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Seeing Andie this morning made all my worries disappear for those few minutes. When Nora took a picture, having her tucked against my side, I felt secure and wanted to stay exactly like that for the rest of the day. It was calming for all the uncertainty stirring inside me.
That’s the thing about Andie. I never have to guess what I’m going to get. I always just get her. She’s unchanging and strong and brave, and it’s contagious. I want to absorb everything she is. In my world, I’ve become addicted to the authenticity and genuineness she lives by.
She gave me a hard time about calling her after this event. I hope that maybe I’m not the only one who feels something shifting between us. Even if that’s true, my life brings constantattention and time away. She may not want any part of it. The first kept her from signing with a label, and she told me how difficult it was for her and Josh to be apart. These things will only worsen if I’m traded.
I want to do what Maggie said. I want to say screw it and see what Andie and I could be, but it feels like one wrong move and she’ll disappear. I only know bits about what she went through losing her husband, but I’ve noticed her hesitancy and shyness, and I respect that it takes time. I won’t push her. I don’t want to do anything that will cause me to lose the person who has become my best friend over these past months.
“Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. Scandalous.”
I turn as Mark steps next to me. The kid I’ve been tossing the ball with eyes grow wide at the sight of him, and I hand over the ball so he can throw it back.
“Hey, bro.” I hug and release him in time to catch the ball.
“Nice thing you got going on here. I just saw Shane and the kids. They’re getting teams together for a game.”
The kid I’ve been playing catch with approaches wanting a picture with Mark. After a few clicks and an autograph, he runs off to find his foster family.
“I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to do this when we were being held captive. You and Andie did a hell of a job making dreams come true.” He sounds somber and reflective.
I’m not sure what’s going on, but this is the same tone I heard on the phone, and it’s not his usual annoyingly sarcastic and boisterous self. Over these next few days, I’ll have to get to the bottom of it.
“I’m glad schedules worked out, and you could be here. These kids are going to attack you any minute.”
He laughs. “Why do you think it took me so long to get over here? I thought I was going to get sacked on the way in.” He slapsme on the back. “Be careful what you wish for, though. You’re stuck with me this week. I hope you have my pass for the game tomorrow. I’m ready to sit back and watch your ass get tackled in real life. It’s been a while.”
“Hey.” Andie’s voice catches my attention. “Are you ready to officially welcome everyone? We need to start the first set so things wrap up on time.”
Her head tips up, and her green eyes are even brighter today with the purple eye makeup she’s wearing.
“You must be the elevator girl that hates his guts,” Mark interrupts. “I’ve seen the pictures, but he didn’t tell me they don’t even come close to the real deal.” His slick smile appears, and I want to slap him upside the head. “I’m Mark, this idiot’s brother from some other mother.” Rather than being normal and holding out his hand, he moves in to hug her. I want to kill him.
Mark is a habitual flirt and only becomes more exaggerated when he wants to drive Shane and me absolutely insane.
Holding on to her tight because he knows it makes me want to punch him, he fake whispers, “I’ll have you know that I’m much better at keeping a low profile if you’re tired of all the drama and turmoil that follows this guy around.”
Usually, I don’t think twice about Mark’s fictitious playboy persona, but today, I want to mess up his styled dark hair and wipe that smug-ass look off his olive-toned face. I mouth, ‘I’ll kill you,’ but that only makes him grin.
Andie laughs, but it’s out of kindness, which has my lips turning upward. “Something tells me that you keeping a low profile would be like asking a monkey to stop climbing trees.”
He pretends to stab himself in the chest. “You wound me. Stunningly beautiful and witty. I bet the press didn’t know what they were doing messing with you.”
“Yeah, well, they don’t really care as long as they make money.” She forces a smile. “It’s nice meeting you, but we’ve got to get started.”
“I’m here for the next few days, so I hope I see you again. If you’re coming to the game tomorrow, come find me.” He winks, and I want to groan but hold it in. “We’ll hang out, and I’ll give you all the goods on this one.”
“That would be fun, but I won’t be here.” She turns to me. “You ready, Pretty Boy?” Her tone is tight and quipped.
Mark snickers. “Pretty Boy.”
I shoot him a glare and follow Andie, wondering what’s up with her. Something tells me it’s not nerves.
“What’s wrong?”
She doesn’t break her stride heading toward the stage. “I need to talk to you.”
That’s never a good statement, and my stomach squeezes into a knot, falling to the ground somewhere behind me as I try to keep up with her.
“Can you stop and tell me what’s going on?” She’s like a woman on a mission, dodging people to get to the stage. “Andie.” I wrap my hand around her elbow, but she resists and keeps moving.
