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I’m too tired to fight, the champagne wearing off, and the stress of tonight all too much. As I sit inside the car on the tan leather seats, Andy asks for the address to type it into his GPS. The navigation tells us it will be just under an hour to get home.
I quickly call Eliza to get an update, hearing Bentley wail in the background. My heart is breaking, knowing my son is in pain. I try my best not to cry in front of Andy, needing to remain strong since that’s what mothers are supposed to do.
Music plays on the radio. It’s Andy’s playlist, and, of course, his taste is so vast you don’t know whether you’re going to get something modern or a classic from the ‘70s. I recognize the song, a tune from Queen. We sang it often when drunk at some karaoke bar.
“Your taste in music hasn’t changed, I see,” I begin, then stall, unsure how to talk to him. “I remember singing this when Ava got so wasted on shots. You had to carry her out just as Uncle Lex called you.”
A small smile plays on his lips. “My cousin sure knows how to have a good time. Thankfully, she’s no longer a wild party girl.”
“How is Ava?”
“Good, the same.”
I nod quietly, my gaze drifting toward the window, but all I see is pitch black. Sitting beside Andy feels nostalgic, yet at the same time, parts of him feel like a complete stranger. Of all the times we would be in the car together, our conversations would be nonstop, several of them turning into heated debates. We argued over everything, but in the same breath, laughed at everything just as much.
“So, you said you’re here for work?”
“Yes,” is all he says.
I bite my tongue, but as always, restraining myself can only last so long.
“Look, I’m not good at small talk, and I think we’re beyond that. Just answer my question like a normal human being, please.”
“Demanding much?” he deadpans. “I’ll be photographing and directing the filming of new luxury boutique hotels across Europe. Would you like to know more?”
“Why yes, please,” I drag.
“Lex and Noah approached me to work on this as they want to launch as quickly as possible.”
The moment I hear my dad’s name, I flinch my head back in confusion.
“My dad wanted you to work in London?”
“Actually, Lex approached me. Noah and Kate were at the official meeting.”
It’s odd neither Dad nor Kate had said anything considering they know I live here. Dad, I can excuse since we barely said two words to each other, but I’m surprised Kate mentioned nothing.
The house appears on our right. “The house is just through those gates.”
Andy drives through the gates to park the car out front. I expect him to leave, but he insists on making sure Bentley is okay, catching me by surprise that he even wants to see him.
We head inside, and Andy follows me toward Bentley’s room. As my steps get closer, I hear Bentley’s tired cry, which causes me to run inside, nearly tripping on my gown.
Eliza is sitting on the chair, trying to soothe him. She looks exhausted, and quickly, I take him from her to rock him in my arms.
“Mama’s here, baby boy,” I whisper.
I place my hand on his forehead, the skin heated from just a touch.
“Eliza, please bring me some pain reliever and a cold washcloth.”
I continue to rock Bentley while Eliza disappears to return moments later. As I administer the medication, Bentley fusses but thankfully swallows. When he calms down, I dab his forehead with the washcloth knowing his teeth are incredibly sore, which is why he’s in so much pain. I’d looked it up online, then called Mom and Kate for advice. They weren’t the best of help since apparently Nash, Sienna, and I passed the teething stage with flying colors. However, Aunt Charlie’s experience was different. We texted back and forth, and she gave me tips on how to manage it since apparently, all her daughters were a nightmare.
In my arms, Bentley’s eyes begin to close, and his breathing becomes heavy.
“I’ve got it from here,” I whisper to Eliza. “Go get some rest. You did amazing, and I can’t thank you enough.”
“Are you sure?” she asks, eyeing Andy.
