Page 114 of A Whole New Play

As it turns out, my PR agent, Avery Lawson and her team have connections in the media. Through those connections, they obtained proof that Laura’s been leaking the details of our custody battle to the press. When Davis presented that evidence to her attorneys, her legal council took swift action.

Apparently, that included advising their client to rethink her position in this case.

Now, after having our court appearance moved up, Laura’s lawyer says they will reach out to Davis soon to discuss the new arrangement that they’ll be presenting to the judge next week.

We will have to see what the document says, but no matter what it says, I still plan on fighting for full custody with visitation. It may seem harsh, but Laura is too flighty for me to believe she’s reliable enough to care for our twins.

Still, the fact she’s pulling back from her initial plans could mean she’s finally coming to her senses and doing what’s best for the kids.

That’s my hope, at least.

“That’s great news.” Valerie beams.

“Yeah, it is.” I nod. “Sorry again about calling you for help.”

“Don’t be. I’m happy I could help.” Her smile warms as she drops her gaze to the twins. They look back at her with equally happy smiles.

I’m glad their run-in with Sara didn’t hamper their moods. Still, I need to figure out what to do about that as soon as we’re out of here.

I look around the crowd as the principal announces the second-grade winner. A little brunette with pigtails races up on the stage for her award.

I keep my attention on the stage, hoping the distraction will hide how uneasy my next question makes me feel, “Have you heard anything about California?”

I don’t know what came over me, but suddenly, I’m itching to know whether or not she got the job.

I’m not proud to admit part of me hopes she doesn’t—if only to avoid facing the predicament of what her decision will be and whether or not I will influence it.

Valerie clears her throat. “Actually, yes. I did.”

“And now for the first-grade class,” Principal Bradley starts.

“Dad! This is it!” Abby’s grip tightens and she begins to chew on her bottom lip in anticipation. Andy rises on his toes but otherwise looks calm as a cucumber.

I force myself to focus on the man on the stage even though every fiber of my being wishes I could hit pause on the science fair and hear what Valerie has to say.

“Every one of our youngest participants did a fantastic job on their projects, and I hope they continue to explore their scientific interests and join us for years to come.”

Polite applause sounds.

The principal clears his throat. “Now, for first prize, the judges and I would like to congratulate the self-sustaining natural battery created by Abigail Jones.”

The principal hasn’t even finished saying my daughter’s name before our group starts to shout and cheer at the top of our lungs.

“Go, Abby!” Carlee yells.

“You did it!” Andy nudges his sister’s arm and jumps up and down. Abby teeters to the side. I hold onto her shoulder to stabilize her.

Corey and Valerie cheer and clap along with the rest of the crowd.

Abby straightens and stares at the stage with wide eyes.

I gently loosen her grip on my hand and bend down. “You won, Abby,” I say into her ear. “Go get your award.”

She blinks and looks at me in disbelief.

I jerk my head to the stage. “Go on.”

Still looking a little dazed, she nods and stiffly begins walking towards the stage.

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