Page 33 of Ridin' True
“Have a seat. Let’s get started, shall we?”
Jed and I sat, and I took my files and a notepad from out of my purse.
Wendy took the floor first, outlining why we were there and the reasons behind the contested custody agreement. I listened as she explained how Evan and Nicole could provide a more stable and consistent living environment for the children, and how Jed wouldn’t lose access to his children or his custodial rights. I nodded and jotted down a few notes about the concerns her client had about Jed’s membership with the Wild Stallions. As we anticipated, Wendy vaguely mentioned quite a few of the Stallions had arrests on their records, and it wasn’t the kind of company her client wanted around her children. Finally, she made note that Jed failed to properly communicate with her client regarding Axel’s recent injury. This violation put into question the children’s safety while in the care of their father.
I was pleased to note Wendy was not in possession of any information I didn’t already know.
When she yielded the floor to me, I held nothing back.
I stood from my seat in order to place one of my files in front of her. I then sat, opened my own folder, and proceeded to make my case. I went down the list, providing a counter argument for every point she made, and then I told her what Nicole obviously hadn’t.
“If you wouldn’t mind flipping to page ten—you’ll see there, while it’s true my client is associated with men who have records, none of them pose as a danger to the children. They may interact from time to time, but my client doesn’t leave them alone with any of the Stallions in question. Moreover, none of them reside at my client’s residence.
“While I think it’s ridiculous to insinuate my client’s membership to the local motorcycle club somehow negatively impacts the wellbeing of his children, when there is no proof of that being the case for more than a decade, I would like to point out that Jed himself has not a single arrest on his record. However, the same cannot be said of Evan Stevens.
“With not one but two DUIs on his record, and his regular participation in Marlowe and Axel’s daily lives, I would argue any potential threat to their safety is greater when they are in your client’s care.”
“What?” Nicole hissed, snapping her gaze in Evan’s direction.
“That was almost twenty years ago!” he stated, obviously taken aback and upset. “You can’t hold that against me.” He took hold of Nicole’s hand and insisted, “You know me. You know I would never drink and drive with them in the car.”
She yanked her fingers away from his, hiding both hands beneath the table. “I cannot believe this. How could you keep something like this from me?”
I fixed my eyes on Wendy, who was reading through my file, and continued, “Let me be clear, we are not here to challenge the custody agreement. Our intent is only to ensure the status quo is maintained. If we cannot agree on that today, further negotiation will not be necessary. We’ll have to go to court. But, given my client’s consistent track record of providing a safe, healthy, and loving environment for his children, quite frankly, this entire mediation is a waste of time.”
Wendy sighed, closed the file, and offered me a small smile.
“You’ve painted quite the picture, Alexia. Unfortunately, now that I’ve seen it, I’m inclined to agree.”
“Great.”
I did my best to hide my victorious smile as I stood and began gathering my things.
Evan and Nicole bickered softly, and I pretended not to notice as I looped my purse over my shoulder. Jed stood and pushed in his chair. We were about to leave when I remembered.
“Oh, one more thing.”
I paused and waited until I was sure Nicole was listening.
“The written court order in place states that Jed is obligated to contribute twenty-three percent of his monthly income for child support. In his generosity, his current payment is closer to thirty-five percent. I’ve recommended, given the circumstances, he lower his payment to the court ordered amount, and he intends to do so.
“While his excess has him covered for years in advance, he doesn’t intend to withhold any funds to mitigate his overpayment. But going forward, you should expect a decreased payment. Just a heads up. Good day to you all.”
I added a small wave for good measure, then headed for the door, Jed following close behind.
That had gone exactly as I had hoped.
Neither of us spoke a word to each other as we made our way to the elevator, but I was sure he felt as elated as I did—in his manly, biker sort of way.
When the lift car arrived, it was just the two of us who boarded. After I reached the middle of the small space, I turned to face the doors, and I was surprised to find Jed close. Very close. So close, I got a decent whiff of sandalwood, leather, and a hint of smoke. So close, I was forced to lookup.
He wasn’t even touching me, and yet I felt as though I was floating.
Not sure what was happening, I whispered, “We did it.”
“You did it.”
The elevator doors closed, and he stepped closer.
