Page 80 of The Yips

“You can fit our place into their Sugar Land house times three. Remember, I said everything is bigger in Texas?”

“Your sister seems so down to earth; I just don’t see her living in such a big house.”

“Jake came from a modest background. When he started making money, he wanted what he wanted. She prefers the apartment in New York City. I don’t see them staying in Texas once he retires.”

“What about Josie’s career? Will she be able to continue after she has kids?”

“My mother did, but things have changed since then. We’ll see. I’m not entirely convinced that she finds the career fulfilling. I would see her happily being a mom full-time.”

I tried to imagine a life as a full-time mom and couldn’t. Every one of my friends growing up had a working mother. I had always imagined that I would juggle kids, a career, and a marriage. “I’ve only ever imagined my life with a career as the focus. I had planned eventually to become a nurse practitioner, but, well, as you know, I’ve reassessed that goal.”

“There’s no rush, Kelsey,” Sam said, reminding me I no longer had the pressures I’d had only a few months ago.

“Avery and I almost have our presentation to the foundation finalized. I’m proud of what we put together. But I also realized I'd rather volunteer my time if I don’t need a salary. We can make a bigger impact if I don’t take a cut. But it feels strange not to make my own money. Josie had a lot of fun with your credit card, but I never seemyself using it without thinking I’m spending your money.”

“That’s not a power dynamic I ever want with you. I think we can meet with my financial planner when we get back. I can imagine it’d be difficult for you if you feel like you’re losing your independence.”

My jaw dropped when we pulled up before Jake and Josie’s Sugar Land home. “Shit, this looks a bit like a museum.”

“It’s big, modern, and a bit cold,” Sam agreed. “I prefer Boston for many reasons, but the classic, historic homes are much more my style.”

“I like being in a walkable city, walking to the store and picking up milk, a bookstore, or a park. I wouldn’t want to have to drive everywhere we went.”

“Well, that might not always be an option for me. I don’t always get recognized, but when I do, it can turn a quick trip to the store into an event.”

Jake wasn’t home when we arrived, but he’d given Sam the access code to the side door. Sam quickly showed me around, and I found a place to set up Crew’s play mat to give him time to stretch out. While we got settled, Sam finally connected with his attorney, who had determined the best plan to reach out to Tom.

I watched Crew play happily on the floor in the family room. Sam took charge, setting up the Zoom call on his laptop. This would also be where he gave his interview later this afternoon.

The attorney, Anne Parker, had found Tom’s agent’s contact information and would be sending over a request for a paternity test. If he agreed to the test without a court order, we could have the results in two to ten days. If he refused, a court order would be needed.Anne warned that he’d likely be anxious to comply right away. His NHL contract alone would make him a magnet for people trying to get a piece of his money.

“Is there a way to clarify that we don’t want anything from him? We don’t want money; we only want him to be able to know his son or sign away his rights.”

Anne took a deep breath, “With all due respect, Sam, you and Kelsey aren’t married. I wouldn’t feel comfortable refusing all future child support from her son’s father in her current situation.”

Sam swallowed audibly, “I would never leave them to fend for themselves.”

Anne sighed, “I’ve handled many divorce cases where the same promises were made. I won’t make that offer on my client’s behalf. And while you paid my fee, Kelsey is my client here.”

“Okay,” I said. “So, what’s the next step?”

“I’ll reach out and get the paternity test set up. Did I see that you’re traveling to Colorado in a couple of weeks? Would you be willing to meet with him if I can arrange it?”

“Okay. I’ll do whatever you think is best.”

“Kelsey, I represent you. If you want me to pursue him for child support, custody, or termination of his parental rights, I’ll do that. I will advise you against cutting off future support. You need to think long and hard about what you want because it’s my job to find a way to execute that.”

“If he decides to be in Crew’s life, can we set up parameters? I can’t send Crew to spend time with a stranger across the country.”

“If you want options to negotiate terms, you need to be open and reasonable to the terms the other party requests.”

“Meaning?”

“You figure out your red lines, but you must be willing togive something up. If there is any risk of him being unfit, I’ll work that angle. But Crew could end up with a father who loves him.”

I tried to think back to my brief encounter with Tom. He’d been handsome and charming, and there had been no red flags. Nothing was memorable about the experience, just two pink lines three weeks later. I couldn’t prevent Crew from having a relationship with his father if that were in his best interest. But how was I supposed to know the right thing in this situation?

Anne continued, “And fair warning, we must be mindful that Sam and Tom are public figures. There will be a lot of interest in this in the sports world. The quieter we can settle this, the better it will be for Crew. I can also imagine your reputation could end up with some black marks. The press loves to drag women through the mud.”

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