Broken Lyrics (Book 3 of the Black Heart Series)

Eleven

Bree

Every Monday was inventory and ordering. Today was Monday...

Normally my arch nemesis, but this week I was welcoming the distraction...

I hadn't heard anything else from Asher in over a week and my nerves were shot. What was he planning? Did he have a lawyer? Was he going to try to gain custody?

Declan had spent every day with him, when she had the chance and to hear her stories of the guys made me laugh. It sounded like they adored her, but what wasn't to love about my baby? She even had Reegan McGhee helping her perfect her guitar skills.

Last night, she'd even texted me to tell me that she was still going to hang out "at Dad's", instead of making our Sunday night dinner ritual...

I couldn't blame her, breakfast for dinner and Saturday morning cartoons with dear, old Mom or spending time with the father she never knew and his band? I'd take it if I were her too.

"There's my bestie!" I jumped at the sound of Lexi's voice and she cringed.

"A little jumpy, are we?"

"I'm sorry, I just have a lot on my mind right now." I sighed, trying to focus on the clipboard in my hand.

"I can tell." She said dryly.

"I just..." I began to shake, gripping my clipboard for dear life, "I'm going to lose her, Lex..."

I had done so well since Asher had left my house. I had burried myself in my work and ignored the world around me, even though the return of Declan's father was huge news in our small town now, I had been able to avoid it all. Until I faced my best friend...

Alex rushed to me and put her hands on my shoulders, forcing me to meet her hazel eyes.

"Listen to me, YOU are Declan's world. You will never lose her. She just wants to get to know her father. He'll be gone soon and it will be just the two of you again."

"You didn't hear what Chris said... What if-?"

"No if's! Asher McGhee doesn't hold a candle in a shitstorm, compared to you!"

"Did you do it?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"Of course, did you even need to ask?" She smiled dryly, rolling her eyes.

She released me and moved to one of the crates near the door, pulling a folder out of her briefcase and handing it to me as she spoke.

"First section is paternity, second is to add his name to the birth certificate, then the rest is just lawyer mumbo jumbo stating that he'll have 50% legal and physical custody, just as you requested. I still think you should ask for back child support though. You could pay off the bar and get a good house for you and Declan. You could travel..."

"My life is just fine, as it is." I told her as I flipped through the paperwork, "I love my house and pay the bills with enough money left to take nice vacations and buy Declan her name brand clothing. I'm happy. I don't need anything from Asher."

"Except the ring that you wore for sixteen years!" She snapped, gaping at my bare hand, "That you suddenly aren't wearing!"

I paused and looked down at my left hand, where the ring once laid on that third finger.

"Asher took it back." I told her dryly.

"And how do you feel about that?" I sighed at her question.

"At first, it felt like he'd broken up with me," I didn't look away from my hand as I spoke, "Stupid, I know, but it was the only thing I had left that was truly him... I held onto that... Now though? I think it was just a reminder that I should move on... He did... Obviously."