There was a professional pause.
"I understand this is upsetting."
"It was a kiss."
"I can't discuss the merits with you."
"You can tell Simon he's destroying his family."
"I represent Simon."
"I don't carry messages between represented parties once you obtain counsel."
"I'm not represented."
"I recommend that you become represented."
She gave me information about response deadlines and local family-law resources.
I barely heard her.
After hanging up, I called Simon.
Voicemail.
Again.
Voicemail.
Then Margaret.
She answered.
"You knew."
"Yes."
"How could you let him do this?"
"Evanthy."
"It was one kiss."
There was a long silence.
Then Margaret said:
"You still think the petition is about ten seconds at a party."
"What else would it be about?"
"Everything after."
I paced.
"He abandoned his home."
"He is at our house five or six days a week seeing June."
"He's sleeping here because every conversation with you becomes another argument about why he has no right to be hurt."
"He lied to June."
"No."
"You did."
I stopped.
"What?"
"You told her this was a silly disagreement and that Simon was being dramatic."
"That isn't a neutral explanation."
I gripped the phone.
"You're his mother."
"Of course you're taking his side."
"I am taking my granddaughter's side right now."
"Stop asking her to agree with you."
That silenced me.
Margaret continued more softly.
"You don't have to agree with Simon about your marriage."
"But June cannot become the jury."
After we hung up, I sat on the couch with the papers in my lap.
For the first time, I was scared enough to call an attorney.
Her name was Dana Patel.
Mid-forties.
Direct.
No comforting tone.
She read the filing while I explained.
"It started because my husband is upset I kissed someone at a party."
Dana looked up.
"Someone?"
"His best friend."
"Okay."
"It was a dare."
"Okay."
"Ten seconds."
"Okay."
Her lack of reaction irritated me.
"Aren't you going to say anything?"
"I am gathering facts."
I continued.
"There was no affair."
"No sex."
"No secret relationship."
"I didn't even text Liam privately."
"Good."
"Then Simon can't use this against me for custody."
Dana leaned back.
"A single consensual kiss at an adult party is not, by itself, likely to determine whether you're a fit parent."
Relief rushed through me.
"I knew it."
She held up a hand.
"I wasn't finished."
My relief stopped.
"The court cares about June."
"Not whether Simon's feelings were hurt."
"Your husband's petition isn't asking to remove you from June's life."
"He's asking for a temporary structure while you separate."
"That's normal."
She turned a page.
"What concerns me more is the allegation that both parents have discussed the marital conflict around the child and that you've characterized Simon's actions negatively in her presence."