What does he want? Money, probably. Mason's expression darkened. You don't have to give him anything. The divorce is already filed.
I signed the papers. Signed under duress doesn't count. I don't have money for a lawyer. I do. Elena stared at him.
What? I have lawyers. Good ones. They can review the settlement. Make sure you're not getting screwed.
Mason, I can't ask you to. Ah, you're not asking. I'm offering. Why would you do that? Mason pulled into the driveway.
Put the car in park. Turn to face her. Because you deserve better than whatever he's trying to pull, he said flatly. And because I can help, so let me. Elena felt tears building.
I don't know how to accept this much help. Start by saying yes. She took a shaky breath. Yes. Good.
Mason unbuckled. I'll make some calls tomorrow. Inside, Sophie was waiting with Ethan. Elena, we made cookies. You made cookies.
Ethan corrected. I supervised. Same thing. The kitchen was a disaster. Flour everywhere.
Chocolate chips scattered across the counter. The cookies themselves looked interesting. They're supposed to be circles. Sophie explained. But they kind of melted together.
They look perfect, Elena said. You're just saying that. I'm saying they look like you made them with love. Sophie beamed. Try one.
Elena took a bite of what could generously be called a cookie. It was simultaneously undercooked and burnt. Delicious. She lied. Ethan snorted.
You're a terrible liar. Ethan. Sophie looked devastated. What? They're bad.
We both know they're bad. You said they were good. I said they were edible. That's different. Sophie's eyes filled with tears.
Elena crouched down to her level. Hey, you know what? What? Sophie sniffled. These are the best cookies I've had in a week.
Because you haven't had cookies in a week. Exact. Exactly. Which makes these the best. Elena smiled.
And you know what else? What? I haven't baked anything in years. So, the fact that you tried something and made a mess and didn't give up, that's braver than I've been in a long time. Sophie wiped her eyes.