clockwork. I told you it was open and shut,” Adam exclaimed as we came out of the courtroom on Friday morning.
The temporary custody hearing had lasted all of twenty minutes. Josie’s lawyer had been there, but of course, Josie wasn’t. Her attorney didn’t really challenge the temporary custody order, saying Josie was fine with maintaining the current arrangement as it was what was “best for Katie.”
Kyle had snorted at that, and I had to elbow him in the side to remind him to keep his reactions silent.
The judge quickly awarded Kyle with temporary physical custody but stipulated that Josie was free to visit whenever it was deemed suitable by both parties. He then named an attorney out of Philadelphia called Frederick Suthers as the guardian ad litem. Mr. Struthers was present, and we met him briefly after the hearing. He gave Kyle his business card and told him to call and set up a time for him to come by and do the first home visit.
After Mr. Struthers left, Kyle crumpled the card in his hand before shoving it in his pocket. “Deep breaths, buddy. Deep, cleansing breaths,” Adam had instructed, patting his back.
Now we were standing out on the sidewalk, the sun baking down. “I hate the word ‘temporary’,” Kyle said, shielding his eyes from the brightness.
“Why is Josie being so agreeable? She didn’t even contest the temporary custody?” I asked, automatically suspicious of Kyle’s ex and her motives. I barely knew Josie. I only remembered her as one of Chelsea’s hangers-ons. Not a girl that was memorable in her own right. But if she had been friends with Chelsea “I think I’m hot shit” Sloane, it didn’t speak highly of her character, even if Kyle had been involved with her.
“Because she can’t be asked to fly up here and fight for her daughter,” Kyle grumbled his expression hard.
“That and it proves that she has Katie’s best interest at heart. Her lawyer says she’s finishing up training for a new job that she starts next week. She’s secured housing and is continuing to go to her weekly therapy sessions. She’s painting a picture for the judge. Just as you and Whitney are doing.” Adam checked the time on his phone. “Are you guys okay? I have a meeting in thirty minutes that I need to go and prepare for. But if you want to process some more, we can grab a coffee—”
“No, you go ahead. Thanks, man.” Kyle pulled out his keys, jangling them in his hand.
Adam looked from Kyle to me. “Things good with you two?” There was a note of something in his voice. Something I didn’t want to look at too closely.
“Fine. Why wouldn’t they be?” Kyle asked, sounding defensive.
“That’s good. Because you selling this marriage is going to be the lynchpin in this whole thing. You need to be a happy family when the GAL comes over.” He smirked. “That also means it’ll need to look as if you’re sleeping in the same room. Maybe you should practice to make sure you get it right.”
Kyle shoved Adam. “Get the fuck out of here already. Don’t you have someplace to be?”
Adam held his hands up in surrender. “I get the point. See you guys later.” He winked and then jogged to his car before Kyle could deck him.
“Okay, so I’m going to call and set up the home visit now. Are you heading back to work?” Kyle asked, pulling out his phone.
“I took the afternoon off actually. I told Mom I’d have lunch with her.” I paused. “You’re welcome to join us if you want.”
“Thanks, but I’ve got to head over to the Jefferson Street job. I told Lucky and Mary I’d come help with the fence they’re staining.” He slid on his sunglasses, and I had to work hard not to swoon. He had no idea how handsome he was. No idea at all. “So, I’ll see you at home later?”
Every part of my body warmed up with the word ‘home.’
“I’ll be there.” And then I gave him a thumbs up. Jesus, I was so lame.
Kyle gave me a quizzical look. “Okay, I’ll pick up take-out then. Any preferences?”
“Nope. Surprise me,” I said with a smile.
“Be careful what you wish for,” Kyle warned, holding the phone to his ear. “Do you need a ride to your mom’s?”
“I’m fine. I told her I’d meet her in town.” When had this become so easy? Talking about rides and take-out and seeing each other at home.