Page 73 of Arresting the Hockey Player
“And what about more recently?”
“Objection, your honor. Relevance,” Noah’s attorney interrupts.
“Get to the point, Counselor,” the judge says, giving Jasmine’s attorney a pointed look. “We’re not here to discuss Ms. Grace’s sex life.”
“I’ll reframe the question,” her attorney says, offering a forced smile. “Ms. Grace, were you in a committed relationship with Noah Reece when you discovered he had a son?”
“Objection, Your Honor. Relevance,” Noah’s attorney interrupts.
I swear, at this point, the man is a parrot.
“I’m going to have to agree with Counselor Deon. Her relationship status with Noah Reece isn’t relevant.”
“Mr. Reece has a reputation as a playboy, and I’m just trying to determine if that’s fact with Ms. Grace’s testimony. And if it is fact, then does that make him an adequate father?”
The judge shakes her head. “I will not turn my courtroom into a three-ring circus. The issue has never been about Mr. Reece’s reputation or promiscuity. From what I can tell, he wants to be in his son’s life, and there’s no evidence standing in his way. The arrest was a misunderstanding, and I commend Ms. Grace for her actions, doing what she believed was in the child’s best interests. With that said, the only lingering question I have is whether he should be given full custody. After lunch, I’d also like Mr. Reece to take the stand. I have a few questions for him,” the judge says.
* * *
“I still can’t believe that asshole lawyer kept asking about my sex life,” I say, taking a bite of my sandwich. I’m seated across from Amber, and Jasper is beside her. Kyler is seated next to me.
“Pervy lawyer,” Amber says, sipping her hot chocolate.
We’re seated at a picnic table outside, a block from the courthouse. The air is brisk, but there aren’t too many places to grab lunch nearby. A hotdog cart across the street and a sandwich vendor the next block over near the park.
“He was just doing his job, trying to make Noah look bad,” Kyler says. “But he’ll be a better father than Grant.”
“That really puts the bar up there,” Jasper says and laughs.
“What do you think the judge wants to ask Noah?” I ask, taking another bite. We don’t have too much time and I want to make sure that we’re back before the judge returns from lunch.
“Probably a list of his recent conquests,” Jasper jokes. “Maybe she wants his phone number?”
Amber smacks his arm. “Quit being a jerk. She probably wants to know how he will raise a son with a full-time hockey career. I mean, that would be my first question.”
I inhale sharply. “Has Noah thought about that? Has he discussed hiring a nanny, or does he have family who can help him?”
Kyler shifts on the bench, facing me. “I spoke with him about a nanny, but it’s not like he has anything lined up already. We all would be willing to help, but for travel and game nights, he’ll need someone else there with Zayn until he hires a nanny.”
“His family isn’t an option,” Jasper says. “He’s not close with his mom, she’s got some mental health issues, and his parents are still married. His dad’s a narcissist and will expect something in return. I don’t think Noah would trust them with Zayn. No siblings, either.”
I can’t recall Noah ever speaking about his parents, but it’s not a topic that I’ve broached.
“I could do it,” I say and grab my soda, taking a swig. “He might not want me around, but my schedule has evenings and weekends off. I can always bring Zayn with me to work. It’s just during class that someone else might have to watch him.”
“What do you do that would allow you to bring a little kid to work with you? Do they have daycare or something available?” Kyler asks.
“I work for the park district. There is a daycare center at the rec center. I didn’t even consider that, but I usually spend my afternoons teaching little kids to ice skate or play hockey.”
“Wait, you actually like hockey?” Kyler’s eyes widen. “Can you convince Em that it’s not so bad and a fun sport?”
Jasper grins. “Maybe some of that hockey love can rub off on Amber too.”
“Hey, I’m right here!” Amber pinches Jasper’s arm. “Be nice.”
“I am nice. You’re the one pinching my arm,” he grumbles.
* * *
