The Deal

42- Real

Lara looked up at JJ who was on the phone. Within a few seconds of her hanging up, Neil walked in through the door, his cheeks turning bright.

"I'm so sorry Tesero, Daddy had to run up the stairs. The lift stopped working." He leaned down to kiss her cheek, noticing the way she nervously bit the inside of her cheek. "It's all going to be okay. It's going to be like last time with Ava in the room but this time Mummy and Daddy will be at the back. If you need us then we are there but we know what a strong girl you are."

Lara squeezed JJ's hand. "I know," she whispered. "Thank you for coming with me today. I know you didn't have to."

"You crazy? And miss out on ice cream after this?"

"Oh you both are using me for ice cream?" Neil asked with an eyebrow raised. They both giggled and before he could respond, Ava opened the door with a smile.

"Hey there again Lara. We're ready whenever you are." She looked between them. "If you need a little more time then that is-"

"No, that's alright." Lara turned to Neil. "Daddy do you really think I'm a big girl?"

"Of course you are."

"Then I want to try and do it myself." He looked to JJ who also had a frown on her face. "I promise I will call you if I need you."

Neil began to protest but JJ held onto his hand. "You're a big girl, monkey. I believe in you and your Daddy and I know how strong you are. If you want then you can definitely go in yourself. And if you feel upset or need any of us to hold your hand or give you a hug then that's okay too." She knelt so she was eyelevel with Lara. JJ glanced over at her face, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "I love you, monkey. I am so proud of you for doing this."

"I love you too, Mummy." They both hugged until Neil cleared his throat. Before they could ask what was wrong, he pulled them both into a hug, listening to them laugh. "Triangle hug!"

* * *

Neil watched as JJ paced back and forth. His gaze wondered over to the window that showed the busy streets of London. If you looked far enough you could see the river. In a few seconds, he grabbed onto JJ's hand and dragged her to the window.

"Shut up. I know what you're going to say. You look out this window. Count how many people you see with blue shoes and I am going to get you a sandwich." He kissed her hand. "Focus on something else. Our little girl is strong and the fact that she hasn't needed us till now means that she is a lot more mature than we give her credit for." She squeezed his hand, exhaling sharply.

Neil gave her hand another kiss before walking towards the stairs. He let out a groan once the door closed behind him.

"Fighting for custody or trying to keep it?" He snapped his head towards a man who leaning against the rail. "Don't worry, I've come here to groan out of frustration too. So horrible ex-wife?"

Neil chuckled, sticking his left hand in his pocket and scratching his forehead with the other. "One night stand. Dipped within the first few days and decided to come back after 8 years."

"Doesn't seem like a strong case."

He shrugged his shoulders, looking at the man in a suit. "Fairly strong. Has a husband, two daughters and a son in boarding school. Big house, the lot."

"Don't worry too much about it mate. Given all that she will get shared custody at best."

"Well thank you. I've gotta get my girlfriend some food before she chews away the inside of her cheek."