He walked briskly and managed to make it to the parking garage, loosened his tie and pulled a set of keys from his pocket. He collapsed into the driver’s seat of his sedan and sat there for a moment. Listened while Omar Sosa’s Afro-Cuban rhythms soothed his senses. He hated fighting with Savannah, but it seemed more frequent lately. Not long ago, they’d debated over which private school to send Chloe to and which curriculum would be better suited for her. They’d argued about whether to place her in a karate class or ballet. A week ago they’d argued about something as simple as Chloe’s bob haircut. He thought she was too young for such a grown-up style. She was a kindergartner, for Christ’s sake. He’d been active in every decision about his daughter, but not the one where Savannah planned to take her thousands of miles away. It seemed unfair.
He pulled out onto Clematis Street and breezed through the yellow light. His heart ached. He scrolled through the address book on his phone and looked for Jack Wesley’s phone number. He didn’t want to involve his attorney—in fact he’d only said it to get Savannah’s attention—but he needed to know what his rights were regarding his daughter.
“JW!” Edward exclaimed. “How the hell are you?”
“I’m making it,” Jack said. “Trying my best to keep a good law practice and maintain a happy marriage all at the same time.”
“Well, I can’t help you in that area, bro. I failed tremendously at my marriage.”
“You failed because you didn’t put in the effort. Savannah was a good woman.”
“All of that is neither here nor there.”
“Do you miss her?” Jack asked.
“What? Of course not,” Edward lied. He would never let his friend know that he regretted every moment since Savannah left. “She has her life and I have mine.”
“Right,” a skeptical Jack said.
“I didn’t call you to talk about my failed marriage to Savannah. I need some advice regarding Chloe.”
“What about Chloe?”
“Savannah’s trying to take her to London...to live! Can you believe that?” Edward asked. “I need to know what my rights are.”
“Have you had lunch already?”
“Not yet.”
“Meet me at the little chicken and waffles spot on Okeechobee in thirty minutes.”
“Bro, fried chicken and waffles? How about something a little healthier?”
“You’re still on that kick,” Jack stated. He sighed. “Have you completely given up meat?”
“No, of course not. I’ve traded red meat and pork for chicken, fish and tofu. I’m just eating healthier, man, that’s all.”
“I see. You choose, then.”
“Darbster. Dixie Highway.”
“Do they have anything that resembles meat?”
“Tofu.” Edward laughed.
“Ah, man.”
“Keep an open mind,” said Edward. “I’ll meet you there in thirty minutes.”
Edward hit the end button on his phone. Turned up the volume on his music. He was anxious to speak with Jack. Surely he would receive some good advice from his old friend. Jack would tell him exactly how to go about keeping his daughter in the country. He felt better already, less helpless. Cocky, even.
* * *
He slid into the booth at the restaurant and gave the menu a quick scan. He already knew what he wanted—it was a place that he frequented often. He ordered his usual meal and then ordered something for Jack.
“And bring two glasses of water, please,” he said to the female server.
He raised his hand when he saw Jack walk through the door. His friend looked worn, as though he needed a vacation. He removed his suit jacket and slid into the booth across from Edward. Gave him a strong slap of the hands and a handshake.
“Good to see you.”
“Likewise.” Edward grinned. “I took the liberty of ordering for you.”
“And why would you do that?”
“Because I know this isn’t your kind of place,” Edward said, “but you’ll be thanking me later.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
Soon the server arrived with two piping-hot plates of food and set them down in front of the men. Jack frowned at the sight of his.
“Don’t knock it until you try it,” said Edward.
“I’ll try to keep an open mind.”
“Good,” Edward said, and then went on to explain what transpired at Savannah’s office earlier.
“You overreacted, bro.” Jack frowned as he picked over his meal. He pushed the tofu aside and managed to get the vegetables into his mouth. “But you do have rights regarding your daughter. The question is, are you up for a fight with Savannah?”
“I can’t let her take Chloe away without a fight.”
“Perhaps you two can work something out without involving the courts. Summer is approaching. Maybe you can convince her to let Chloe spend the summer with you. You’d deliver her to London safe and sound in the fall, just before school starts. Maybe you can get her again around Christmastime or spring break.”
“That won’t work,” Edward said emphatically. “I need to see her at least once a week. And besides, we have a custody plan that says I get her every week. She can’t just wake up one morning and decide she wants to move to the other side of the earth.”
“Well, if you’re not in agreement with the move, then Savannah must file a petition for relocation with the court. The family court judge will take into consideration what’s in the best interest of the child. Stuff like how Chloe’s relationship with you will be impacted if she takes her away. Also, how the move will impact her mental, physical and emotional development.”
“Okay.”
“And whether or not the relationship with you can be preserved...kind of like the arrangement that I suggested in the beginning.”
“Can’t be preserved,” Edward said.
“Then once she files, we have a short deadline to object to the move,” Jack said. “I’ll get the paperwork started as soon as I return to my office so we’ll be ready.”
“You’re a lifesaver, man.” Edward smiled. Exhaled.
“We’ll have to contend with a court hearing. Maybe even a trial, if it goes that far.” Jack sipped on his ice water. “Are you up for that?”
“What choice do I have?” Edward said. “I’m up for it if she is. She started this whole thing.”
“I’m just asking, because I know it’s been a long, hard road for you and Savannah in the past. I was just wondering if you’re willing to go down that road again.”
“I don’t want to fight with Savannah again. It was a painful time.”
“I remember. I was right there with you.”
“Yes, you were. You’ve been a great friend.”
“I just hate to see you go through that again. And you two have finally gotten this co-parenting thing down.”
“Right. We have.”
“You’ve made it through some tough times. Not to mention that whole bogus engagement thing Savannah had with her corny boss.”