ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝟙𝟘 #2
My throat tightens slightly. "That's not love."
"I guess I just didn't want to be someone who 'couldn't handle a relationship,' you know?" she says. "Like I didn't want people to think I was dramatic."
"I know," she responds quickly. "It's just weird seeing him around."
" Geez, I hate crying at work," Dannah whispers finally.
Suddenly a vivid memory pops up. I remember sitting on the bathroom floor after Jordyn died, sobbing so violently I thought my lungs were folding in on themselves. I remember Cameron holding me tight while I apologized for crying. Like I've never cried in his presence.
My throat tightens painfully.
The words leave my mouth softly. "Do you want a hug?"
Dannah blink, the question catches her off guard.
Mommy, do you need a hug?
I used to cry over burnt toast or legal stress or missing deadlines and that little girl would climb into my lap with complete seriousness, wiping my tears away. My eyes sting briefly.
Dannah nods slowly.
"Yes, please," she whispers.
I fully embrace her in my arms- something I haven't done in quite a while. Her breathing calms down, and her grip loosens.
Dannah wipes under her eyes one last time before exhaling deeply.
"I swear I'm okay now," she says.
"Okay." I let go of her slowly.
The vending machines hum against the wall. I walk over, staring blankly through the glass. Half the snacks in here looked like they've been through some stuff.
I pull out my wallet. "Do you want anything?"
"Oh no, I'm okay."
I glance over immediately. "No, I insist. What do you want?"
"Fine. Uh, maybe those barbecue chips?"
I nod and press the buttons. The machine clunks loudly before dropping the chips. Then, I grab a bottled tea too and walk back over, handing them to her. "There."
"You're too sweet."
"Thank you, Dannah. I try."
She grins faintly before opening the chips. Her eyes flick down to my empty hands. "You're not getting anything?"
My stomach twists instantly. I think about Cameron immediately. The constant:Did you eat?
Baby, please eat something.
You're losing weight, Dixie.
I suddenly feel tired. Like the energy has been sucked right out of me.
"I'm not hungry," I answer casually.
Dannah gives me a concerned look. "You sure?"
"Positive." Technically, I wasn't telling a lie. I honestly couldn't remember the last time hunger felt normal. Now, it just feels like another useless task.
~
The sky is now a dark blue the moment I come out. I had left earlier than I expected- but that's because there is seriously nothing to do anymore, and the Lord knows I would not be assisting Georgia in her case. If she's so good, why do I need to help?
The automatic doors slide shut behind me with a soft hiss, and for a second, I just stand there on the steps, blinking into the blue sky. I walk down the steps slowly, heels clicking against concrete. I tuck my hands into my coat pockets and let my thoughts drift.
"Mrs. West." I stop.
I don't recognize the voice at all. It's calm, and too deliberate for a casual call. I turn slightly, narrowing my eyes into the dim streetlight glow. A man is standing near the edge of the sidewalk. He's old, mid height, wearing a dark coat.
My first instinct is annoyance.
"Yes?" I answer, drawing the word out slightly. "What, do you usually catcall strangers when it gets dark?"
He smiles at my comment, though it's not friendly.
"I'm sorry to stop you like this," he says.
I tilt my head slightly. "You wouldn't be the first."
That earns a brief exhale from him. Almost a laugh, but not quite. He steps a little closer, enough for the streetlight to catch all the wrinkles on his face.
"I should introduce myself properly." I cross my arms.
"Please do. And quick. My patience is on a tight schedule."
That time, he actually does smile. "I'm Judge Johnson."
I pause. The name was attached to something. Where have I heard his name before?
Case Files, Courtroom, losses...
It finally clicks. Justin Deyes. "Right."
"So, you're the reason I have had a headache for several months of my life."
His eyebrows lift slightly. "I would not phrase it that way."
"I would," I reply immediately. "But I'm trying new things. Like restraint."
"I was hoping to speak with you," he says.
Geez, couldn't he have picked a better time?
"About what?" I ask, already annoyed again. "Because I am very committed to going home, turning off my brain, and pretending today did not involve the whole collapse of the legal system."
"I wanted to revisit the Justin Deyes case."
I stare at him. My expression doesn't change much, but inside is a completely different story.
"I'm sorry," I say slowly. "You wanted to what?"
"I believe there were details in the final submission that warrant a second review."
I blink once.
"Oh," I say, my voice rising higher. "That's interesting. I believe there are also details in my current emotional stability that would strongly advise against that sentence continuing."
His gaze stays steady. "Mrs. West."
"Dixie is fine," I say, my voice low. "I don't like the way you say my last name."
"Okay...Dixie," he says carefully. "I understand the case was difficult."
My lips press into a thin line. "That's one word for it."
My fingers tighten slightly in my coat pocket as I realize this wasn't casual. He was here for a reason- and whatever that reason was, it is not light.
"Judge Johnson," I say, "if this is about reopening a case that has already emotionally destroyed multiple people and professionally derailed my entire office week, I would also recommend you find a hobby instead."
"I am not reopening it," he says.
"Then why are you here?" My suspicion rises immediately.
He exhales slowly, and for the first time, his voice lowers slightly. "Because there is something in it that was overlooked."
"I think you should see it."
My voice comes out quieter than before. "See what, exactly?"
He reaches into his pocket like he's about to pull something out, but then he hesitates and sighs.
"I cannot discuss it here," he says.
"With all due respect, Judge Johnson, if this is one of those scenes where the antagonist says, 'you need to see this' and then everything spirals, I would like to reject it now." I say, crossing my arms.
Then he looks at me directly, and whispers, "I'm afraid it already has.
~