Here, There, And Everywhere

Chapter 36

"Yes."

"Can you tell me more about your relationship with Allison when you were still together? Is there anything she can use against you? A history of drugs or alcoholism? Aggressive behavior?"

Surprisingly enough, I've never done hard drugs like a lot of the chefs I've worked with in the past are known for. Many of them are on coke or sometimes something much more intense. I've never once had an interest. I need to be present when I'm in the kitchen.

"No drugs, and I would say one to two drinks a week was the norm for me when we were together," I start. "We've had arguments and we've both shouted at each other, but I've never physically harmed her or made any threats of any kind to do so."

"Never to Jane either?"

"God, no," I scoff. "I would never."

He raises one hand lightly in defense. "I just need to ask."

I nod and scratch my fingers through my hair. "Can I ask you what the likelihood is that she'll win this? Can she keep me from seeing my daughter without cause?"

"Only the courts have the power to deny a parent their visitation rights," he says. "The court will have to issue an order to deny the other parent their visitation rights, which can happen if the custodial parent-that's Allison in this case-provides a reasonable argument to stop the other parent from seeing the child. That's why I'm asking you these questions, but if there is no history of physical or mental abuse and you're found financially and mentally fit to be alone with your daughter, I don't see how she could win. Especially if we bring up the fact that she cheated on you."

"Does it look bad that I got with Lana? Our nanny?"

He shrugs one shoulder with a sort of confidence that eases my anxiety immediately. "You're both consenting adults. You weren't in a relationship with Allison. There's nothing wrong with that at all and I can't imagine the court would frown upon it. They're likely going to see you as the victim here."

"The victim?"

He nods. "She cheated on you and then, in a fit of bitterness, suddenly decided to ban you from seeing your daughter simply because you moved on to start a new relationship with someone else."

That reminds me...

"I should also mention that, when the man she left me for cheated on her in return, she came to my flat and tried to convince me that we should get back together. I said no despite her insisting that she wasn't going to give up."

"There you go," he gestures to me. "This is a case of a scorned and embarrassed woman with no leg to actually stand on. Even if she has the best lawyer in the state, which she doesn't because I'm working with you, she has no case."

I crack a small smile only because Maya warned me that her dad could be a little cocky, but I respect it. He didn't get this office by losing cases, so that makes me feel better. Besides, I'm in no position to judge a man for being a bit smug about his work.

"Is there anything else I should know or expect?" I ask. "Do you need anything from me?"

"Well, despite her not having a case, the judge will still end up ruling for a social worker to spend time with both you and Jane and Allison and Jane to see how she interacts with both of you. They will need to schedule appointments to spend a couple of hours with each of you. Also, it will work highly in your favor if you have someone to speak on your behalf regarding your character and why you're fit to have regular custody rather than just visitation rights."

"Oh, that's not a problem," I feel relieved if that's all I have to look out for. Jane loves spending time with me. If anything, Allison should be worried about that part. Also, Jeff would be happy to speak for me. "And, sorry, how much am I supposed to pay you and how does that work? I've never had a lawyer, nor have I ever gone to court for any reason before."