Chapter 37 - Andie #2
“Well then, I guess we’d better get to know him,” Charlie says with a small smile. “But you know if he ever hurts you . . .”
“You’ll make him pay,” I finish with a laugh. “I know. And honestly? I’d expect nothing less from you guys."
That breaks the ice, and Jason grins. “All right, so when do we get to properly interrogate this guy? I’ve got questions.”
“Easy there, detective,” Dave adds with a chuckle. “At least let the man finish his beer first.”
There are the laughs and smiles I missed so much. The ones that always made me feel like part of a real family. A family who loves me and always has my back.
“Shit, I’ve got to go, guys.” I make my way towards Spencer who is entangled in a web of twenty questions by my mother.
I make it to his side just in time to interrupt her before she has a chance to ask Spencer anything else.
“Mom, Dad, I see you’ve been busy getting to know Spencer.
” Mom is sipping her wine slowly, trying to savor every drop, while my father looks like he’s studying Spencer, trying to determine if he should approve of this relationship.
“Andie, honey, you didn’t tell us that you were bringing a friend home, nor did you tell me your friend would be a handsome young man.” My mother’s emphasis on friend isn’t lost on me. I’m trying to figure out what to say to my mother when he saves the day and steps in.
“That’s my fault, Mrs. Rose. Andie didn’t know that I was coming originally. I figured she could use the extra support for her first trip home.” I watch my mother huff, continuing to sip her wine and pretend Spencer coming home with me isn’t the sweetest gesture ever.
“I’m really happy to see you both, but it’s getting late, and I’m tired from the plane ride.
I think it’s time to start winding things down.
” There’s that disappointed look that frequents my mother’s face when I speak.
At this point the look doesn’t even faze me.
Normally I would placate her and talk for a while longer, but I’m too tired for that and I need to get people out of my house.
“Please . . . I promise I’ll call you guys tomorrow, but for now, I really need some sleep. ”
My father sets his glass down to shake Spencer’s hand. “Spencer, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you’ll take us up on our offer of dinner while you’re in town.”
“Of course, sir. Andie and I will be in touch.” Spencer turns away just enough to catch sight of the mantle. His eyes noticeably drift over the several picture frames that sit face down.
My father turns to me, bringing me in for an embrace, I cling to him like a lifeline. “He’s a good man, Daddy. I promise,” I whisper as we pull away from each other.
His silent wink to me tells me he understands. “I love you, Peanut. Get some sleep.”
I watch my parents as they finish telling Abby goodbye and leave the house. After a few hours of catching up with everyone else, the gathering disperses slowly until it leaves only the four of us and Abby.
“Charlie, walk with me for a second?” I call as he heads out the door.
Once we’re on the porch, away from everyone, I lower my voice. “When we were on the phone, you said there were some things about Cody you needed to tell me. What did you mean?”
Charlie runs his hand through his hair looking uncomfortable. “Not tonight, Andie. You’ve got enough going on with . . .” He glances behind me looking through the open doorway where Spencer’s chatting with Evan. “We’ll talk tomorrow after the meeting. One thing at a time, okay?”
“Charlie—”
“Tomorrow,” he says firmly, leaning in giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Get some rest.”
I make my way back into the house where Evan spots me. “Well, that was a fun evening . . . Hey, Andie, where do you want me to bunk?” Evan asks.
Surprisingly, he was on his best behavior during the party.
Which I am grateful for, it’s hard enough to try to convince people to give Spence a chance.
I really don’t need to justify the childish behaviors of Evan.
I can see he’s a good guy and knows exactly when to act appropriately.
Personally, I like him. He brings a sense of fun to Spencer’s life, a nice balance.
“I’ll show you to your room.” Abby grabs his bag, walking toward the guest room with a sway in her hips that says she’s shifting from sister mode to predatory mode.
I don’t think she would act on it, regardless of her flaws, she’s always been strongly against cheating, she just likes the attention of people noticing her.
But Evan doesn’t seem to notice her performance. Instead, he turns to Maddie with a grin. “Night, Maddie. Sweet dreams,” he says with an exaggerated wink.
Maddie rolls her eyes before making a repulsive gagging face. Evan just laughs at her reaction, enjoying pushing her buttons.
Abby stops mid-sway, clearly annoyed that her attention-seeking display fell flat.
Evan follows her down the hallway, oblivious to her disappointment.
They disappear around the corner, and I catch a glimpse of the photos still hanging along the walls.
The same hall I refused to walk down for so long, all because of the constant reminders of the husband who was once the one holding my hand.
The ache is there when Spencer comes to my side, he stares down the hallway, as if trying to see it through my eyes, trying to get every image of my past.
This is quickly turning into a special kind of hell. At least we survived round one.