“Do you know how much I care about your sexual orientation?”
I do not answer, of course. I don’t want to upset him any more.
“The only thing I care about is enforcing the law.”
“I thought the most important thing was the well-being of the children.”
He looks at me sideways. “We’re here to make sure of that.”
“If you have any doubts about my client…”
“If I have any doubts, Mr Kennedy? You only have to read two pages of his file to realise that this man is not the father these children need.”
“Allow me to disagree.”
“And allow me to give you some advice.”
I remain silent, and the judge continues.
“Think about your career; think about your life. Think about how many people you won’t be able to help after this thing blows up in your face because it will, Mr Kennedy, and in the worst way. And it will destroy the lives of these children. And it will be all your fault.”
I remain motionless, impassive, even though the knot in my tie is taking my pulse and breath away, even though I know the judge’s words are most likely just the truth.
“Are you prepared to live with this guilt?”
I clear my now parched throat and stand up, adjusting my jacket. “If there is nothing else…”
The judge sighs heavily.
“If this is the way you want to proceed…” He shakes his head several times in denial. “This court needs proof of your commitment, documentation, and something official to consider.”
“You will have everything, judge. You have my word.”
Seth
Someone knocks at the bathroom door. “Uncle Seth?” Logan’s voice calls. “Are you all right?”
“Sure, honey. I’m fine.”
“You’ve been locked in there for a while.”
“I’ll be out in a second.”
“OK.”
I get up from the toilet on which I have been sitting for some time, staring into space and imagining at least ten disastrous scenarios for this evening and my immediate future, and look at myself in the mirror once more.
“What the hell am I doing? Am I really going to pretend to like my lawyer?” I ask to my reflection.
Not that it is that difficult. It’s not at all. And maybe that’s the problem.
How can I pretend to like him when I really like him too much?
“What a mess!” I say again to my mirror image. “Can’t I get anything right?”
“Uncle Seth?” This time, it’s Mason calling.
“Coming!” I open the door to find my niblings standing in front of me, waiting. “I’m ready.” I walk past them and into the living room. Then I turn around. “How do I look?”
