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“Yet,” Andy adds.
“He won’t find out. We’re careful.”
Andy places his hand on mine with a sympathetic glance. “Millie, you’re in love with him. How do you expect to continue without your dad finding out?”
I slump into my chair, letting out a sigh. “Can we talk about you screwing your professor?”
“There’s not much to say. I’m not in love with her. We just got to talking and, well, hooked up.”
I fold my arms, quick to point out the obvious. “Hold on a minute. You don’t just get to talk, then hook up.”
“It’s rather dirty, and I’d rather not repeat it in front of you because you are my cousin.”
“Jesus, Andy. You could get into real trouble for this. What if NYU kicks you out?”
“They won’t kick me out,” he assures me, his head lifted high. “They’ll kick her out. But look, nobody knows but you. So as long as you don’t say anything, then we’re all just fine.”
The waitress serves us the sandwiches we ordered, but neither one of us appear to have an appetite. We both aimlessly push our food around until Andy takes a bite, then another, while I continue to sit in silence. Typical male—one minute they are expressing emotions, and the next, all seems forgotten.
“What’s wrong, Millie?”
Averting my gaze, my attention is pulled to a mother and daughter sitting by the window. They are both talking animatedly, conversing one minute, then laughing the next. A tightness in my chest is followed by guilt.
“I love Will, and I love spending time with him,” I say, keeping my voice low. “But lying to my parents is exhausting. And things haven’t been the same with Mom.”
Andy nods his head knowingly. “Maybe you need to come clean with Aunt Charlie. Out of all people, she’ll understand.”
“Do you think?”
“She’s your best friend.”
“I know,” I mumble, the guilt only becoming worse.
“And, you know, your parents fought like hell to be together. If there’s anyone who can offer words of wisdom, it’s definitely her.”
I tear a piece of the bread, bringing it to my mouth as I begin to chew slowly.
“Um, has Ava ever mentioned to you this thing about my mom, and, um…” I scratch the back of my neck. “Your dad.”
Andy chuckles softly. “C’mon, it’s Ava. Of course, she has.”
“And?”
“My parents have never mentioned it,” he tells me honestly. “Let’s say the rumor is true. What does it matter? Everyone is supposed to be exactly where they are destined to be.”
He has a point, though Andy is always the rational thinker of the three of us.
“You’re not the least bit curious?”
“That my dad and your mom fucked? No…” he trails off, bored.
I have to agree with him. The thought itself is somewhat disturbing. I’ve always loved Uncle Julian, and he’s been nothing but nice to me. He isn’t exactly besties with Dad, but I can’t say I’ve witnessed any behavior to justify any animosity between them. The more I think about it, the more I think Ava has a creative imagination and thirsty for gossip.
“Listen, I’m here, Millie, if you need me. But you need to be careful. This may not end the way you’re hoping it will end.”
“How am I hoping this will end?”
“That everyone will accept the two of you together. Uncle Lex respects Will. When he finds out he’s fucking his oldest daughter, you can bet your ass he’s going to be livid.”
