Page 117 of Left

Again, Jasmine paused. Looking at her cup, she worried her bottom lip.

“I would very much like to go on this trip with my family, but of course, I’d never leave Tommy for ten days.” She looked so emotional. Ivy was lost. What was she talking about?

“What are you asking?” Manny inquired, although Ivy was sure that Jasmine hadn’t yet posed a question. Ivy could tell he suspected Jasmine must be up to something. His tone was frosty, bordering on hostile.

“Sorry, this is embarrassing for me under the circumstances.” She looked from Ivy to Manny. She shook her head and sighed. “I want to take Tommy on the trip with my family and I, but I can’t apply for his passport without your signature.” Her gaze landed on Manny.

“Mine?” he asked.

“Yes, legally I can’t apply for a passport for my son without you, because as far as the law is concerned, you’re his father. Actually, even with the passport, I can’t take him out of the country without your express written permission.” By the time she finished, Jasmine was fighting back tears.

Oh Leonardo! You idiot.The ramifications of what he did would affect them all for a very long time. In ways that they hadn’t considered. Poor Jasmine had to come to Manny to take her son on vacation. Ivy looked at Manny. His jaw ticked. This was going to set back any goodwill he would be willing to extend to his brother.

Jasmine sniffled as she continued. Ivy’s heart broke for her. The betrayal was fresh, and a situation like this only made it worse. The poor woman had to go to a man who wasn’t her son’s father for decisions concerning the boy. Hell, even Ivy, who was team give Leonardo a chance, felt the sting of her own anger at the memory of what her new brother-in-law did.

Good luck trying to get this woman to forgive you!

“I just want to take Tommy on vacation and now I have to come to you. I’m so sorr?—”

“This isn’t on you,” Manny cut her off. “You let me know what you need, and I will make sure you have it. You’re his mother. I’ll back whatever decision you feel is best.”

“Thank you, I appreciate—” Jasmine trailed off as she looked at the notification on her phone.

“I’m so sorry. Do you mind if I cut this short? That was my sister. Tommy is having a tough morning. We didn’t pack any blue socks. The last few weeks have been weird. Um, it seems the terrible twos have arrived.”

“Oh, I do not envy you that. Benjamin, our mildest mannered child, went through terrible twos from about eighteen months until he was three and a half.” Ivy shared.

“Oh God, no,” Jasmine said, looking horrified.

“If it’s any consolation. One morning, he woke up and turned the corner. It was easy sailing after that.”

Jasmine stood. “I want to say it is, but not really.” She sighed and gave a half smile. “Thank you both for meeting with me, and for being so helpful. I can have a carrier drop off the paperwork for the passport and the affidavit for permission to travel later this afternoon.”

“No problem. We will email you the location to have it sent,” Manny advised.

“The bill is taken care of; I charged it to my room. Hopefully, you can meet Tommy when he is in better spirits.” Jasmine rushed off, leaving the couple at the table.

Manny still looked pissed. She didn’t blame him. Ivy waited for him to collect his thoughts.

“Are you hungry, Doc?” he asked.

“No, I’m good.”

“Let’s get the hell out of here. I need some fresh air.”

Instead of taking the elevator to the car, he lead them out the front door. He intertwined their hands. They turned left and walked. The weather was unseasonably warm. Spring was forcing an appearance. It was a block before the silence was broken. They were stopped at a red light when Manny turned to her.

“Doc, I don’t know how I’m supposed to look him in the face in an hour and not beat his ass into next week.”

“I know Babe. The ramifications of what he did is going to be felt for a long fucking time.”

“Maybe it is for the best.”

Hm. Ivy wasn’t expecting Manny’s thoughts to go in that direction. She waited until they had safely crossed the road, before she asked, “what do you mean, maybe it’s for the best?”

“Jasmine won’t need my brother’s permission to parent her child.”

Wait!? Was Manny suggesting what she thought?

---