Page 83 of A Whole New Play

Hearing my lawyer’s name feels like a punch to the gut. There’s only one reason I’d need to involve my lawyer in this situation. “You think this story could affect my custody battle with Laura?” Gary is my agent, but he’s also a friend. I’ve confided in him about my troubles with my ex and the welfare of our children multiple times these past few months.

Gary’s sigh is heavy even as it travels through the phone. “I honestly don’t know, Carter, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t you think?”

I mutter a few choice words and begin to pace the length of the hotel room.

Any judge worth their salt should hear my custody case and know I’m the better parent to raise Abby and Andy. This isn’t about me saving money by no longer having to pay child support. I couldn’t care less about the money.

Taking over custody is about the twins and what’s best for them. They deserve stability. They deserve to be put first. Me kissing my girlfriend in public shouldn’t be a reason to say I’m not the better choice for taking care of Abby and Andy.

But the reality is Gary is right.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

The admission draws a frustrated growl from deep in my chest.

“Everything all right over there?”

“Fine,” I clip, stomping over to my suitcase and pulling out a clean T-shirt.

“You don’t sound fine.”

Putting the phone on speaker, I set it down and pull the shirt over my head before replying, “How would you sound if you just realized you might’ve done something that would allow your flighty ex to keep custody of your kids?”

“I’d be pissed.”

“Exactly.” I begin to throw items in my suitcase, uncaring if they wrinkle. “Listen, I appreciate the call, Gary, but I’ve got to go.”

“Understood. I’ll keep my phone on me. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

“And I’ll reach out the moment I hear back from Avery,” he rushes to add before I end the call. “Even if the story picks up, her team is the best. She’ll know how to spin it in your favor.”

I don’t doubt it. Avery Lawson is a hell of a PR agent. Carlee couldn’t stop gushing about the woman and all she’d done to help Corey repair his image. It was an easy decision to hire her.

“Thanks, Gary. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, man. Good luck.”

I hang up and walk into the bathroom. I gather my toiletries in my arms, walk back into the bedroom, and dump them in my suitcase unceremoniously.

I’m not a major celebrity by any means. I doubt there will be paparazzi waiting outside the hotel for me, especially at this hour, but the Lonestars are staying here, too. Media outlets likely sent photographers to catch pictures of the team celebrating last night, and I’m sure some will be lingering around this morning. I plan to check out and wait for the flight back to Texas at the airport before they get the chance to find me.

I open my texts and begin typing a message to my parents, telling them of my plan. Between them and Valerie, I’m sure they can get the twins to the plane with no problem.

Shit…

Valerie.

She wasn’t recognizable in the picture I saw, but what if there are more? She could walk out of the hotel and find herself the focus of a photographer’s lens. I need to warn her.

I abandon the text to my parents and settle on the edge of the mattress, staring at the device in my hands as my mind runs through all the different ways this situation could play out.

The worst one being that my relationship with Valerie ends before it ever really has the chance to begin.

26

CARTER

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