Rachel Laine (The Women of Merryton Book 3) (30 page)

So
maybe I had some insecurities to deal with, and maybe Andrew was here now, but
what if he, like everyone else before him, decided I wasn’t worth staying for?

“Drew,
will you please answer the door? Your dad is here.” That was still so weird for
me to say. I hurried to apply my lip gloss before I met them both in the entryway.

They
were headed to do some batting practice, because three practices a week weren’t
enough. They both stood together in Bears attire, right down to the same ball
cap. Andrew had his arm around Drew, looking like a pro dad.

Andrew
looked me over. “You look nice.”

“Thanks.
You guys have fun tonight.”

“Why
don’t you come with us?”

“Yeah,”
Drew agreed.

I
looked more at Drew than his dad, who was making me feel all kinds of tingly
things. “I’m sorry, I have plans.”

“Painting
your toenails again?” Andrew asked.

“Not
tonight.”

Andrew
raised his eyebrow in perfect Hollywood fashion. “You don’t have a date, do
you?” His tone was playful.

How
did I answer that?

“You
do?” Tension ran through his words.

“Kind
of. Not really. I don’t know. I guess?” That really cleared it up. “I’m meeting
with Eric to finalize our advertising efforts for the spring carnival.” And
dinner was part of that. I didn’t know why I felt like I needed to explain myself
to Andrew. Probably because I wished it was him I was going out with.

“Are
you talking about that teacher at Drew’s school?”

“The
very one.” I reached out and pulled Drew to me and hugged him tight. “Show
those baseballs you mean business tonight. I love you.” I did my best to avoid
eye contact with Andrew. He looked hurt. And for that, I felt bad, but it
wasn’t like we were dating, or ever really had. We had some fantastic make-out
sessions and some wonderful talks, but that was it. And Andrew’s focus was on
being a dad, exactly where it should be.

“Love
you.” Even my son sounded disappointed.

I
made the mistake of looking up too soon. Andrew’s eyes and mine locked. A fire
had been lit in them. Not an angry fire, but impassioned. It sucked the air
right out of me and I felt a little lightheaded.

Thank
goodness for Drew. “Let’s go, Dad, before all the cages are taken.” Connection
severed.

I
turned around, like a coward, to grab my shoes.

“Hey,
where are you going to be tonight?”

I
had no choice but to face him again. “Why?”

“In
case of an emergency. I mean, what if Drew needs you?”

I
narrowed my eyes at him. “That’s what phones are for.”

“The
coverage up here is spotty.”

I
rolled my eyes at him. “Fine. We’ll be at Terranova’s, it’s on Main Street.”

“Isn’t
everything in this town?”

“You
don’t like it here?” That shouldn’t have surprised me, but it was
disheartening. As crazy as this whole situation was, I was glad he was moving
up here. It helped me ease into sharing Drew.

He
looked between Drew and me. “I didn’t say that.”

“I’ll
see you guys later.”

“Definitely,”
Andrew replied.

I
slipped into some heels and almost canceled with Eric. I shouldn’t have agreed
to go to dinner with him in the first place, but he’d asked me several times
and he knew it was a friend type date, but I had zero romantic feelings for
him. He was a nice, attractive man, maybe even better looking than Andrew. But
he did nothing for me, whereas Andrew only had to smile at me and I felt
feverish. I think I only said yes because I was afraid what my friends had said
about me was true.

I
found myself sitting across from a very attentive date, while everyone else
took turns looking at us. The fact that Andrew was Drew’s dad had cooled on the
Merryton gossip channels, but now everyone was tuned in to see how Andrew and I
played out. Veronica’s interview didn’t help there, either. How did she say it?
“It’s so sad to see my friend Rachel getting involved with a man who is
obviously a liar and a cheat. I mean, I could never be with someone that used
my sister and abandoned her child. But to each their own.” The smile she gave
after was pure evil.

I
will say this about Andrew, he was already charming his way into everyone’s
hearts around here. So while some people were raising an eyebrow or two over
the fact that there may or may not have been something between the two of us,
for the most part people could understand why, and they weren’t judging me too
harshly for it. His hometown hero persona didn’t hurt, either. Despite the fact
he was being vilified in the city, up here he was still considered a celebrity,
which for reasons I didn’t understand gave him a pass. It didn’t hurt that he
was as polite as he could be, and that the little league team he coached loved
him. He had already agreed to do several day camps in the summer, and Jessie
was ecstatic that he had agreed to play on her team.

Landon
Riley was doing his best to get that nixed, but so far had come up short. His
charm was wearing off.

I
smiled warmly at Eric, but not overly so. “I talked the Daily Press into
advertising the carnival for free. Well, sort of. I agreed to buy an advert for
my agency.”

“That’s
great.”

I
went back to perusing my menu even though I knew what I was going to get. I
loved their spinach and ricotta gnudi.

“What’s
good here?”

My
eyes left the comfort of gazing at my menu to meet Eric’s expectant ones. “I
like—”

“Mom!”

Nothing
got my attention faster than that name being used by my favorite
eight-year-old. I turned to see my sweaty kid running toward me, with his dad trailing
behind looking smugger than ever.

Drew
ran into my arms.

“What
are you doing here? Is everything all right?”

“I
missed you, and Dad said we could have dinner here.” That sounded rehearsed.

I
looked up to an innocently smiling Andrew. “What a coincidence.”

“He
was in the mood for Italian,” Andrew shrugged.

I
refrained from rolling my eyes. Instead I turned to a confused Eric. “Eric, you
know Drew, but this is his dad, Andrew.” Not like everyone didn’t already know
that.

Eric’s
eyes lit up before he stood to shake hands with Andrew. “Oh man, I can’t
believe I’m meeting
the
Andrew Turner. I was in the stands the night you
pitched your first no-hitter. It was awesome. Best game I’ve ever gone to.”

Now
I rolled my eyes. I had no idea Eric was such a big fan.

Andrew’s
smug face changed to downright arrogant. “The whole team was on point that
night.”

“Here,
join us.” Eric offered. He slid back into the booth.

“Are
you sure? I know it’s awkward having the ex crash.”

Eric
looked between Andrew and me. “I didn’t realize you guys were divorced. I
thought uh …” He eyed Drew and thought better of what to say.

Andrew
slid right into the booth next to Eric. “We weren’t married, just seeing each
other until recently. But we still have to parent together, so we make it work.
Right, Rachel?”

I
pulled my smelly son closer to me. “Right.”

Andrew
winked at me like an idiot.

I
turned my attention to the only male at the table I was happy to see at the
moment. “How was batting practice?”

“Dad
helped me with my stance, and I hit ten balls in a row.”

“Very
cool.”

“You
should have seen him.” Andrew beamed. “He’s going to be showing me up before I
know it.”

I
couldn’t help but smile at him. I loved that he was a good father to our son.
Pride was bursting out of his eyes.

“Next
time you can come, Mom.”

“Deal.”

Andrew’s
grin widened farther if that was possible. “You play sports, Eric?”

“Nothing
professional, but I ran track in college.”

“Cool,
man.”

Our
waiter came by, surprised by the new additions, and interrupted the budding
bromance. But like everyone else, he was enamored by Andrew and asked for his
autograph. Several other patrons did the same. I tried to take it in stride as
I watched my date and Andrew court one another. I was long forgotten as they
talked relentlessly about sports and Andrew’s career highlights. I had no idea
he was the first pitcher ever in the major leagues to pitch two perfect games.
And his batting average was the highest for any pitcher when he played.

Drew
and I focused on eating and playing the games on the back of the kid’s menu. I
actually enjoyed that more than talking to Eric. And Cheyenne was right, he chewed
louder than anyone I knew.

Drew’s
eyelids became heavy around nine. He leaned into me and dozed off.

“I
think it’s time to get this one home.”

Both
men turned my way. Andrew smiled at the scene before him, or was he smiling at
me? “I’m sorry, we got carried away.”

“No
problem. You know the garage code, so you can let yourself in.”

Andrew’s
smile turned wicked before he faced his admirer. “I can just take Rachel home
now, since I’m headed that way.”

I
was waiting for Eric to disagree, or even look put out by the suggestion, but
no. “That works. Thank you.”

Not
like I wanted him to take me home, but come on. He’d been asking me for the
last several weeks to have dinner with him, and once I agreed, this was what I
got? Ignored and passed off. I was tempted to call a friend to come and get me.

“It’s
my pleasure.” Andrew smirked. “Should we get that son of
ours
home?”

I
may have smiled back, but I did my best to say with my eyes that I wasn’t that
impressed with him. I could tell he understood by his laugh.

Andrew
paid the whole tab, and with hardly a goodnight, Eric walked away.

“That
was fun.” Andrew made sure Eric was long gone.

“Let’s
go home.” I shook Drew awake.

“I’m
sorry. Did you really like that guy?” The words must have sounded distasteful
to him as he grimaced. “Did you hear him chew?”

A
small laugh escaped, which gave Andrew too much pleasure. “You can do so much
better than him.”

“From
the looks of it, I thought maybe you two were going to make an announcement.”

He
arched his eyebrow. “Jealous?”

“Not
in the least.”

Instead
of laughing off my comment, or smiling like I figured he would do, he was
thoughtful. “Good. Because I would never purposefully try to make you feel that
way.”

All
the stress, combined with Andrew’s presence, finally caught up to me. I woke
the next morning after my first and last date with Eric feeling like I had
slammed into a brick wall. My whole body ached and I could tell I was running a
fever. I was shivering like crazy and my throat felt raw. It seemed like every
spring I came down with something, but this felt worse than years past.

I
dragged myself to the bathroom and felt like I had walked several miles by the
time I made it. I didn’t have time to be sick. Drew had baseball practice today
and I wanted to run by the office and check the securities folders one more
time to make sure they were labeled properly before the audit next week. And I
promised the PTA president I would meet her at the school to start working on
the paper mural for the carnival that was six weeks away. Not to mention, I
needed to do my Saturday grocery shopping.

I
wished my parents were back in town. Or maybe not. The longer they stayed away,
the better, at least until all the dust settled. Not that they weren’t privy to
what had been going on. Merryton’s network was far reaching. I thought my mom
was going to hyperventilate over the phone after she watched Veronica’s
interview. Any hope Andrew had of being on good terms with them had vanished,
which was another reason I was hesitant to succumb to any of his advances. Like
the one last night when his lips lingered on my cheek as he said goodbye.

It
didn’t matter anyway. I wouldn’t have called them for help. My dad hated germs.

I
held onto the counter for support. Maybe if I took some ibuprofen that would do
the trick. I retrieved the bottle from my medicine cabinet and barely had the
strength to open it. Getting the tablets down was worse. My throat killed. I crawled
back to bed and threw my comforter over me. Ten more minutes of sleep.

 “Mom!”
Or maybe none.

“In
my room,” I croaked. I’m not sure if the sound made it past the door.

Drew
found his way anyway. He came bouncing in and jumped on my bed.

I
groaned from the movement. “Not today, honey.”

“You
sound bad.”

“I
feel worse. Do you think you can make yourself some cereal for breakfast?”

“Can
I have Reese’s Puffs?”

“Sure.”

“Yes!”
He ran off. Sugary cereal was a rare treat for him.

I
closed my eyes again, only to have my phone vibrate.

“Hello,”
I managed.

“You
sound terrible.”

“That
seems to be the consensus.”

“It’s
painful listening to you.”

“Goodbye.”

He
laughed, as always. “Hold up, I was kidding. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.
I just need the Advil to kick in.”

“You’re
a terrible liar. I’m coming over to take care of you.”

“I
don’t need you to do that. I’ll be as good as new in ten minutes. Half-hour,
tops.”

“You
know, you don’t have to be Wonder Woman all the time.”

“Yes,
I do.”

“Not
anymore. I’m coming over. You stay in bed.” He paused. “Come to think of it, I
like the sound of that.”

“Goodbye,
Andrew.” I’m not sure if he heard me through his laughter.

I
hated to admit it, but I was relieved he was coming over. This way he could
take Drew to practice. Normally, I took him and Andrew brought him home, but
this would buy me a little more time to shake this off.

Andrew
was staying in Evergreen with his mom until he could move into his new place
next week. I couldn’t believe we were heading into April.

Drew
and Jake ended up on my floor watching cartoons. I was half coherent, curled up
in a ball. Drew ate his cereal and Jake waited for anything to fall out of his
bowl. He was rewarded a time or two for his patience.

“Mom?”

“Yeah,
bud?”

“Do
you like Dad?” He had taken to calling him that so naturally.

We
had been skirting this topic. Drew was still hoping we would get married.

“Yes.”

“I
mean like,
like
him-like him. Do you know what that means?”

I
didn’t feel good enough for this conversation, or to face the truth. “Yes, I
know what that means.” I think Drew thought I was ancient sometimes.

“So,
do you?”

I
wanted to plead the fifth. “Yes,” I whispered, and not because my throat hurt.

“I
knew it.” He ran out of my room.

“Get
ready,” I tried to call out. The medicine was failing me, as was my head. I had
no strength at all, physically or emotionally.

Andrew
arrived forty-five minutes later. And with no thought at all, he let himself into
my bedroom.

I
pulled my covers up over my head.

He
sat down on the edge of my bed and pulled back my blanket. “Don’t deprive me.”

“Can
you take Drew to practice and bring him home? That’s all I need.”

The
tenderness in his eyes was apparent. He reached out and felt my cheek. “You’re
burning up. Maybe I should take you to the doctor.”

“I’ll
be fine.”

He
stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. “I have no doubt you could run
circles around us, but we’re here to help you.”

“We?”

“My
mom’s here. I couldn’t very well leave you alone while Drew and I go to practice.”

“Andrew
…”

“What?”

All
I could do was shake my head, and even that hurt.

“I’ve
never wanted to take care of someone more in my life than you. And it’s
frustrating that you don’t need me.”

“I
did once, but you didn’t come.”

“And
for that, I am truly sorry. A mistake I don’t ever plan on making again.”

“How
can I trust that?”

He
reached down and kissed my warm forehead. His lips felt cool against it. “For
now, rest. We’ll talk later. My mom is under strict instructions not to let you
get out of this bed. You can go back to saving the world tomorrow.”

For
once, I closed my eyes and let go. I fell into a deep sleep. One my body had
been needing for weeks, but my nerves and emotions had refused to give in.

I
wasn’t sure what time it was when I woke up, but the first thing on my mind was
Andrew. That was a common occurrence. I remembered Taylor telling me once that
Easton got into her system and never left. That’s how I felt about Andrew. He
wouldn’t leave me alone, and I wasn’t sure I wanted him to. So we both screwed
up, but he was doing all he could to make it right, and my friends were right
about me. Look at everything he was giving up to be with Drew, and maybe me.

Evelyn
crept into my room with a tray filled with a bowl of soup, a glass of water,
and some daisies.

I
managed to get myself upright. It took more out of me than I wanted to admit.
At least the fever was down. The Advil had done its job in that regards. “What
time is it?”

Evelyn
rested the tray on my lap. “A little past one.”

“Are
Drew and Andrew back?”

Her
eyes lit up at the mention of their names. “Not yet. Andrew wanted to keep the
house quiet for you.”

“That
was nice of him.” I looked down at the spread on my lap. “This is kind of you.
I don’t think I’ve ever been served food in bed before.”

She
sat down next to me and felt my forehead. “You look like you could use a little
TLC. You look so thin.”

The
stupid tears made a reappearance. “I’ve been so stressed out. My appetite went
out the window.”

Her
hand moved down to my cheek. “He’s sorry this has taken such a toll on you …
and—” I could see an internal debate going on in her eyes. She let out a breath
and went for it. “And on your relationship.”

“Did
we ever really have one?”

“Oh,
yes. And he wants more than anything to have that back. I’ve had to stop him
several times from running over here to try and fix it.”

I
shook my head, confused.

“I
knew you needed time. He threw you in the middle of a tornado, and let’s be honest,
he really messed up.”

I
smiled at her candor.

She
patted my cheek. “You, my dear, are giving him a run for his money.”

“I’m
not playing hard to get.”

“No.
You’re too good for that, and him. For once in his life, he has had to work for
something. He has to be better because that’s what you deserve. Don’t get me
wrong, I think my son is a good man, but he needs someone like you to show him
that he hasn’t met his full potential yet.”

“I’m
not that great.”

“Don’t
we all think that? Dear, look in a mirror. You are one of a kind. Like I said
before, many women in your shoes would have taken advantage of this situation.
And there are not many women who would have taken on the responsibility you did
at such a young age, especially not with such poise and character. All you have
to do is look at your son to see what an amazing woman you are. Why do you
think Andrew is so in awe of you?”

I
wiped my own tears. “It’s hard to see it like that. When they placed Drew in my
arms, it was like I knew that was what I was meant to do with my life. I don’t
feel like I’ve done anything special.”

“Again,
that’s what makes you so unique.”

“If
you say so.”

She
flashed me a graceful smile. “Now eat.”

“I’ll
try.” My throat still wasn’t feeling all that hot, but the oven roasted tomato
soup looked divine.

She
popped off my bed. “Do you use fabric softener when you wash your towels?”

“You’re
doing my laundry?”

Her
look told me not to argue. “Yes, and Andrew is grocery shopping.”

Maybe
getting help every now and then could be a good thing. “Thank you.”