Page 26 of Fake To Forever

I can’t even begin to think of him like that. If I even tried to show interest now, he’s probably going to think it’s only because I found out he was rich.

And I’mfarfrom being a gold digging bitch.

This is ridiculous. Christian Tallow is a distraction I can’t afford right now. Between my mom’s condition and the revelation about him, I feel overwhelmed and lost. Mom’s wish for me is something I can latch onto. A goal of sorts to work toward with an achievable end.

Strangely enough, it could be an anchor for me right now. Even though I don’t know how I can possibly make it come true, trying to achieve my mom’s deathbed wish could be the thing that keeps my head above water when everything else in my life is trying so hard to pull me under the waves.

The problem is finding someone I can tolerate long enough to actually want to be around. Which is easier said than done.

Chapter Ten: A Crazy Idea

Christian

Ipace back and forth in my office, phone pressed to my ear as my lawyer, David, lays out the latest developments in the custody case. My free hand clenches into a fist at my side as I think about the mess Theresa has caused.

Fucking bitch.

“Christian, I know this is frustrating, but we have to stay calm,” David explains, trying to make me see reason. “We can use her actions against her in court, but we need to handle this strategically.”

“Calm?” I echo, my voice laced with frustration. “How the hell am I supposed to stay calm when every time I step outside, I’m swarmed by paparazzi? All because Theresa couldn’t keep her mouth shut about where I am?”

David sighs on the other end of the line. “I understand, but we need to focus on what’s important—your son. The more she pulls stunts like this, the more it works in our favor. We can demonstrate to the court that she’s not acting in the best interests of your child by exposing him to this kind of media frenzy.”

I know he’s right, but it doesn’t make this any easier. Every time I think about the look on my son’s face when he sees those cameras, when he hears them shouting questions that no little kid should ever have to hear, it makes my blood boil. He didn’t ask for any of this. He’s just a kid, caught in the middle of something he doesn’t understand.

“She’s doing this on purpose, David,” I say, stopping in front of the large window overlooking my backyard. The view, which usually brings me some semblance of peace, does nothing to calm me now. “She wants to push me over the edge, make me look like the bad guy. And the worst part is, it’s working. I’m losing my mind over this.”

“I know, Christian,” David replies, his tone more sympathetic now. “But you have to remember why we’re fighting. She’s using the media to try and paint a picture, but we have the truth on our side. You’ve been a good father—stable, reliable—and that’s what the court will see. We just have to stay the course.”

I let out a long breath, trying to release some of the tension coiled in my chest. “What’s our next move? How do we get ahead of this?”

“First, we’ll file an emergency motion to restrict her ability to disclose your whereabouts or your son’s to the press,” David explains. “We’ll argue that it’s detrimental to his well-being. Judges tend to take that kind of behavior very seriously, especially when a child’s safety is at stake.”

“That’s good,” I say, nodding even though he can’t see me. “And what about damage control? How do I keep the paparazzi from turning my life into a circus in the meantime?”

“I’ll reach out to some contacts in the media,” David answers. “See if we can get them to back off, at least to a reasonable distance. But in the meantime, keep your head down. Limit your outings, and if you need to go anywhere, have security with you. We’ll get through this, Christian. It’s just a matter of time.”

“Time,” I mutter, rubbing a hand over my face. “I just want this to be over. I want my son to have a normal life, away from all this insanity.”

That’s why I moved here! That’s why I wanted to keep our life here as quiet and simple as possible.

Of course, Theresa just had to blow it all up without any thought as to how this would affect Oliver.

“And we’ll get there,” David assures me. “But you have to be patient. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Theresa is going to keep pushing, and we need to be ready for that. But remember, every move she makes that puts your son at risk only strengthens our case.”

I nod, even though part of me still wants to throw something, to yell, to do anything to vent this frustration. But I know David’s right. I can’t lose my cool, not now. Not when everything is on the line.

She’s going to get what’s coming to her in the end.

“This would all be much easier if you had a woman who could act as a stable mother-figure for Oliver,” David says with a wistful sigh. “That would be a slam dunk for the courts.”

Is he serious right now?

“I’m not even dating anyone, David.”

“I know,” he grumbles. “But I can dream, can’t I? Anyway, I’ll get to work on easing the media pressure on you right now, and we’ll go from there.”

“Thanks, David,” I finally say, my voice calmer than I feel. “I appreciate everything you’re doing.”

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