Page 54 of For the Lover in You
I could tell Mila's mood shifted, but I grabbed her hand.
"Stop letting him control you. Don't let a man have that much control over you. It gives him the satisfaction of winning."
"You're right. I just can't wait for this shit to be over with."
"How is the lawyer search going?" I asked.
"Oh yeah, I randomly had a family lawyer reach out to me. I have a meeting with him next week. Trina somehow came across his information. He's looking to do the case pro bono. I'm nervous, but only because what if he sucks?"
I shook my head. "Don't go in there thinking that. Plus, if he does, you'll just find another lawyer."
She nodded and smiled. "Thanks for being so encouraging."
I reached for her hand and placed a kiss on it. "No problem, beautiful."
We continue riding to pick up KJ in silence. I said nothing, but I had reached out to Owen, asking him for recommendations on lawyers to help Mila out. I even offered to take on the bill, but Owen mentioned to Trina my plan to foot the bill for the lawyer, and he and Trina took on the bill instead. Trina didn't want to tell Mila because she knew Mila would protest, so we came up with the story of the pro bono. This lawyer was the best of the best in family court, so I knew he would be successful with Mila's cause.
Ten minutes later, we arrived to pick up KJ. The kids were in the yard running around while an older lady sat on the porch watching them with a smile.
"That's Chasity's mom," Mila shared. "Give me one second. Let me get him."
I nodded and watched as she got out of the car, waving at Chasity's mom. Mila moved with grace as she went and hugged KJ. She even made it her business to hug Chasity's mom. I watched the interaction between the women, and Chasity's mom looked in my direction. She threw her hand up, so I let down the window and returned the wave.
"How you doing, ma'am?"
"Good and yourself?" she asked loud enough for me to hear.
"I'm doing well! Can't complain."
I smiled at her, and she smiled back. I rolled the window up, but not before I heard her say to Mila how fine I was. A few minutes passed, and KJ walked toward the car with his bag. His smile grew bigger when he saw me getting out of the car.
"What's up, KJ?" I said.
"Mr. Houston! What's up!" He ran over toward me and extended his fist to dap me up. "Is this your car?" he excitedly asked.
"Yep! You like it?"
He nodded. "Does it go super-fast?"
I grinned. "It does, but before you ask, no, I will not go fast because your mama would kill me if I sped with you in the car."
"Aw, man," he pouted, folding his arms.
"But let's make a promise. When you turn eighteen, you can get the car and go fast."
He smiled big. "Will you still know me when I turn eighteen?"
I looked over at Mila, who was slowly making her way down the stairs but still talking to Chasity's mom. She quickly glanced at me and smiled, then turned her attention back to Chasity's mom. I thought about my life with Mila and how, since she came into it, all I wanted to do was protect her and save her from any type of trouble.
I looked at KJ and smiled. "That's the plan, my friend. Now, make sure you put your seatbelt on when you get in."
"Yes, sir!"
KJ waved goodbye to everyone and climbed in. Seconds later, Mila returned, and I ran around to beat her to the door to open it for her. Once I made it back to the driver's side, we were on our way.
"KJ, are you cool with pizza tonight?" she asked him.
He nodded. "Yes, ma'am. Cheese, please!"
