Fast Break (Texas Titans Holiday)

by Cheryl Douglas

  Kevin didn’t even know if David Williams was in the building. If he was, he’d make sure he cleared his schedule for Bree. “Let me check,” Kevin said, rounding his desk to reach for his phone. “If he’s here, you can probably meet with him now.”

  “Oh no,” Bree said, covering Kevin’s hand before he could dial. “I’m sure he’s a busy man. I don’t want to—”

  “It’s okay,” he said, grinning. “Another perk of being the boss.”

  Within minutes, his receptionist responded, telling him David would be waiting for Bree in his office.

  “Do you want me to head up with you, make the introductions?”

  “No,” she said, flattening her hand over her stomach. “I don’t want him to know…” Her voice trailed off as she gestured between them. “You know, that we’re involved.”

  He tried to tamp down his irritation, knowing she was already in a fragile state. “Sweetheart, David will ask you if there’s anyone else. That’s part of his job.”

  “Oh,” she said, covering her full lips with the tips of her fingers. “I guess I hadn’t thought of that. Do you think that will be a problem? I mean, will it make me look bad in the eyes of the court? If it comes down to a custody battle, I can’t risk losing my daughter, Kev. Not for anyone.”

  It felt like she’d sucker-punched him in the gut. Of course he wouldn’t expect her to choose between her daughter and him, but just being reminded how much he stood to lose if this thing went south left him shaky.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, reaching for his hand. “That didn’t come out right. You must think I’m horrible. You’ve been so good to me, helping me with—”

  “It’s okay,” he said, waving off her apology. “I understand. If someone was threatening to take Danny away from me I’d react the same way.”

  Bree paled. “You don’t think there’s any chance he could, do you? Take Ainsley away from me?” She sank into the chair in front of Kevin’s desk. “Oh God, I couldn’t handle that. My little girl means everything to me, Kev. I’d be lost without her.”

  He walked around the desk, bending down on his haunches so they were eye-to-eye. “Listen to me,” he said, grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger so she couldn’t break eye contact. “From everything you’ve told me about this guy, there’s no way a judge would grant him custody of a child.” He didn’t bother telling her it would have helped her case considerably if she’d filed that domestic abuse charge the night she left him.

  “I hope you’re right.” Her bottom lip was trembling as she squeezed Kevin’s hand. “God, I hope you’re right.”

  * * *

  Bree was trying so hard to remain calm as some stranger probed her for details about her marriage.

  “We’ll file on grounds of insupportability,” David said. “Adultery might be tough to prove though, given a minor simply witnessed a kiss. It may not have gone further than that.” He smiled at Bree’s incredulous expression. “Of course, I’m pretty sure it did, but my opinions don’t matter. The court is only interested in the facts.”

  “The facts,” Bree repeated, feeling her fear morph into frustration and anger. “The fact is I supported that man for years when he was too much of a mess to hold down a job. I encouraged him to get help for his drinking problem, held him when he cried, stood by him after his father’s death…” She drew a deep breath to compose herself when she realized she was rambling. “I’m sorry, Mr. Williams.”

  “It’s okay,” he said, smiling. “And it’s David, remember?”

  “Right. David.”

  “There’s nothing I haven’t heard before.” He grinned. “I’ve been at this a long time, Bree. And let’s just say divorce brings out the absolute worst in people. All things considered, you seem to be handling it remarkably well.”

  She assumed that was because she’d given up on her marriage a long time ago. Learning of Lyle’s infidelity just gave her the impetus to move forward and put an end to it without guilt. “I’m just ready to move on with my life.”

  “When you say you’re ready to move on,” David said, raising a graying eyebrow as he steepled his fingers in front of him. “Am I to assume you’re involved with someone else?”

  Bree hesitated. How could she tell David she was sleeping with his boss without sounding as bad as she’d accused Lyle of being? The difference was he’d been with someone else while they were still living under the same roof, trying to make their marriage work.

  “You know that anything you say to me is confidential,” David said. “I only ask because if you are, it’s bound to come out during the proceedings and I don’t like surprises. I intend to do my homework and I’m sure his lawyer will do the same.”

  “Kevin and I…” Bree cleared her throat. “We, uh, were together when he was in college. We reconnected recently.”

  “Kevin?” A slight smile touched David’s lips before he said, “Ah, so that explains why he demanded I clear the decks for you this morning.”

  Bree felt a blush creep up her neck, spilling onto her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I wish he hadn’t done that. I know how busy you must be.”

  David chuckled. “When the boss starts making demands, I listen.”

  “We can arrange to meet another time,” Bree said, reaching for her purse. “When you’re not so busy.”

  “It’s fine,” David said, crossing his legs before running a hand over his silk tie. “Really, it is. But I think we’ve covered enough ground to get things started. Do you have any more questions for me?”

  “How long do you expect this to take?” She’d normally be asking how much he expected it to cost as well, but she hoped to be able to work out a payment plan with Kevin later. In spite of his offer, she had no intention of letting him absorb her legal costs. This was her problem and she intended to assume responsibility for it.

  “It’s difficult to say,” David said. “It depends on whether your husband intends to contest.”

  Knowing Lyle, he would out of spite, if for no other reason. “I’m not going to lie,” she said, feeling queasy. “I’m concerned he may request joint custody. I don’t want that.” When she realized how harsh she sounded, she said, “Given the distance between his home and mine, it wouldn’t be feasible, especially since he’s without a driver’s license right now.”

  “Right, the D.U.I.,” David said. “That certainly won’t help his cause.”

  “It’s not that I want to keep Ainsley from seeing her father,” Bree explained. “He may not have been a model husband, but he wasn’t a bad father, and Ainsley does love him.” She knew she should be giving him a litany of reasons why she wanted to keep them apart, not stating Lyle’s case.

  “I understand completely,” David said. “It’s admirable of you to try and keep this civil, Bree. By this stage of the game, especially when there are other parties involved, it can get pretty ugly.”

  “We do have a child together,” Bree said when Ainsley’s face flashed through her mind. “I have to think about what’s best for her. She needs to spend time with Lyle, to know that he loves her and will always be there for her. If I tried to cut him out of her life, or worse, replace him with someone else, she would eventually resent me. I can’t risk that.”

  David smiled. “You’re absolutely right. I’ve seen it happen a hundred times.” He paused. “All information we exchange is strictly confidential, but given your relationship with my boss, I have to assume Kevin will ask for progress reports. Are you comfortable with me talking to him about it?”

  “Of course,” Bree said, rising to offer David her hand. “Kevin and I don’t have any secrets.”

  * * *

  Kevin knew in no time Bree’s daughter would have him wrapped around her little finger. She was sweet and funny and utterly charming. A little Southern belle in the making.

  “What are you hoping Santa will bring you for Christmas, Ainsley?” Kevin asked, winking at her mama.

  Looking serious, her blond eyebrows pucke
red as she dropped the crayon she’d been using to color on the paper placemat.

  Kevin had purposely taken them to a family restaurant Zach recommended, one that welcomed children, no matter how loud or boisterous. He wanted Bree and Ainsley to feel comfortable and he knew his favorite five-star restaurant wouldn’t put them at ease.

  “A jewelry-making kit, dress-up costumes, an artist’s set…” She bit her lip, deep in thought. “Oh, and a Boogie Board,” she said, looking satisfied with herself for remembering all of the items on her list.

  “Wow, that’s quite a list,” Kevin said, admiring how utterly adorable she looked when her head was bowed, the overhead light bouncing off her shiny curls.

  “Mama says I may not get it all, but it’s good to give Santa options.”

  “That’s very wise,” Kevin said, trying to school his features so she wouldn’t think he was making fun of her. “Tell me something, what’s a Boogie Board? I’ve never heard of one.”

  “You’ve never heard of a Boogie Board?” she asked, dropping her crayon as she gaped at him.

  Kevin laughed. “No, I guess my son’s past that stage. So, fill me in. What is it?”

  “It’s a board you draw on, but you don’t need paper. I want the pink one with white flowers.”

  “Is pink your favorite color?” he asked, propping his chin in his hand as he listened to her. He felt a pang of guilt he hadn’t spent more time with Danny when he was Ainsley’s age. He wondered if he’d have another chance to be a father… and a step-father.

  “I love pink,” she said, grinning. “But I like purple too. I can’t decide if I wanna paint my new room pink or purple.”

  “Lilac,” Bree said, smoothing a hand over Ainsley’s hair. “Remember we talked about that, a pretty, soft lilac.”

  Kevin and Bree exchanged a smile when Ainsley went back to coloring.

  “How was your day?” she asked him, smoothing the paper napkin in her lap. “Busy, I’m sure.”

  “Never a dull moment,” he said, reaching for his soft drink. “Not that I’m complaining. I’m working on a couple of interesting cases right now.”

  “You’re a lawyer, right?” Ainsley asked, looking up. “Monica says you put people in jail.”

  Keep people out of jail is more like it, but he didn’t feel comfortable telling Ainsley that. “I don’t put people in jail,” Kevin said, smiling. “That’s the judge’s job.”

  “Monica says you’re really rich. Is that true?”

  Kevin coughed when Bree shot her daughter a warning look. Leave it to his sweet little niece to spill all his secrets.

  “Ainsley,” Bree said, frowning, “that’s not a polite question. Tell Mr. Foster you’re sorry for being—”

  “It’s Kevin, remember?” he said, winking at Ainsley. “And it’s okay, there’s no need to apologize. In answer to your question, I’m pretty lucky. I earn a good living.” Not to mention the stocks and real estate holdings that have earned even more than my law practice.

  “Do you live in a big house like Monica?” she asked, looking fascinated. “The first time I saw her house I thought it was a castle, remember, Mama?”

  “I remember,” Bree said, blushing. “You thought Monica must be a princess to live in a house like that.”

  Kevin chuckled. “Monica is a princess, just ask her daddy.”

  The light in Ainsley’s eyes dimmed. “I’d like to live in a castle, like a princess.”

  “Remember what we talked about, Ainsley,” Bree said quietly. “It’s not about where we live, but whether we’re happy that matters.”

  “Your mama’s right,” Kevin said. “I live in a big house, but I’m not happy all the time.”

  “You’re not?” Ainsley asked, her mouth dropping open to reveal two missing teeth. “How come?”

  He shrugged, shooting a side-long glance at Bree to gauge her reaction to his admission. “I get lonely sometimes.”

  Ainsley leaned in, her high-pitched voice dropping to a stage whisper. “Me too.”

  “You do?” Kevin leaned in so there was barely an inch separating them, inviting her to whisper in his ear if she chose to. “How come?”

  “I wanna a sister.”

  Kevin pinched his lips together, certain that if he looked up Bree would be glowering at them. “I understand. I wanted a little brother when I was growing up. I was pretty happy when my parents brought Zach home from the hospital.”

  “You’re lucky,” she said, sinking back against the vinyl bench. “My mommy and daddy aren’t together anymore, so I’m never gonna get a little sister.”

  Kevin felt his heart twist painfully and he just wanted to reach out and give her a hug. “Come here, sweetie,” he said, reaching out his hand as he patted the seat beside him.

  She hesitated before moving to the bench seat next to him.

  Kevin extended his arm behind her, lowering his head as he spoke in hushed tones. “I know it’s hard to understand why your parents aren’t living together anymore. I bet you miss your daddy a lot, right?”

  Her eyes shone as she bit her lip, stealing a quick glance at her mother before looking down at the clasped hands in her lap. “Yeah.”

  He ruffled the top of her head, letting her silky waves slip between his fingers. “I understand and I’m willing to bet your daddy misses you just as much as you miss him.”

  She looked up, her blue eyes a stunning reflection of Bree’s. “You really think so?”

  “I know so.”

  “How do you know?”

  Kevin sighed softly. He’d intended to keep the evening light and fun, but it was obvious Ainsley was struggling to make sense of all the changes in her life and he wanted to help any way he could. “I’m a daddy too and I know how much I miss my son now that we’re not living together anymore.”

  “Where does he live?”

  “He lives with his mama, just across town.”

  “Do you still get to see him?”

  Kevin shifted his body, inviting Ainsley to do the same. “As much as I can, which isn’t often enough. That’s why I get lonely sometimes.”

  She patted his leg. “My mama says it’s okay to be lonely sometimes. It’s okay to be sad too, but you should try not to feel sorry for yourself.”

  If Kevin thought he’d lost a little piece of his heart to Ainsley earlier, he was a goner now. “Why’s that, sweetie?”

  Ainsley shrugged. “Mama and Aunt Bella tell me I’m lucky ’cause I have a roof over my head and food in my belly. Some kids go to school hungry.” She whispered the last word. “They don’t get breakfast. That’s why the school has to give it to ’em. My school doesn’t do that, but some schools do.”

  “Really?” Kevin looked to Bree for confirmation.

  “It’s true,” Bree said, looking melancholy. “Ainsley’s school doesn’t get the government subsidy because less than ten percent of the kids attending the school qualify for or need the free breakfast or lunch option.”

  “But what about the other kids?” Kevin asked, the sinking feeling in his stomach answering the question for him. “What happens to them?”

  “Some of the parents have gotten together to do fundraisers,” Bree said. “I haven’t been there long, but Rennie made me aware of the need and I’ve been trying to help as much as I can.”

  “How?” Kevin asked, thinking about the countless hours he and his family spent volunteering to help hungry families during the holidays when he was a kid. Bree helped remind him of that time, maybe this was an opportunity to give back, something he hadn’t done nearly enough of lately.

  “We do fundraisers, you know, bake sales, books sales, that kind of thing. All of the proceeds go into the breakfast program we’re trying to start.”

  Kevin frowned. “There must be more we can do. That school is in an upper middle class district, Bree. I happen to know there are plenty of wealthy parents there, my brother included. Why don’t they step up?”

  “Oh, Zach and Rennie have been very gen
erous,” Bree said quickly. “So have several of the other parents, Kev. But it’s not just at our school. This is a wide-spread problem. Some schools simply fall through the cracks. There may be only ten or twenty kids at the school who would qualify for that kind of aid, but it takes a lot of money and effort to manage this kind of program at a school.”

  “But what about those kids, the ones at the schools that don’t have these programs in place? Even if it is only ten or twenty kids at Ainsley’s school, what about them?” The part of him that believed in passionately defending human rights was outraged these innocent kids were able to fall through the cracks so easily.

  “It’s not just breakfast,” Bree said, her tone somber. “If they’re not getting breakfast, they’re not getting lunch either. Schools that don’t have breakfast programs may not have lunch programs either. Ours doesn’t.”

  “This is outrageous.” Kevin felt a tightening in his chest when the waitress set down plates of food heaped high with barbeque ribs, steak, and chicken. He normally would have been salivating, but the thought of some little kid going hungry while he feasted like a king turned his stomach.

  When he didn’t respond to the waitress’s inquiry about whether they needed anything else, Bree smiled politely and said, “We’re fine, thank you. Everything looks great.”

  “We have to do something about this,” he said, his mind racing with the possibilities. He knew he could make a difference at Ainsley’s school. Hell, he and Zach could fund the breakfast and lunch program there by themselves, but what about the other schools, the other kids who needed help? They were unlikely to find rich benefactors.

  “What do you propose?” Bree asked, raising an eyebrow as she slid Ainsley’s water glass across the table when her daughter made a grab for it.

  “I’ll talk to Zach tomorrow. We can fund the breakfast and lunch program at Ainsley’s school, but—”

  Ainsley drew his attention with a gasp. “You’d do that? Why? You don’t even have a kid going to that school.”