Chapter 54
Liz, April 7
Matt and I met with my lawyer today. I never would’ve guessed you needed a lawyer to break up with someone, but Amy’s sister is a lawyer and she suggested it. Apparently these paternity rights are no joke.
Matt was agreeable, even pleasant. We came up with a plan I think we can all live with. He didn’t try to pretend work isn’t his number one priority, so I didn’t have to lecture him. He even said once that he could “agree to that assuming work didn’t interfere.” Maybe he’s also learning who he is. Good for him.
As we walked out of the office, I caught myself thinking of Ben—not in a longing way, not really—but in that quiet, background way where your brain files old connections under “lessons learned.” He always had a knack for seeing through me, for asking questions I wasn’t ready to answer, and maybe that’s part of why I trust my own judgment now.
I shoved that thought aside and focused on the present. I focused on my life, my choices, my future. Then I rubbed my hand along my belly again, there was only one other person I ever had to consider again. “You and me, kid,” I whispered. “We’re gonna be a great team.”