“We have hours to get ready.”
“Can we do it?”
“Not as well as I’d like. But we can work hard tonight. And Roth’s side is under the same deadline.”
Amber’s cell phone rang.
“Remember,” said Destiny, “the fundamentals remain the same. Coco’s codicil is legal and valid. They have to prove you’re not a fit guardian.”
Amber didn’t recognize the calling number. “Hello?”
“Amber, it’s Cole.”
She glanced to Destiny, feeling a small spike of guilt about last night. “Hi, Cole.”
Destiny’s interest obviously perked up.
“I need to talk to you about something.”
“Is it Zachary?”
“No, no. He’s fine. At least, he was fine when I left him with Isabel this afternoon. Can you meet me for dinner?”
She wished she could. “I’m afraid not. Destiny and I are going to be busy.”
There was silence on his end. “It’s kind of important.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Maybe later?”
“Tonight’s not going to be good. We’ll be working really late.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” She hesitated. “No.” She knew she shouldn’t share, since she barely knew him. But she felt like she owed him an explanation. “It’s actually not okay. Roth’s convinced the judge to hold an emergency hearing tomorrow morning. He’s going after custody.”
“Tomorrow morning?”
“He’s going to use my decision on the Boonsome 300s as proof I’m unfit to control Coast Eagle.”
“He’ll lose, Amber.”
“I hope so.” Her stomach was already beginning to cramp up.
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Ask me out again in a few days?”
Destiny’s brows went up.
“Happy to,” he answered. Then his tone changed. “I really wish I could see you now. Even for a short time.”
“That would be nice. But we’re pretty much pulling an all-nighter here. I’m about to call Isabel and arrange for her to stay over.”
“I could stay at your place, wait for you there.”
“Not necessary.” She wasn’t going to let herself presume any more on Cole’s good graces. He didn’t come to Atlanta to be a babysitter.
He was quiet again. Then he blew out a breath. “Okay. A couple of days, then.”
“Thanks.”