Page 20 of Tortured Tones

I let out a low chuckle. I liked her quick comebacks. But something about her was still off. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe it was just me. I wanted to mess up her perfectly slicked-back blonde bun, see a crease in her impeccably ironed shirt, and put a scuff on her shiny polished black shoes. No one needed to look that prim and proper at this hour of the day. Oh wait...it was after noon.

“Be nice.” Tia play-punched my arm. “You need her.”

“Fine.” I stuffed my hands into the pocket of my hoodie. But I liked a good challenge. Getting Ava to show some form of emotion might be it.

Hannah fidgeted with her beaded necklace, twisting it around her shaky fingers. “Cole, are you sure about this? I don’t want you to meet Charlotte if you really don’t want anything to do with her. Charlotte has had enough disruption, heartache, and trauma after losing Shelby and Keith. We don’t want her to go through the process of getting to know you, bond with you, only to have that ripped away.”

“Me either.” I dug my fingernails into my palm. “I promise you—I’ll do my best to ensure that doesn’t happen.” I would. I just didn’t know how to do that or where to start.

“Remember she’s a child.” Hannah tone turned motherly and wise. “She will sense your feelings. So just be honest and genuine.”

Fuck. I was in trouble. This might be a lost cause already. “Fine.”

“Alright then, Cole.” Paul turned his wheelchair to face the door. “Are you ready to meet your daughter? She’s in one of the other offices with the social worker. Shall we?”

My breath shuddered through my chest as I forced myself to nod.

Tia gave me a reassuring smile. “I’ll go grab a coffee then wait in the reception area. I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks.”

Hannah and Paul led me down the hall to a meeting room with a glass wall. I couldn’t see anyone inside as Hannah knocked on the door.

My heart clambered to my throat. My pulse thudded in my temples. Crap.

Is it hot in here?

From behind the oval oak table, a curvy Black woman, dressed in navy dress pants and a white blouse, rose to her feet. She came over and opened the door.

“You showed up. That’s a good start.” She lifted her chin and scanned me up and down. She thrust out her hand. “I’m Arilla McCarthy. I’m the social worker assigned to your case and will be assessing you over the coming months.”

“Hey.” I shook her hand. God. My palm was sweaty, but there was nothing I could do about it. “Cole Tanner. Nice to meet you.”

“Do you have any questions about the oncoming process, Mr. Tanner?”

My lawyer had bombarded me with emails and information overload during the past few days, but I understood what had to be done. “No.” I grimaced. “I’ve got it. Take care of the kid. Check in with you via Zoom before I go on the tour. Show up to the final review hearing in a few months. Any other issues, call you.”

“Good.” She nodded as if impressed. “You aren’t the first person to find out that you’ve fathered a child. I’m sorry about the unfortunate circumstances. But I’m glad you are taking responsibility and want to be part of your child’s life. How long for and at what capacity is now up to you. Don’t give Hannah or me a reason to submit anything other than a glowing report at your final custody hearing, Mr. Tanner. The court will ultimately decide what is best for your daughter’s future. Her care and well-being are our priority.”

That may or may not be with me. My eyebrows pinched together. “Mine too.” I squeezed the teddy bear’s neck, hoping and praying my head would stop spinning, but it didn’t work.

“While we have no reason to be concerned, for your first meeting and to ensure the child’s safety, I’ll be watching you through this glass window.” Arilla flicked a finger toward the glass wall.

“That’s fine. I’m used to being watched.” I sneered at Ava, lingering in the hall beside me. She mimicked the gesture.

“Well then, Mr. Tanner.” Arilla stepped to the side. “It’s time to meet your daughter.”

“Thanks.” But I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. This was it. Shit.

Arilla’s tone softened with a subtle hint of compassion. “Just remember she’s more terrified than you are.”

I doubted that.

“We’ll leave you to it.” Arilla weaved around me to head out of the office. “Just remember, we’re watching.”

“Okay.” My head jerked with an awkward nod as I took a couple of hesitant steps into the room. Arilla shut the door behind me.

Crap!

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