6. Enzo
6
ENZO
S ummer sat across from me in the consultation room, her arms crossed tightly. Her expression was wary, as if she were bracing for bad news.
“This isn’t another lecture about asking for help,” she said flatly.
“It’s not,” I replied. “It’s a way to make things easier for you and Ava.”
Her eyebrows lifted in skepticism. “Easier? I’ll believe it when I hear it.”
I leaned forward, resting my arms on the table. “Summer, I know how much Ava’s surgery is going to cost. The numbers are overwhelming. And I know you don’t qualify for financial aid because of a technicality.”
She sighed, looking away. “I’ll figure it out.”
“I know you will,” I said gently. “But there’s a faster way—one that guarantees Ava gets everything she needs.”
She glanced back at me, her gaze narrowing. “What are you suggesting?”
“My family’s medical foundation,” I explained. “It’s designed to help families afford treatments they can’t cover on their own. If we apply, they’ll fund everything—Ava’s surgery, her follow-ups, her therapy—everything.”
Her eyes softened for a brief moment before narrowing again. “And they’ll just… give us the money?”
“There’s one catch,” I admitted.
She stiffened, her fingers gripping the edge of the table. “Of course there is. What is it?”
I took a deep breath. “The foundation prioritizes married couples or two-parent households. It’s a policy they’ve held onto for years, and while I don’t agree with it, it’s the fastest way to secure the funding.”
Summer blinked at me, then let out a short, disbelieving laugh. “So what—you want me to lie? Pretend we’re… together?”
“Exactly,” I said, keeping my voice calm.
“That’s insane, Enzo,” she said, shaking her head.
“It’s practical,” I countered. “All we have to do is convince the board. It’s not forever—just long enough to get through the surgery and recovery.”
“And you think they’ll believe it?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“Yes,” I said. “We don’t have to sell them a love story. We just have to show them we’re working together as a family for Ava’s sake.”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, and I could see the wheels turning in her head.
“And what happens if they find out?” she asked. “What happens to Ava then?”
“They won’t find out,” I said firmly. “We’ll stick to the plan, keep it simple, and get through it together.”
She leaned back in her chair, letting out a frustrated sigh. “This is ridiculous.”
“It’s for Ava,” I said quietly. “And I know you’d do anything for her.”
Her shoulders sagged slightly, and she stared at the table for a long moment. “I can’t believe I’m even considering this.”
“It’s the best option,” I said. “You know it is.”
Her eyes met mine, and I could see the battle she was waging with herself. Finally, she nodded. “Fine. I’ll do it.”
Relief flooded through me, but I kept my expression neutral. “Thank you, Summer.”
“But,” she added quickly, holding up a hand, “there have to be rules.”
“Of course,” I said.
She narrowed her eyes at me. “This is strictly for Ava. Nothing personal, no flirting, no pretending we’re anything more than co-parents.”
“Done,” I said.
“And if this starts to feel wrong—if it gets out of control—I’m pulling the plug,” she said firmly.
“Understood,” I said.
She leaned back in her chair, her arms still crossed. “You better not make me regret this, Enzo.”
“You won’t,” I said.
A few hours later, we sat Ava down in the living room to explain the plan. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, her stuffed bunny tucked under one arm.
“Mommy, what’s going on?” she asked, looking between us.
I crouched in front of her, keeping my tone light. “We wanted to talk to you about something really important, Ava.”
Her blue eyes widened slightly, and she hugged her bunny tighter. “Is it about my knee?”
“It is,” Summer said, sitting down beside her. “You know how Dr. Pearson is helping to make your knee all better?”
Ava nodded solemnly. “Uh-huh.”
“Well,” I said, smiling, “to make that happen, we need to show some very important people how strong and amazing our family is. And that means Mommy and I will be spending some extra time together.”
Ava tilted her head, clearly confused. “Like playing games together?”
“Sort of,” I said with a chuckle. “We’re going to be a team—a super team. That way, those important people will know we’re all working together to take care of you.”
Her brow furrowed, and she looked up at Summer. “Does that mean Dr. Pearson is going to live with us?”
Summer laughed softly, brushing a hand over Ava’s hair. “No, baby. It just means we’re going to do a few things together, like go to dinner and talk to people who can help us.”
Ava seemed to process this for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. As long as Bunny can come, too.”
“Bunny is definitely part of the team,” I said, holding out my hand for a high-five.
Ava giggled and slapped my hand. “Okay, then!”
Summer’s lips curved into a small smile as she watched Ava, but when her gaze shifted to me, I could see the tension still lingering.
This was only the beginning, and I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But for Ava, we’d make it work.