#Chapter 76-Welcome to Divorce Court

“How do you feel?” Derek asks me as I sit beside him and the lawyers. Today’s the day—my day in divorce court. “Like I might vomit,” I admit sheepishly. He smiles at my honest response. “Well, try to avoid that.” He nods to the men and women in suits. “The team is prepped and ready to go.” I nod. We’d all met a few days ago to answer my questions and review what could come up in questioning. Everyone is ready for this forward and backward. My stomach feels so queasy. “I don’t know how to get through this.” Derek brushes his hand with mine but pulls away almost immediately. “I’m right here. We’re going to get through all of this together, okay?” That’s when Ryan comes through the door with his lawyer, sporting a black eye and busted lip. He’s limping, too, and followed by a police officer. Well, he’s sure seen better days. When his eyes lock on me, I quickly look away. My panic easily starts to rise. “Look at me,” Derek says. He takes my hand and squeezes it. “Br