clatter behind me, and I glance over to see Lily, Lo, Ryke, Daisy, Connor, Rose, and Garrison all standing to their feet. All silently sayingshe’s my friend.

Tears stream down my cheeks. When my eyes land on Daisy, she mouthsmy one friendand makes a heart with her hands, smiling.

My best friend.Daisy Calloway. Her friendship is the rare, beautiful kind, and I’m never letting it go.

My smile matches hers, and I rub my wet face. I notice Lo’s cheekbones sharpening like he’s grinding his teeth. Ryke looks equally pissed. Just when I think they might explode in the courtroom, my dad’s voice cuts in.

“Can I say something, Your Honor?” He raises his hand. His face is creased with severe, strict lines.

The judge nods. “Yes.”

My dad narrows a malicious glare on Robert. The tension in the room seems to amp with that one look, setting ablaze any fake congeniality. “Don’t ever insult my daughter again, you microscopic prick—”

“Alright, Mr. Hale—”

“In the seventeen years that she was with you—did you even talk to her?” my dad asks. “Did you know she’s charismatic when you discuss things that interest her? Maybe you should’ve seen a goddamn movie with her—”

“Mr. Hale—”