With the city skyline behind him like a silent battlefield, Michael sat in the corner office of Hudson Holdings' legal division.
"You're suggesting that we should pursue joint custody at this time?" His fingers tapped the mahogany desk in a slow rhythm as he asked.
Donna Fields, his principal lawyer, nodded. For months, the visitation schedule has operated without a hitch. There is no history of wrongdoing. You've demonstrated emotional commitment and consistency—courts like that.
Michael breathed out slowly. "How about Lucas?"
"He's just the stepfather legally," Donna stated. "Emotionally? That's a different story.
Michael faced the window. Jason is beginning to inquire already. I don't wish to destroy him.
Donna advised, "Then, be careful not to approach this like a fight." Present it as a desire to be present. not remove him.
He gave a silent nod as his mind shifted inward. To Jason's brown, inquisitive eyes. In the direction of Lorna's reserved grin, which no longer quite reached her eyes.
He texted Lorna later that night:
Can we have a conversation? Nothing hefty. Just Jason.
I'd like to know how we do this correctly.
No answer.
With her phone glowing on the counter, Lorna stood in the dim light of her kitchen. Despite seeing and reading the message twice, she chose not to respond. Her world had swung around once more, and Michael's words felt like a soft tug that she couldn't afford to resist.
Lucas had left. Jason had questions. And she—she hung somewhere between truth and loyalty, between desire and guilt.
Silence was safer for now.
Michael observed the passing of midnight.
She wasn't to blame.
He knew in his heart, though, that Lorna was no longer merely avoiding him.
The part of her that still recognized them was something she was trying to avoid.
And what they might once more be.