Clarity - Nicole Dykes Page 0,35
everything.
“Why didn’t you?”
“I didn’t want her to talk me out of it.” One thing about Blair, she’s always honest.
“Yeah. I get that.”
“Question time?” Her eyebrow lifts as she watches me with curiosity, and I'm worried about the question.
“I guess.”
“If Gillian told them about Bree, does that mean she’s worried about the investigation?”
I should be relieved she’s not asking about my past, but the question only causes pain in my gut.
“Yeah. I think so.”
She looks as defeated as I feel, which I don’t like seeing. I want her tough and angry, ready to fight.
“We can’t lose her, Rhys.” Her eyes lock on mine. “I’ll do anything to keep her.”
“I know.” I want to tease her about falling for the kid, but this isn’t funny. I don’t want to lose Bree either. I really don’t want to hand her over to that motherfucker.
I’ll die before I allow that to happen.
We’re both completely stressed, and it appears Gillian is feeling the same way. She drove in today for a meeting with us and Ms. Winters, who I still want to tit punch.
Her steely eyes haven’t left Rhys since we sat down, and we both know that them calling this meeting isn’t a good thing.
“What’s going on?” Rhys asks the question that’s on the tip of my tongue.
Ms. Winters, the cold bitch, is the one all too happy to answer. “The investigation into Mr. Herrington has been completed.”
What’s it been? A month? Seems they don’t have any problem moving their asses when money is involved. I watch the news. I know how backed up social services is. One month to conclude what? “And?” I ask, my voice far too nervous sounding.
“And nothing. The investigation revealed nothing other than two loving parents who wanted to add to their family.”
“And what Bree said holds no weight?” I see the tension in Rhys’s jaw, and I know he’s close to snapping.
“Of course, it does.” Gillian’s sweet voice is a contrast to Morgan’s. “All this means is he’s been cleared of any wrongdoing.”
“And he can file for adoption now?” I ask, my stomach in knots. I don’t want to lose her.
“Yes.” She nods her head slowly, sweeping her blond hair behind her ear, and I can tell she’s anxious about this as well.
“Why wouldn’t he?” Ms. Winter’s has my attention as my head swivels to look at her with the disdain I feel. “They would be good for that child. And there really isn’t anything you can do about this.”
Rhys’s eyes meet Gillian’s, and she looks sympathetic. “That’s not necessarily true.”
Morgan gives her a dirty look, but I feel hopeful as I look to Gillian. “What can we do?”
“Nothing. You can and should do nothing.” Ms. Winters is getting all worked up now, but I couldn't give a shit.
“I was asking Gillian,” I say, a bitchy edge to my voice, and again, I don’t care.
Gillian clears her throat and looks between me and Rhys. “You have the advantage. You can file for adoption too.”
Ms. Winters looks absolutely horrified, and it makes me smile as Rhys shifts in his chair, looking far more beaten down than I would like. “Adopt her?”
Gillian nods, her head tilted slightly to the side. I know she has a soft spot for Rhys even if they barely know each other. She’s Logan’s stepmother after all. “Yes. Adopt her.”
“That’s absurd and completely unorthodox.”
Gillian looks at her colleague who, according to Rhys, she thought she could trust. “I realize that this is your case, but if you aren’t going to supply them with all of the necessary information, I'm happy to take over. I’m sure Marion would be fine with that.”
I have no idea who Marion is, but if I had to guess, it’s their boss. She huffs and stands up. “Fine. I have other work to do but know I will be in any hearing involving Aubrey.”
Rhys snarls at her, but to his credit, he’s quiet as she exits.
And finally, it’s just Gillian and us. Gillian has a far more calming presence. “Okay you guys, I’m not going to lie to you. This won’t be a cakewalk. The Herringtons have a lot of money and pull in the community.”
I see Rhys’s face turn pale, and I resist rubbing his back or touching his thigh as I face Gillian head-on. “We can file to adopt her though?”
“Yes. You can. She’s in your care right now, which leaves you at a certain advantage, along with the fact that she likes you guys, I'm assuming.”
I smile and Rhys