Page 44 of Unwrapped
“Absolutely nothing. You?”
“Same. Kerrigan is with Sandra tonight and tomorrow.”
“I thought she couldn’t see her until your divorce is final?”
“It’s a court-mandated,supervisedvisitation at my mother-in-law’s place. Unfortunately, I have no choice in the matter. I won’t get Kerrigan back until tomorrow afternoon, which means I’ll miss out on watching her open presents from Santa.” The sadness behind his words is a punch to the stomach.
“I’m sorry, man.”
“Thanks. It really sucks.”
“Why can’t you guys work something out for Kerrigan’s sake? Like, maybe let her wake up in her own bed on Christmas morning, open presents and have breakfast with both of you there, andthenhave her leave with her mom and grandma? Or what ifyougo to your mother-in-law’s place for breakfast?”
“Sandra told me to go fuck myself when I suggested that.”
“Jesus.”
“Yeah. Nice, right? Merry Christmas to me.” He sighs, and the unmistakable sound of a beer can opening reaches my ears. “Hopefully, next year will be better.”
“How is the custody stuff coming along?”
“She’s fighting me tooth and nail, but given the circumstances, my lawyer thinks I’ll get full custody. I have no problem with allowing supervised visitation, but I want my daughter living in a stable home, where Iknowshe’s safe.” He hasn’t told me all the details of his separation, but he hinted at something drug-related when we talked last weekend. “Anyway, what are you up to tonight?”
“I was supposed to take my mother to church, but she was being difficult, so I canceled. I don’t need her drama in my headspace right now. Then we had a fight—as in, I screamed at her because she acted like I was crazy for having feelings—and I hung up on her.”
“Good for you.”
“You mean youdon’tthink I’m a terrible excuse for a son?”
“Not at all. It’s refreshing to see you express yourself and set boundaries for once. You should really do more of that.” His long pause tells me he’s chugging his beer. “Speaking of expressing yourself, have you reached out to Cami?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because she doesn’t want me in her life.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it.”
“No, it’s true.” I quickly give him the rundown of my last conversation with Camille, including how I dissolved into a blubbering mess in the cabin’s driveway.
“So, you just stood there and let her leave?”
“What the hell was I supposed to do? Jump on the hood of the car?”
“Dean, you’re one of my best friends. I mean this with love, but you’re a fucking idiot. You didn’t eventryto fight for her.”
“But—”
“No buts. When something—someone—is important to you, giving up isn’t an option. Even when the odds are against you. Even when you don’t think you deserve the outcome you hope for, you fucking fight.”
“She told me she can’t do a long-distance relationship.”
“So what? My lawyers told me the court often favors the mother in divorce situations. Does that mean I accept defeat and allow Kerrigan to live with a lunatic? Absolutely not. I will spend my every last dollar until I find a lawyer who can deliver. I won’t stop until my baby is safe. I love my daughter, so I’m gonna fight for her. You love Camille, so why are you sitting on your ass? You should be at that wedding, dancing with your woman.”
“She already has a date. She’s going with Jude, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember. And if I recall, you had the opportunity to take his place. Cami wantedyouon her arm tonight. I could see the hope in her eyes when she asked. Weallcould.”
