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“I had a great time tonight… you know, despite the rocky start we had,” Andrea told Donny while they stood on the front porch.
“You mean bumpy,” he injected with a laugh.
The sound was so deep and rich as it shook his frame, and the mirth drew her in.
“You’re right.” She chortled. “Let’s never do that again, though.”
“Never,” Donny conceded as his shining eyes stayed fixed on her.
“As much as I’m thankful you brought me home, you know I could have driven myself,” she spoke, breaking the tension.
“I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting you drive home after keeping you out so long and with the one drink you had…” Donny shook his head. “I know it might not be enough to cloud your judgment, but to someone else, it makes a big difference,” he stated seriously.
“Speaking from experience?” she asked, sensing there was a story there.
Donny’s lips pursed together as a haunted look passed through his eyes.
“My wife, she was killed in a car accident… the other driver he… he was distracted. He lost control, and his car ended up in the lane where the cars were traveling in the opposite direction. By the time my wife saw what was happening, it was too late… it was a head-on collision, and the impact killed her on the spot.”
“Oh my God!” Andrea exclaimed as her heart slammed against her chest with the despair she felt for Donny. “I’m so sorry, Donny. I can’t imagine how you could have got through that.” Andrea placed her hand on his arm, offering her support.
“Now I’m really sorry for how I behaved toward you during the accident. I was so insensitive, and it was my fault,” she babbled on, feeling the guilt seeping up from her actions.
“Is that the only reason you’re sorry now?”
“No, I was sorry bef—” She stopped mid-sentence when she saw the glint in his eyes.
“I know. I’m just getting you back for earlier today.” He smirked.
“That’s not fair.” She pouted. “This is a serious issue.”
“I know,” Donny replied. “I know you’re sorry, too, but that man was also drunk, so don’t feel guilty. I realized that you were going through a lot,” he reassured her.
After Donny left, she went upstairs and took a shower. When she entered her bedroom, her cell was ringing. Picking it up, she realized it was her daughter. Her heart squeezed against her chest.
“Hi, sweetheart. How are you?” she managed to breathe out.
“Hi, Mom. I’m fine. Why do you sound like that? Is everything okay?” Rory asked in concern.
“I’m fine, sweetie. I’m just a little tired. I had a long day,” she spoke apologetically. She was relieved that it seemed no one had gotten to her daughter before she was able to speak with her, but she was also anxious about the repercussions that were sure to follow her confessing.
“How are you doing?” she changed the subject.
“I’m fine, Mom. Guess who is now officially an associate at Smart, Pleck & Gamble LLC?”
“Awesome! James won his case,” Andrea cheesed, happy for her son-in-law. She knew how hard he’d worked to pass the bar and become a lawyer, and now that he had been made a permanent fixture at the law firm that had been his dream, she couldn’t be happier for him.
“Yeah, Mom, he did,” Rory said excitedly.
“I’m proud of him. I’m happy for you both,” she congratulated.
“Thanks, Mom. I know James appreciates your support. I was actually calling to let you know that since he wrapped up his case so quickly, we’ll be visiting Oak Harbor next week. We bought the tickets already. Keep your fingers crossed that they don’t throw another case his way too soon because of his big win.”
“That’s wonderful, sweetheart. I can’t wait to see you both,” Andrea replied as her heart beat erratically against her chest. Her anxiety had just reached a new level with her daughter’s announcement.
“Seriously, Mom, you don’t sound too well. Maybe you should go lie down for a bit,” Rory encouraged out of concern.
“Maybe you’re … you’re right. I’m going to lie down for a bit.”
