Page 25 of Guarding Over You
“But she is a stranger in my daughter’s life. I understand once supervised visitations are lifted at some point, he might be free to do that.”
Even if their custody agreement might state otherwise. Right now, she had to meet anyone introduced to Gracie, but that could change in the future, if Billy wanted to pay to have it changed.
“I’m only concerned with the here and now,” Julie said. “Gracie didn’t seem upset over it, but she brought it up to me before Billy got here when I asked how her new house was. She said her father stopped but she didn’t get to show him her room.”
“If there was anything to worry about, I would have reported it,” she said. “I promise. He stopped me in my driveway and he was in the parking lot. I was bringing groceries in and we talked. Nothing more. Gracie opened the door and I told her to close it.”
“He’s not supposed to have contact with you in person.”
“I don’t have a restraining order against him.”
“Maybe you should get one,” Julie said.
“If I thought it was needed, I’d do it. He’s been clean for nine months. I do believe that. Unless you think otherwise?”
“He’s been attending his counseling and groups. I haven’t heard or seen anything that says otherwise.”
“Okay.”
“He was only ever violent under the influence. Since then, it’s been more about losing control in his life. I know how to handle him. He’s never hurt me physically before.”
Just emotionally.
He’d destroy things in the house, he’d scream, yell, break things when they fought; he’d put his fist through walls, and he’d terrify their daughter.
Did they always fight when he was drunk or high? No, because she knew enough to stay away and keep the peace and tackle those issues when he was sober.
But the more he drank, the fewer chances she had to deal with it, until it was the only state he was ever in.
That was no life for any of them.
“Gracie was afraid of him for a good year,” Julie said.
“I know. I have to live with that. Do you think she still is?”
“I think she’s opening up with him. She’s having fun. He’s showing her the father he used to be even when he’s impatient.”
“Impatient how?” Her radar was binging in her ears.
“Not with Gracie, with the situation. He wasn’t happy that you were early.”
“I understand. I should have stayed outside, but I was trying not to be seen. I won’t make that mistake again. It’s the first time since I’ve moved and couldn’t return home to wait.”
“I told him it was fine. You didn’t interfere and he has to remember that. It’s no different than if he had shown up fifteen minutes earlier than it would start. If he stays off to the side, it’s acceptable if he’s not causing chaos.”
She wouldn’t be surprised if Billy didn’t show up early in two weeks. She wouldn’t say a word and would try to convince herself it was because he was eager for the time with his daughter and not a way to get even.
“His visit wasn’t a big deal and I took care of it. Did Gracie seem upset when she brought it up?”
“No,” Julie said. “But I needed to ask.”
“Is there anything else?” She looked over to see Gracie’s game ending.
“I think we are good. She had a great time, and I see things progressing. I hoped that him showing up at your place didn’t set that back.”
“It didn’t,” she lied. Because she couldn’t let it be that way if Billy was really trying.
He used to be a nice guy. Years ago.
