The Gift
Chapter 17
Once Mike recovered, he found a three-bedroom apartment and moved Eli in with him. Molly visited him frequently. They didn't have a custody arrangement, but it was good for them. During the day, while Mike worked; Eli stayed at Andrea's house and Mike helped pay Ally. During his off time, he was a devoted father and doted on his kids.
Andrea had actually gone out on a date or two, but there was just something missing. She enjoyed the time away, though; and having adult conversation. Ally had set her up both times and was constantly bringing up other possibilities.
"I have another blind date set up for you! It'll be perfect. I'll keep both kids." Ally said.
"Both? Where will Mike be?" Andrea asked as they folded laundry.
"Work thing, I think? He didn't really say. Just asked if I could watch little man." Ally said, referring to Eli.
"Okay, when?" Andrea asked.
"Friday at six. At Sullivan's? That steakhouse you like." Ally said.
"Alright. At least I'll eat good!" Andrea remarked and Ally gave her a smile.
Friday night, Andrea walked into her favorite steakhouse, looking for the man that Ally had described. Tall, wearing a dark blue dress shirt. Finally, a familiar voice called her name.
"Andrea?" Mike asked. He was wearing the dark blue shirt and Andrea stared at her glass of wine in embarrassment.
"I'm going to shoot Ally." Andrea said as she stood up from the bar. She had made a point to not interact with Mike unless it had to do with the kids. They didn't talk about what had happened.
"Actually, this isn't her fault. I asked her to set this up." Mike told her as he led her to a table. He had grabbed her glass of wine and they settled in the private area at a table.
"Why?" Andrea asked.
"Because I think you and I need to talk. Every time I've tried, you change the subject back to Molly. Not that I mind talking about Molly, but you and I have to figure out what is going on." Mike said.
"Mike; you left and you didn't stay in touch. What would you have done if I didn't call you about Molly and she died?" Andrea asked.
"I would have been devastated. I know my actions hurt you and I am deeply sorry for that. Ally has a theory." Mike said.
"Which is what?" Andrea asked. She was a little aggravated at being set up.
"She thinks the reason you are so angry is because you are in love with me. I think she has some rather romantic ideas of what we should be." Mike said. The menus arrived and they both ordered steaks, shrimp and baked potatoes with salad.
"And what about you?" Andrea asked.
"I honestly don't know. Its not the same as with Christine, and certainly not with Jillian. I don't think there was ever love there." Mike answered.
"Its not like with Bill, if this is what this is." Andrea admitted quietly.
"So, how do we figure it out?" Mike asked.
"Maybe ask Ally. She seems to be the expert on the two of us." Andrea joked.
"True." Mike said.
"So, what next? Mike; I'm tired at being this angry at you. We both had errors in judgement. We've been friends too long for this to go on like this. Its not good for us or Molly." Andrea asked.
"I agree and I don't know. I suppose we have to figure out if what Ally is saying is true or if we are just friends." Mike answered.
"Do you want to be more then just friends?" Andrea asked as she took a drink of her wine.
"Honestly?" Mike asked.
"Yeah." Andrea answered.
"Yes, I do." Mike said. Andrea was honestly a little surprised. She wasn't Mike's type. Christine had been slender, brunette and very pretty and Jillian was a knockout; until her drug habit got the best of her. Andrea was short and had gained some weight since her injury. She limped heavily and was scarred.
"I'm…a little surprised at that. I'm nothing like Christine, or Jillian for that matter." Andrea said.
"Mmm. Few people are like Jillian, fortunately. As for Christine, no you don't resemble her, but your personality is similar. What about you? I know I'm not like Bill." Mike said. It was true. Bill was a nice man. He'd been an accountant and was well-read. Mike was nice too and he was smart, but he was totally different.
"I…agree with Ally, as crazy as it seems. I think we have something, but I think we need to take our time." Andrea said and Mike nodded. Their food had arrived and they both began eating.
"We do have a kid-free night. Anything special you want to do?" Mike asked.
"Maybe ice cream after dinner?" Andrea suggested. Mike nodded in agreement and they began eating their dinner. Their conversation was lighter and happier. They talked about Christmas, the kids and Molly's wish list.
They finished dinner and walked down by the little shops to do some window shopping. Instead of ice cream, Andrea got hot cocoa and Mike got coffee as they walked. Finally, they approached her car and Mike opened the door for her.
"So, I'm guessing we need to this again, but let's not let it be a blind date?" Andrea said.
"Agreed. We don't even have to exchange phone numbers." Mike joked.
"No. Are you picking Eli up?" Andrea asked.
"I am." Mike said.
"Okay. I guess I'll see you at the house." Andrea said. She started to get in the car until Mike stopped her, and gave her a long kiss. It was unexpected but felt so good.
"I have another suggestion, and you can say no. Ally is expecting to have Eli all night. I can call her and tell her you'll be out too. We can go back to my apartment and figure this all out." Mike suggested and against her better judgement, Andrea nodded. She knew exactly what Mike was implying. It was impulsive, but she wanted to.
"Okay. I just hope you don't regret it. I'm all scarred up." Andrea said into Mike's neck.
"I won't." Mike said as he took her car keys out of her hand. He gave her another kiss and then guided her to his truck. "Are you sure?" Mike asked.
"I am." Andrea said as she got into Mike's truck. She had every opportunity to say no, but she was tired of being angry, alone and Mike, for the most part; had been a really good friend. She could forgive a lot and it was time to.