Page 5 of Forever with the CEO

“What are you doing?”

“Funny you should ask. Eating leftover pizza. Don’t worry, I actually found the twins something very healthy to eat. Leftover steamed broccoli and chicken.”

“Damn, I’d take the pizza over that.”

That made me grin. “Me too. My cooking skills aren’t fabulous, but I’ll continue to work on them. I wanted to ask if you talked to your lawyer friend.”

There was a pause, and my chest constricted. I didn’t know Nick too well, but he didn’t seem like the type of guy to hesitate unless he didn’t have good news.

“I did, but just briefly. He did say that he needs some more details to make recommendations.”

“But what does he think? Do they have a case?”

“He said that custody cases are always complicated. He wouldn’t just outright dismiss it.”

I felt as if someone had put a stone on each of my shoulders. “That was not what I was hoping to hear. But of course it’s better to know the truth and prepare. What kind of details does he need to make recommendations?”

“He’ll be in touch soon. I caught him before a business trip, so he didn’t have much time to chat.”

I took a deep breath. “When’s he coming back from the trip?”

“Next week.”

Suddenly, I felt like maybe I shouldn’t be waiting that long.

“But I asked him explicitly to work on it while he’s away, and he said he would,” he added.

“Thank you, Nick. I truly appreciate it. I can reach out to a lawyer too. Get a couple of opinions.”

“I’m sure. But why don’t you let me take this off your plate?”

“Thank you. You’re my favorite person right now.”

“Only right now?” he teased. “How about the rest of the time?”

“I don’t even see other people, so you’re the only one in the running.”

“Ahhh, so I have no competition.”

I laughed. God, it felt good. I’d been a bit on autopilot these past few months. The only time I seemed to be able to relax and laugh was when Nick was visiting.

“Oh, Nick, I’ve been living aGroundhog Daylifestyle for a while now. The same day is on repeat all the time.”

“Come on, that can’t be true. What do you do to relax after the twins go to bed?”

“Well, funny you should ask. I catch up on work.”

“Allison!” he practically growled.

I groaned. “Hey, I feel like you’re about to judge me.”

“Not judging you, but that’s... a lot.”

“I have a demanding job. Which was never a problem before, but now the hours I spend at the office are simply not enough.”

“I have a proposition for you. You do have a sitter, right? You mentioned something a few times.”

“Yes. About once a week so I can work the second I get home. Doreen gives them dinner and puts them to bed for me.”

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