Page 108 of Fight For Us
I stood there with my mouth agape as my current wife and ex-wife worked together to take down Regina. Was I dreaming?
Lilly pounded down the stairs with a backpack slung on her shoulder and a stuffed animal in her arms. “Dad, I need my phone. She took it that day after school.”
Savannah held her hand out. “Get my kid her phone and be sure to delete our numbers from yours.”
Regina sneered and spun on her heel, coming back a few seconds later with Lilly’s phone. “I only wanted what’s best for her.”
“Your intentions don’t matter. You broke the law. You traumatized my daughter and made me leave the best opportunity of my life to come back here.” Savannah’s voice shook and she turned her back, heading out the door. “I’m done.”
“Come here, Lilly,” I said. “Do you want to say goodbye?”
Lilly stuck her hand out in front of her grandmother and waited for Regina to shake it. When she didn’t, Lilly shrugged. “Have a nice life. Oh, and by the way, you smell like old rotten flowers and I hate this house.”
With that she walked outside to her mother with her head held high. Olivia and I exchanged bewildered looks and followed, closing the door on a stunned Regina Robinson.
“Where’s Alex?” Lilly asked as soon as we were by the cars.
“He’s with Aunt Mia. We can pick him up on the way home,” Olivia said. Lilly dropped her stuff in the backseat and hugged Olivia. “I missed you, kiddo.”
“I missed you, too. I was worried I’d have to stay there forever.”
“I’d never let that happen,” I said, joining their hug.
Savannah walked over from her car and Olivia touched my shoulder. “I’ll give you two some privacy. Lil, I saw some cool flowers over there. Should we go see?”
“Yeah, sure.”
I smiled at Olivia, mouthing athank you.
“She seems pretty great,” Sav said, once they were out of earshot. “Too good for you.”
I crossed my arms and leaned against the hood. “You’re not wrong there. She’s great. She and Lilly have really bonded these last few months.”
“I’m glad. Lilly needs a mother figure in her life.” Sav sniffed and turned her face away from me. “Thanks for calling me. I know it wasn’t easy for you to reach out.”
“I’m glad I did. I still can’t believe she’d forge documents. What a piece of work. Do you think her lawyer was in on it?”
She pulled a cigarette out of her purse and lit it. “Knowing my parents, probably. They have connections everywhere. She’s not dumb enough to cross me though. I know all their dirty secrets. Enough to ruin their lives.” She took a slow drag and blew the smoke toward the sky. “She must have found out I left the country and decided to pounce. Wonder how long she’s been keeping tabs on me?”
“Listen, I know we’ve had our differences, but I think it’s time we set them aside and make a new custody arrangement. When are you heading back to Spain?”
“In a few days. I wasn’t sure how bad it would be here.” She gestured to the house and I understood what she meant. “What are you thinking for custody?”
“Joint custody and for us to work things out in writing. We need better communication, too.” I pulled my new phone out of my pocket and Sav’s eyes widened.
“Wesley Reed with an iPhone. I’m shocked.”
I chuckled. “The things we do for love.”
Savannah’s face lit up. “I’m genuinely happy for you, Wes. Lilly looks happy too. I’m willing to sign a new agreement. Have your lawyer send it over to me.”
“Sounds good, I’ll try to get it to you before you leave. Did you want to spend a few days with Lilly?”
“I think she’d rather go with you, but if it’s okay, I’d like to take her to dinner later.” She dropped her cigarette and stepped on the butt. I cringed but then remembered we were on Regina’s property and didn’t feel so bad.
“That works,” I said.
Savannah called for Lilly and they hugged, promising to see each other later.
