I was lazily flipping through Pinterest on my laptop, thinking about changing my classroom décor for the next school year and looking for ideas. Meanwhile, Andy was taking the time to mow my grass. It was sweet, and yet part of me wondered if he had ever mowed before. From my understanding, the Bernard's had groundskeepers and maids when Andy was growing up so there wasn't any need for him to do chores "around the house". His effort however was sincere and much appreciated.

Setting my laptop on the couch, I decided to take Andy a bottle of water.

Pushing the sliding glass door open to the backyard, I watched him mow around the patio. He looked up and smiled at me before letting go of the handle, shutting the mower off. He slipped off his sunglasses as I walked over and handed him the cold beverage, which he guzzled half of in one drink before sighing gratefully. "You're amazing,"

I smiled, "I know. Thank you so much for mowing my yard, you really didn't have to do it." I leaned forward and gave him a small peck on his lips, making sure I didn't touch him since he was covered in sweat.

"Anything for you. I'm almost done here and then I think I'll take a shower." His eyes glistened with unspoken promise, and I instinctively clinched my thighs together.

He winked before slipping his sunglasses back on and going back to the mower.

I heard Andy come up the stairs as I folded some laundry on the bed. Out of the corner of my eye I watched him as he grabbed the back of his shirt between his shoulders and slip it over his head, like something out of Fifty Shades. "Your yard is now cut and looking beautiful." He sighed, smiling warmly.

"Thank you, good sir. How shall I pay you?" I replied flirtatiously.

Andy grinned and walked over to me, slipping his hands through my hair and kissing me fiercely.

"You could help me with that shower now." He murmured against my lips, and my whole body became alive at his words.

"Happy to…" I replied, grazing my teeth lightly against his bottom lip and grinning up at him.

"Kate, I love you." He looked down at me with sincerity in his eyes, shining through straight to my heart. I bit down my bottom lip, fighting the urge to start bawling with happiness.

He loves me…

"I love you back."

He grinned down at me in excitement and grabbed me in a giant hug, twirling me around and causing me to giggle happily at his reaction. It was so fast, but I knew deep down in my heart of hearts I knew it was true. Being with Andy was special, I realized it from the moment I saw him walk into Kevin's bar.

"How about that shower?" He suggested.

I could only nod before he quickly started stripping off my clothes.

A few days later, Andy took me home to Ithaca. He had to go back to work after my birthday trip since the end of spring was prime time for late college applicants and those waitlisted.

On the second day, I was washing a load of clothes for him while watching some trashy daytime television. It was coming along lunchtime and I wondered what I was going to do when my cell rang from the black, modernized coffee table.

Smiling down at the silly picture of Andy and I, I answered after the second ring.

"Hi Andy, how's your day been?"

He sighed, "It's been okay. Just a lot of applications to go through and send to the higher-ups. I was wondering if you were hungry, I'd like to take you to lunch."

"You must be psychic, I was just wondering what I was going to find to eat. Give me ten minutes to freshen up and I'll be ready for you."

He moaned quietly, "Don't word it like that, sweetheart. It does things to me."

I grinned, "You mean when I say that I'll be ready for you? Believe me Andy, when it comes that it doesn't take me ten minutes." My voice dipped provocatively.

"Fuck," he let out breathily, "it's a good thing I have my own office right now. I'm going to need a few minutes to cool off. I'll see you in ten, baby."

Inside the Ithaca Ale House, we munched on a giant plate of fries as we waited for our entrees. He was animated in telling me how his morning went. I smiled and enjoyed the enthusiasm he held for the university, as well as its staff and students. We were sharing a laugh over Andy witnessing the president tripping and spilling coffee on himself when Andy's phone rang on the table top beside him.

I noticed his brows furrow together and his hesitance in answering it.

"Who is it, Andy?"

"It's uh…my father."

Oh. No wonder he doesn't want to answer.

Andy swiped the screen before holding the phone up to his ear, surprising me.

"Hey Dad."

The part of the restaurant we were sitting at was fairly quiet, so I was able to hear both sides of the conversation.

"Andrew, how are you today?"

"I'm doing okay, a little surprised to see you call. It's been a long time since we've talked. Since you left mom." His voice dipped in unmasked bitterness.

"Andrew there's no need for that tone. Look, that's why I'm wanting to talk to you. I'm not going to lie, your little stunt on television last year was a complete embarrassment. I know that your manager position wasn't the caliber position it could have been, but there was no need to slander our good name in public and go on that singing show."

Andy's hand clenched in a fist and he gritted his teeth, "Everybody has moved on from that, including myself. I think you should probably do the same."

My heart dropped into my stomach, I couldn't believe this man's ego. He was one to talk when it came to slandering their name. His actions on his family were completely scandalous and poor Andy was left to pick up the pieces. My eyes slowly welled up with tears.

"I don't want to start an argument, Andrew. I'm having Walter Junior over for dinner Friday night and I would like you to join us. From what I've heard, you have a girlfriend I need to meet."

"Frankly Dad, I don't really think it's time for you to meet her." His eyes glanced up at me, softening when he noticed that the phone call was making me upset. He reached over and grasped my hand. I chewed on my bottom lip in nervousness. At first his statement made me a bit upset- he didn't want his father to meet me. But then after a few moments I understood what his words meant. He didn't want me to be around the toxicity that surrounded Walter Senior.

"Nonsense, bring her along and I'll see you at my house at seven."

"That means I'll have to leave work- " he sighed as he sat the phone down, the screen flashing the call had ended, "- early."

The phone clicked back into standby mode and he groaned, rubbing his face in frustration. "Fucking asshole." He swore under his breath.

"I'm so sorry," I whispered.

He gave me a sad smile, "Hope you're ready to meet dear old daddy. At least Walt will be there, I know he's excited to meet you."

We were interrupted momentarily as our waiter dropped off our lunch, which didn't look as appetizing as when I ordered it. I had knots growing in my stomach after the phone call.

"I wish I could take you away from all that bullshit." I said, though it looked like I was talking to my sandwich.

"I know Kate, and I'm sorry I have to pull you into it."

"Don't be. I would go through anything for you." I smile up at him shyly, and he winked. "You're such the charmer, Ms. Fletcher."

"I do what I can Mr. Bernard."

The mood at our table lifted significantly as we dug into our lunches. I pushed the thought of Walter Bernard from my mind as I focused on Andy's adorable face, and I felt myself relax.