I didn’t expect the four-hour drive to fly by, and it didn’t.

We had to buy a car seat from Target before we got started. Jason and I trapped an employee in a red vest and asked what she recommended. Luckily she was a single mother. I told her I’d give her a hundred bucks cash if she could pick the best one in under three minutes. She got the tip money.

And now I’m buckling Hannah into it, thinking, how did I get here? Last night I was drinking martinis and fucking a hot woman. And I was getting my ass chewed out afterward. Never had a clue that this is what today would bring, I can fucking tell you that.

Hannah holds up her arms so I can buckle her in, and the ratty, pink doll is extended in the air.

“Does he have a name?”

“Lou.”

My eyebrows go up. “Your alien is named Lou?” She nods like it’s obvious, and I click the last stiff buckle.

Claire exclaims with appreciation, “It’s so roomy in this car.”

Oh shit. Here it comes. As we climb in the front and shut the doors, Jason smirks, “Your Audi couldn’t have done this.”

“Shut it.”

“We’d be like sardines in here.”

“Stylish sardines.”

“Smelly sardines,” he counters.

“As if I’d let you drive my Audi to Savannah.”

With his eyes on the rearview mirror Jason smiles, “Hannah thinks we’re funny.”

Craning to look back, I see her with a closed-mouth smile. “My brother and I amuse you?” She nods. “Good.” As I turn around I say to him, “It’s a start.”

Hannah falls asleep first as we head west on I-16. Then Claire follows. In the front seat Jason and I remain quiet for miles, waiting for them to fall deeper into sleep.

“I have to make some calls.”

He nods, eyes on the road. “Justin?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m proud of you.”

My fingers hover a moment, and then I dial Mary. She answers immediately. Probably kept her cell next to her. “Mr. Cocker? I saw the speech. I’m so sorry, sir.”

A pang twists my insides. “Mary, I need your help.”

“Anything, sir.”

“Look into hospice care in Atlanta. I need the best you can find close to my home, or my parent’s home.” The sudden urge to lean on them for help hits me, but I don’t want to rush into anything. I know I’m in shock.

“Hang on a second. Let me think.”

“Of course, sir,” she whispers.

Staring at the forests blurring past my window I try to imagine what staying with Mom and Dad for a few months, would look like. It would just be in order to get a handle on parenting. Mom would love it and she’d take over. Then it could become where she’s the one Hannah turns to. I want it to be me. And I’m stunned to realize it.

“You still there, Mary?”

“Yes Mr. Cocker.”

“Find one near my home. If you can’t find a good one, I’ll rent a temporary apartment near one and live there for the time being.”

“Sir, I know of a place by your penthouse. I’ve lost several friends.”

This stills me. “Oh, I didn’t know that.”

“I’m a bit older than you, sir.”

Smiling at the amusement in her tone, I concede, “Okay, well, I’ll leave it up to you. Her name is Claire Walters. She’s the woman you spoke to today. What am I saying? You probably already knew who I was talking about. I’m a little out of it. Tell them I will be paying for everything her insurance doesn’t cover.”

“I’ll take care of it, sir. Are you coming home now?”

“Yes. Make it happen now. I want to drive her right there. Thank you.”

“I’ll get right on it. And Mr. Cocker?”

“Yes?”

“Well done.”

Frowning, I murmur, “Goodbye, Mary,” and hang up.

“When are you going to call the family?” Jason asks me.

“I don’t know.”

“You know it’s on the news, right? I checked my phone and they already know.”

“Shit,” I mutter. “I’ve been so disoriented. My head is up my ass right now.”

“Language,” Jason smirks, glancing to the rearview.

I throw him a look. “Okay, Grams. I already warned her I swear.”

He cocks an eyebrow. “You warned Grams?”

“My daughter!”

He chuckles, “I know. I just wanted to hear you say it again.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“And you’re a father.” He hisses through his teeth. “I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces.”

We ride for over an hour in silence after I-16 becomes I-75. No radio. No need for one. The channels changing in my mind are enough to keep me occupied for days. God, the media frenzy over this scandal. And my family won’t be able to hide this one like they did when I seduced that poor – and very hot – teacher my senior year in high school. No, this time they can’t sweet-talk the principle.

“How you doin’ over there?” Jason asks.

“It’s a lot, Jase.”

“But you can handle it.” He pauses. “My big brother can handle anything. Always has. Always will.”

I glance over to see if he’s fucking with me, but his eyes remain locked on the road ahead, his face dead serious.