Page 79 of Dibs
The house was quiet when we walked in, and I didn’t see anyone. We found Jamie in the kitchen, chopping up vegetables and tossing them in a bowl.
“Whatcha’ doing?” Chase asked. We both walked around the island and took turns giving her a friendly side hug.
“Sorry.” She gave me a sheepish smile. “Any time I feel anxious or don’t know what to do, I cook. I had the boys show me where everything was and kind of made myself at home.”
“I’m not going to complain about you cooking for us,” I reassured her.
“Good, because there’s lasagna in the oven and garlic bread over there.” She pointed at the counter by the refrigerator. “I’ll stick it in the oven after the lasagna is done.”
“Thanks, Jamie. I really appreciate it. Now, where is everyone?”
“Tyler’s been in his room most of the afternoon. When he came down a little while ago, he said he was texting with Quinn.”
I was surprised he was still talking with Quinn. He was only fourteen years old, and most crushes didn’t last long at that age. However, he’d been chatting with Quinn for at least five months. Maybe I needed to suggest he invite her over for dinner sometime so I could meet the person he was investing so much time in. “The other three are in Dylan’s room playing video games.”
“Even Cammie?” Chase asked.
“Yep,” Jamie replied. “Surprisingly, they seemed to enjoy teaching her how to play Mario Kart.”
I stood at the base of the stairs and called out to everyone, “Hey, guys. Come on down here for a minute.”
Within seconds, doors were opening, and four pairs of feet stomped down the stairs.
“Dad, you’re back. What did the judge say?” Dylan asked, following me into the living room.
“We should give you guys some privacy,” Jamie suggested. “How about we run to the store to grab something for dessert.”
Chase squeezed my shoulder. “I’ll go with them.”
We had discussed the possibility that no matter what happened in court, Tyler and Dylan might have difficulty handling everything. Even if things went our way, which they had, it still meant what small relationship they had with their mom would change. There were sure to be some hurt feelings over that. While I believed the boys would have been fine with Chase staying, I thought it was a kind gesture on his part to give us some time alone.
“If the timer goes off, can you take the lasagna out of the oven?” Jamie asked, looking at me.
“Of course. Thank you.”
Tyler and Dylan sat on the couch while I sat in the chair across from them.
“Is it all done?” Tyler asked once the Matthewsons left. His eyes were downcast, and his voice was barely above a whisper.
“It is, and neither of you has to go back to Texas to see your mom. She has to come here to San Diego during her visitation times, and the visits will be supervised.”
“What about Miguel?” Tyler asked.
“You won’t have to see him anymore.”
He nodded, but didn’t respond. I thought he would have been happier about that part, but he still appeared upset by the whole situation.
Dylan looked at his brother and then turned his gaze toward me. “Do you think Mom will fly here to see us?”
That was one question I didn’t know how to answer. “I’m not sure.”
“She won’t,” Tyler mumbled and took off for the backyard.
“What was that all about?” Dylan questioned.
I shrugged. “I’m going to check on him. You stay here.”
I slid open the glass door and stepped outside. Tyler was sitting on a patio chair with his back to me.
