30. Callie
Chapter thirty
“She’s gotten so big.” Mum smiles through the phone, where Navie and I have her on video call. “I should drive up and see you both.”
I know why she hasn’t in the weeks since everything went down with Dad. He lives here somewhere, with his wife. I can’t imagine how that must feel for Mum, knowing he’s probably continued living as if it’s so easy to close that chapter with her.
“Or Navie and I could come down to you? I think there’s a long weekend coming up soon,” I say as I cross through the staff car park to the front doors of Two Hearts Homes.
“That would be lovely. I’m trying to convince your brother to redo his kitchen. Perhaps you can help me.”
“Ohh, I’m down. Those neon orange and lime green tiles need to go.”
Mum laughs as a notification drops down on my phone.
MASON:
Can Navie have a babycino yet?
I’ve brought Navie to work today. She had a check-up with her doctor this morning, and Mason insisted she come back to the office instead of going to daycare.
I love how much he wants her around. I always assumed I’d date in a few years, when Navie was older and I felt more ready.
I couldn’t fathom what dating as a single mum would be like, but I was certain it wouldn’t be without its challenges.
No matter who came into my life, they’d have to accept they’d be second to Navie’s happiness.
Mason has surprised me with how easy he’s made it—not only opening up to someone, but making room for both Navie and me in his life.
“Sounds good. We’ll make a plan for me to come down soon. I gotta run though, I just got back to the office.”
“Okay, sweetheart, have a good day. Bye, Navie.” Mum blows a kiss to the phone before she ends the call.
I’m so lost in my thoughts of how perfect life is going that I don’t notice the guy leaning against a bollard as we pass.
“Well, don’t you look happy?”
Ice runs through my veins as Derek’s voice pierces my ear.
“Derek?” His dirty blond hair has grown longer since I last saw him, slicked back over his head, and short around the sides.
His stubble has grown into a thick beard, and his right arm, which used to be bare, is now covered in ink from the sleeve of his white T-shirt all the way down to his knuckles.
“What are you—how’d you know where to find me? ”
“Saw your photo online at some fancy new bar opening. Imagine my surprise when you were looking all chummy with the rich folk, the same ones who owned this place.” He looks up at the building beside us. “Didn’t take long to spot you coming out here.”
“Okay.” I adjust Navie on my hip, trying not to freak out that he’s been watching me. “So what do you want?”
His light brown eyes fall to my daughter. “This her?”
My heart is thrashing in my chest, too anxious as I pore over all the possible reasons he has for seeking me out. “Yes.”
“How bad do you want her?”
“Excuse me?”
He steps closer. He’s bigger than I remember. A year in prison has apparently given him nothing to do but work out, get tattoos, and completely abandon any sense of decency he used to possess.
“What’s she worth to you?” He lifts his hand slowly, running a finger down my arm, and I shift away with rising anger. “Cos I’m thinking you want her all to yourself, but what do I get out of it?”
“You didn’t want to be a part of her life twelve months ago, remember?” I say through my teeth. “And if you don’t sign the agreement, then I’ll push for child support, so you tell me what it’s worth to you.”
“Fuck, Callista…” He wets his bottom lip, trailing his eyes over me. “When’d you get so ballsy?”
When I found something worth holding on to.
“Sign the paperwork.”
He runs his tongue over his teeth, chuckling with a domineering sneer. “I’ll sign it… for a price.”
I scoff. “The money you already stole from me wasn’t enough?”
“I’ve been watching you, you know.” My blood runs cold.
“And you know what I’ve seen? It looks like she found herself a daddy who does want her, and he’s got some deep pockets.
So if you want that white picket fence you were always chasing, then I think you should be more concerned with keeping me happy and not pissing me off. A mil should do it.”
My breath falls. “A million dollars? You’re delusional. I’m not giving you shit. I don’t even have that kind of money.”
He looks over my shoulder, nostrils flaring before he chuckles, and I almost think I’ve won.
His eyes find mine again, narrowed and smug.
“Fine, we can do it your way, go through the lawyers. They can help decide how we’re both going to raise our daughter.
Be good co-parents. I really enjoyed hearing you on the phone the other day.
Those pretty little sounds you made. With both of us raising her, I guess we’ll have to get comfortable with more contact.
” He winks, then slowly backs away. “Talk soon, Callista.”
It feels like my chest is caving in as I watch Derek walk away, holding my composure until he’s out of sight, only then can I breathe. My head feels heavy, and my lungs burn as I try to figure out what to do.
He wasn’t always like this. You’d never call him ambitious or generous, but he was upbeat and carefree. In high school, that equalled fun and exciting. Towards the end of our relationship, I didn’t recognise the person he’d become. I almost didn’t recognise myself.
There’s no way I’m asking Mason for money. The fact that Derek would stoop that low makes my blood boil, but I will not be like every other woman Mason’s had in his life who thinks they can get something out of him.
No.
This is for me to fix, and I’m gonna fight for my daughter. I will show her how to be strong and brave enough to do this the right way, and I’ll do it without giving him a cent.
I reach for my phone, bringing up my lawyer’s contact details.
“Hi, Callie,” Sam says once I’m transferred to her line. “If you’re hoping for an update, I’m afraid they’re still dawdling on your ex’s end.”
“He just came and confronted me in the street.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“Tried to ask for a million dollars, said that’s the only way he’ll sign off on me having full custody.”
“He’s dreaming.” Sam laughs. “How did he manage to run into you?”
“Showed up at my work.”
“Well, one might call that stalking and intimidation. Leave it with me. I know where his lawyer frequents. Perhaps I’ll do a little in-person visit of my own.”
“Thanks, Sam.” I hang up then press a kiss to Navie’s head, inhaling her sweet baby smell.
“There you are.”
I spin around, finding Mason just a few paces away with an iced matcha in one hand and an iced chocolate in the other.
“Hey.” I smile.
Should I tell him what happened? I don’t want him to step in and try to fix it. I’m fairly certain he’d just give Derek the money he asked for. I refuse to have my ex tarnish what Mason and I have started. This is too precious.
“Everything good?”
I shouldn’t panic right now. Sam said she was onto it. It probably won’t even be an issue by the end of the day. She’ll tell his lawyer to talk some sense into his client and just sign the damn paperwork, then I can tell Mason the good news and save him from worrying.
“Yep.” I press onto my toes and kiss him. “Everything’s great.”
I’ll make sure of it.