Page 171 of Role Play
“No,” he agrees. “You shouldn’t have. But we can do better going forward. For her sake.”
The mediator, who’s been watching this exchange with evident relief, clears his throat. “It sounds like we’re making progress. Are we ready to draw up a custody agreement?”
“Yes,” Hannah and Forrest say in unison.
As the mediator and lawyers dive into logistics, Dad and I step back toward the door. He looks highly content, like a chess master who just executed a particularly clever move.
“Dad,” I whisper. “That was amazing. I know I told you not to meddle, but from here on out…meddle away.”
“Noted,” he replies with a wink.
The meeting concludes with remarkable speed after that, everyone eager to capitalize on this unexpected breakthrough. Hannah’s lawyer looks relieved to have found an amicable solution, Rina seems smugly satisfied, and Hannah herself appears thoughtful, as if reassessing her priorities
They file out of the conference room—Hannah and her lawyer heading one direction, Forrest and Rina joining us down the hallway toward the elevators.
“J.P.,” Forrest says once they’re caught up to us. “I don’t know how to thank you. That lie saved us.”
My father looks truly puzzled. “Lie? What lie?”
“About me being your agent.”
“Oh, that wasn’t a lie, son.” He claps Forrest on the shoulder. “I sincerely hope you know your way around a contract, because we have work to do. Sora speaks highly of your legal background. You’re going to need it. The publishing industry is like bathing in chum, then swimming naked in Australia. Buckle up.”
Forrest blinks at him, dumbfounded. “You’re serious?”
“Deadly.” My dad holds out his hand. “We can discuss terms later. You’ll need to draw up a contract of representation. And doa good job, buddy, because I read every word. But right now, I believe you have a little girl to see.”
Forrest takes his hand, a slow smile breaking his face wide. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”
“See that you don’t.” With that cryptic parting shot, my father joins Rina in the elevator to head down to the lobby, leaving Forrest and me alone in the hallway.
“Did that just happen?” Forrest asks, looking shell-shocked. “Did J.P. Cooper really just make me his agent?”
“Apparently.” I slip my hand into his. “Are you okay with that? It’s not exactly practicing law.”
“Are you kidding? It’s perfect.” He squeezes my hand. “It’s a legitimate legal job that lets me use my degree without having to join some soul-crushing firm. And the commission on an eight-figure deal…” He whistles low. “That would solve a lot of problems. Hey, maybe I can be your agent too and get you into bookstores.”
I turn up my nose and pretend to be put off. “Eh, I don’t know. You’re pretty inexperienced. Are you even any good?”
“Listen, lady, I’m your best shot. No one would work harder for you.”
“Well, I know that for fact,” I say.
He pulls me closer, his arms encircling my waist. Around us, the business of the mediation office continues—phones ringing, people passing, lives being rearranged in conference rooms all around us. But in this moment, it’s just us.
“I love you,” he says softly. “Whether we’re in Wyoming or New York or anywhere else in the world. Home is wherever you are.”
“I love you too,” I answer proudly, still delighted at the way the words dance off my tongue. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of saying it.
“Things will be less messy from here on out, I promise you,” Forrest says with as much sincerity as he can muster.
“Doubtful,” I sass. “Our whole journey has been messy and chaotic and definitely not the stuff of fairy tales.”
“No?” A smile plays at his mouth.
“No,” I confirm. “It’s been better. It’s been real.” I reach up to cradle his clean-shaven cheek. I admire the face of this beautiful, complicated man who’s changed my life in ways I’m still discovering. “A story well worth telling.”
His lips meet mine in a kiss that feels like a promise, like a beginning. Pulling away, he looks into my eyes as he borrows my line…
