CHAPTER 29- Memphis

The trip New York seem to be lasting longer than Andrea anticipated. One week had already gone by. They had taken Collins to Central Park, Coney Island,

Statue of Liberty, and the zoo. Almost every night, Philip had insisted they made love. Unlike the first time, he was gentle and affectionate in bed. Reminding of what an amazing lover, he actually is.

He knew where to kiss her, how to touch her, and how to move their bodies together just perfectly.

Things felt normal between them now. Like they did in the beginning of the relationship.

Except she knew now that most everything is build on lies.

"I already knew about the kiss between you and Glenn. There are security cameras in the house. I saw you two on the wedding day together. I did not stop it. Because I wanted to see if you would chose me first," Philip admits to her, awakening her from her thoughts.

This news is not shocking. Nothing surprises her anymore when it comes to her husband. Her feelings are so mixed about this man. He is so kind and gentle towards Collins. And now he is loving towards her again.

However, his recent actions do not erase the fact that she is not her daughter, his lies, or the fact that he raped her. Her body still feels sore from his assault. He is still controlling and overprotective too.

"Of course I picked you. After our trip to California, I was in madly love with you. If we had not that time together, I might have gone back to Glenn. But when were together on the beach and the sun, everything was perfect. I wanted to tell you, that I loved you then," Andrea said, thinking back to the past when things were simple.

"I loved you before California. I have always know Andrea. Since the first time I saw you," he says giving her an all too serious look.

"Milton showed me a picture of Sarah and Penny. I have see the other girls to Philip. Melissa, Amanda, Jessica, and Leah. All of your ex-girlfriends had long blonde hair and blue eyes. Out of all of the girls, I know I look the most like Sarah. I wonder if that is what causes your devotion towards me."

Philip took a deep breathe, and poured himself another cup of coffee. They had ordered room service for breakfast, there was more food then the three of them could eat. Though Collins is still sleeping away, getting up early was not one of their daughter good qualities.

"I did not want you to know about those girls. Damn, Milton for telling you. They did not mean anything to me. Not like you. And there weren't all blondes. Most were, but not all. Rowan had dark hair and so did Lilly Caul. Lilly is a brunette, I did care for her," he whispers.

"She is the one you were going to marry? Martinez mention her once," Andrea asked.

"Yes. She was a nurse, but worked at the bar for me on the weekends to pick up extra cash. She had dark brown hair and blue-green eyes. I remember how much she loved chocolate donuts, during the pregnancy, I stocked up on those at the grocery store. Those and chocolate milk," Philip admitted.

"She was having your baby?" Andrea knew there were others, but Milton hadn't told her about this.

"She was a surrogate mother. Like you were with Collins, but she knew. I was paying her to carry the baby. She ended up moving in with me because the doctor put her on bed rest. She had a daughter named Meghan. I was very fond of Meghan. Started to think of her as my own child, so I agreed to marry Lilly. It made sense, I loved Meghan already and she was having my baby. My son," he says looking at the floor.

"You cared about Lilly too," Andrea said seeing the pain in his eyes.

"Yes. She was easy to care for. I don't think I was in love with her necessarily, but I did love her. Wasn't challenging like you. She was simple and down to earth. Very obedient. She really loved the baby like her own. Until the baby's heart stopped at thirty-eight weeks. My son was a stillborn. Lilly had a c-section, then we buried in him. The blue casket was so small," he said softly.

"What was your son's name?

"Landon. After his death Lilly was not the same. Said it was my fault because I wanted that baby so much. Then Meghan died. Drowned at a pool party, and I could not look at her the same. Meghan kept us together. So we ended it. My life was dark and empty. Until I saw you at the pizza place with Glenn. You were so stunning," he admitted.

"I didn't know you saw before. I thought the night at the bar was the first time. Well, I mean I knew you said that you saw me. I did not know you were interested in me before that night," she said, correcting herself.

"Of course I was. Who wouldn't be. But you were with Glenn. I thought I would never get my chance with you. And I am not about taking someone's girlfriend. Even if Martinez thought it was a good idea. I have morals after all. Still I wanted good things for you. Even if you were with someone else. So when I heard you could not find a job after law school, I called Parker and told him to hire you. And he did. So you can't say that I don't love you. I am here for you Andrea. Not Sarah. Or any of the other blonde girls I dated in the past. I only want you," he said in low voice.

"You called Parker for me? And you saw me several times while I was with Glenn? How did I not notice? And never see you before that night at the bar," Andrea asked grabbing a croissant from one of the plates.

Philip had been watching her. He was not just casual acquaintances with Glenn, the whole time they were together, Philip was stalking her. For at least eight months, she decides thinking about when Parker called her for the interview.

"Andrea, it's not my fault you are exceptionally unobservant," Philip reasoned with her.

"Well, I am sorry about what happened to your son and Meghan. I can see why you are so protective of Collins and myself," she said honestly. Because she is sorry he went through that.

"And now you understand why I was so crazy doing your pregnancy. I knew at any moment something would go wrong. But she is perfect. You are perfect. And our family is all I care about. Next Friday we will return to Georgia. I know you are anxious to get back. I know Parker has a huge workload for you," he said, then finally turning his attention to his breakfast. He quietly eat his eggs and then a couple pieces of bacon.

"Well, I called Michonne about my visit," Andrea managed to say after, he finished his breakfast.

"And?" He asked, not really interested.

"She is getting married. This great guy named Rick Grimes. The wedding is going to be in Memphis. At the zoo actually, if you can believe it. It's next weekend. I told her I would go. Are you okay with that?"

"Yes, we can leave here Wednesday. You can fly up there with Martinez on Friday. I'll book you a hotel in Memphis and rent him a car. I know she does not want me there, but I need you to call me every night. Collins won't leave Martinez. That is understood," he said sternly.

"Yes of course, but I was hoping to stay at least one night at Michonne's new house," Andrea said disappointed.

"Just be grateful I am allowing you to go at all. I need you to prove that I can trust you. That your loyalty is with me," He said sounding frustrated with her.

"Thank you. I need to experience life. I have to be there for Michonne on her wedding day," she said kindly.

"I understand," he says taking her hand. If Martinez is there, she will come back home. Maybe he would go too. Stay in another hotel. Just to keep an eye on Andrea. If she is smart, she would not try to run again.

"I promise to come home to you," she said softly.

He leans down kissing her gently. That is one promise, she better keep, he thinks.