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“She does. Look, Millie and Ava have so much family around them to help. Don’t compare yourself to them. It can’t be easy here without our family around.”
I bite my lip, holding back the stupid tears, but unfortunately, one falls down my cheek. Being alone is more complicated than I want to admit, but I hadn’t breathed a word to Mom or Kate, scared they would tell Dad, and all hell would break loose. He’ll say, ‘I told you so,’ and I’ll get angry and stop talking to him for good.
“Hey,” Andy whispers, then leans forward to wipe the tear from my face. His touch is soft, making me close my eyes momentarily. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s hard,” I whisper. “Doing this all alone.”
Andy lowers his eyes, careful with his words. “For now, you’re not alone, okay? I’m here if you need me. You just call.”
I smile at his offering. “Maybe I haven’t completely changed. I’m still somewhat of a hot mess.”
His eyes sparkle followed by his mouth twisting. “No comment from me.”
Beside me, my phone rings, but I quickly hit reject not to wake Bentley up. Benedict’s name appears on the screen. I switch the phone to silent and send him a text.
Me:Bentley is asleep in my arms. I don’t want to wake him.
Benedict:Where are you?
I hesitate, unsure what I should say. The truth, while honest, doesn’t sound great. ‘Oh, hey, I’m sitting in bed with Andy.’
“Is something wrong?”
“Benedict wants to know where I am.”
“So, tell him you’re with me? I’m family, remember?”
“Um, yeah, but it won’t come out right if I say we’re in your hotel room.”
I send a quick text.
Me:About to head home.
“I should probably go,” I tell Andy, not wanting to leave but knowing I can’t stay here forever.
I place Bentley into his stroller with his blanket as he continues to sleep. I text the driver to meet me, and he responds, saying he’ll be about ten minutes.
“My driver will be here in ten minutes.” I slide the phone back into my purse. “Thank you for today. I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to see the hotel you’re working on. Rain check?”
“Of course,” he says and pauses before continuing. “And hey, no need to thank me. I didn’t do anything.”
My eyes drift until they lock onto Andy’s. He may not even realize it, but everything he gave me today is what I need—the support, the courage, and the offering to help out of his own will.
“You did more than you know,” I whisper.
As I begin to push the stroller, Andy grabs my arm gently, causing me to stop. My chest hitches, but I turn around anyway.
“Jessa, what I said before, I didn’t mean it.”
I tilt my head. “Which part?”
“About the other women.”
I lower my gaze, biting my lip. “We both know it’s true. You’re not a priest.”
“No, I’m not a priest.”
“So, you do fuck other women?” I repeat, wondering why I can’t let this go.
