had ended in divorce after a short eighteen months. It was the one thing that Edward had failed at. He’d excelled in college and breezed through law school. He’d run for mayor, and lost—but had landed a position on the West Palm Beach City Commission. A place where he could actually make a difference for the people in his community. However, the mayoral campaign had robbed him of his marriage. A newlywed with a pregnant wife at home, he’d gotten too caught up in his career. Not to mention he’d spent too much time with his beautiful campaign manager. Although he’d never cheated on Savannah with Quinn, the closeness of their relationship had caused more of a disturbance than his new marriage could take.
One of the best things about Edward’s marriage to Savannah, though, had been their daughter, Chloe. He needed his daughter like the air he breathed. He needed to see her every single day. They’d become the best of friends. In her five years of life, he was astounded at the things that she knew. He didn’t want to miss one single moment of her life. But now Savannah threatened to take it all away. He wouldn’t allow her to do it. Couldn’t.
“What do you want from me, Edward? Do you want me to put my life...my career on hold again?”
“This is not about your career, or mine for that matter. This is about our daughter. If you want to go to London to make amends with your mother and build a new career, that’s fine. But don’t take Chloe away from me. She’s all I have.”
“I couldn’t leave her here. I won’t,” she said. “This is something I have to do, Edward. I’m sorry.”
It seemed that he’d been dismissed.
“Get yourself a good lawyer, Savannah,” he spat, and then stormed out of her office.
He needed air.
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?”
