Page 100 of Broken Play
"We're sorry too. I cheated on Francisco with Bodhi. I was feeling less than when Francisco told me he was interested in guys and wanted to share me. Francisco had also filmed us, so I stayed with him, even though..."
Bodhi cuts in, "We've continued to hang out together."
The surprises just keep coming.
"I'm sorry, Sutty." Anna reaches for me, and we cry.
"I'm happy for you... if he's really changed." I turn toBodhi. "It doesn't erase what you did to me while we were dating, and if I see any trace of you abusing her, verbally or physically, I'll file charges against you."
Bodhi grabs my hands and, for some reason, Greyson lets him. "I've been in therapy since your quarterback taught me what a man is. I promise I'll never lay a hand on her in anger or jealousy."
"Promise?"
"I'm truly sorry, and I hope that someday we can be friends again." He pulls me into a hug and, again, Greyson doesn't stop it, but his eyes are pinned on us, and if Bodhi makes one wrong move, I have no doubt that Greyson will beat the crap out of him.
"Thank you. I thought something was different about you and Anna out on the court. It reminded me of when we were young. You both had those carefree smiles on your faces."
Anna and Bodhi interlace their fingers. "We'd better get back to the courts. Are you all staying?"
Greyson says, "Of course, our little girl is playing."
Their brows dip in confusion. "He's talking about Paulina," I say. "I'm trying to get custody of her."
"We're trying to get custody of her." He pulls out his phone once again, showing me an email.
Dear Mr. O'Ryan,
I am writing to confirm that I will be representing you and Ms. Sutton Anders in your petition for custody of Paulina Nowak following the recent and unfortunate passing of her grandparents. I understand how important Paulina's well-being and future are to you, and I'mcommitted to guiding you through the legal process.
Please provide all copies of relevant documents, including Paulina's birth certificate, any existing guardianship papers, her immigration visa, and a brief outline of both your and Ms. Anders's relationship with Paulina. I will begin conducting background checks and gathering the necessary information and paperwork to file with the Family Court.
Contact my office to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. I look forward to meeting you and Ms. Anders to determine the best approach moving forward. In the meantime, don't hesitate to reach out with any new questions or developments.
I look forward to working together to ensure Paulina's best interests are protected.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Harlow, Esq.
"What did I do to deserve you?" I ask, jumping into his arms.
"You exist." He buries his head in the crook of my neck, but then lifts his head, and our eyes collide. He searches my eyes and finds new tears welling up. "I've waited my whole life for you, and I promise you, no one will ever hurt you again. Move in with me?"
"Really?"
"Hell, I wanted to ask you the first day you and J.D. came over to go over terminology, but I didn't want to come on toostrong." He places a soft kiss wrapped in a chuckle on my lips.
Sometime during the conversation, Bodhi, Anna, and Marlon have slipped out without us noticing. I look around and say, "I like it when you're too strong."
"You do, huh... Do you want me to show you?"
"Yes, please."
FIFTY-FIVE
GREYSON
"Since you asked so nicely." I sweep her off her feet and into my arms. "Which room?"
