She'd certainly surprised him; she could hear it in his voice. She found herself smiling, happy that she had surprised him. Sharon was in New York. It had been a long day of travel, but she was now at her hotel, trying to get settled for the night. With her last-minute ticket booking, she'd only been able to get a flight with a connection in Chicago, a three-hour layover, at that, and she'd managed, but now, she was exhausted. Her exhaustion also probably stemmed from the fact that she hadn't slept well the night before, thinking about this trip. She'd only slept two or three hours, and then, she'd been on the go all day. Adding to that, the time change, even with jumping ahead, she was tired. Hannah was tired. However, she was trying to push through her exhaustion; Andy was on his way.
She'd waited until she was on the ground to call Andy. She knew he had an early flight. Sharon had not gotten the specific details, but she thought he'd said he had a flight around 5:45 AM. He'd gotten in earlier in the afternoon. She had not. It was now after 7:00 PM. Emily was at work. Sharon had already checked on that, and the two had discussed getting together Wednesday morning, since she was currently at work on this Tuesday evening. Sharon had ordered room service for dinner, a simple salad with a bowl of fruit when she checked in at the hotel. That was sitting on the desk for her. She would eat later. Now, she was trying to get Hannah ready for bed and had her in the bath. The baby had done well with all the travel, and she was really having fun splashing in the tub. Sharon smiled down at her and leaned over to kiss her head. Even the layover had been okay with Hannah. It gave Sharon time to get her off the plane, change her properly, feed her, and walk her around the airport in the stroller. Yes, she'd done just fine traveling today with the baby, even with this spur of the moment trip.
After getting to her room, now not long ago, she'd called Andy. It was a bit of a surprise he was coming to see her tonight, but she wasn't really sure what she expected. She did expect him to be surprised; he clearly was, but she thought maybe he'd want to stop by in the morning, not that she was upset he was coming over this evening. His father was doing okay. He'd had surgery earlier in the day, Andy arriving while his dad was still in surgery. His dad was now out of surgery, out of recovery, and back in his room, and from what he'd told Sharon, his dad was sleeping. She thought back to the call and smiled slightly at the surprised reaction from Andy.
"Andy, hi," she said when he answered. "How is your dad?"
"Sharon, wow, ahh, this is a surprise. Thanks for calling. He's doing okay, at least that's what I'm being told. He's still in recovery. The doc just came out and said surgery went well. That's a huge relief. You know how it is with older adults and surgeries. There's no guarantee," he explained.
"Oh, that's such a relief," she let out her breath. "I am sure you are feeling better about the situation. I guess I don't have to ask if your flight went okay then if you are there."
"It went fine," he said. "I just told my sister to go home and rest. She's been here all day, and she looks exhausted. I can stay with him awhile. This is why I wanted to come, to be here for her as much as anything. Right now, she's getting a cup of coffee for both of us, and then, she's going to wait for another half hour or so and go home for the night."
"I'm glad you can be there for your family. I don't know what it is like to have a sibling to share the family responsibility, but I can imagine it is comforting. Listen, I wanted to tell you something," she said.
"What's that? Oh, is Hannah okay? Nothing happened, did it? Is this about visiting? I do want to come, but I haven't had a chance to look at dates," he said as he continued to ramble.
"Andy," she said, interrupting his rambling. She waited for him to stop talking before she continued, "Everything is fine. As far as a visit, that is what I wanted to discuss. Hannah and I are in New York."
"New York? You're here? Wait, what?" Andy questioned.
"I flew to New York," Sharon said, clearing her throat as she looked over at Hannah sitting up and playing in the crib the hotel had provided. "I felt like you could use some support. Look, it really meant a lot when you came to my mother's funeral, and this," she shrugged again even though he couldn't see her. She paused and then said, "This, I wanted to support you. Emily lives here, so I also have the opportunity to see her."
"Sharon, I don't know what to say," Andy said clearly surprised. His voice reflected that, slightly high-pitched. "Coming to your mom's funeral was different. I mean, she died. It wasn't that big of a deal for me to come. I sound insensitive. What I'm trying to say is that it was a huge deal she died, but it wasn't that much of a stretch for me to come to you. You, you had to fly here. I can't imagine the effort you put into getting here. You really are here, in New York?"
"I am," she explained. "Hannah and I landed a couple hours ago. We are just getting settled."
"Wait, your daughter, I mean, you told Emily?" Andy asked.
"No, I didn't tell her anything, other than I was surprising her with a visit," Sharon explained.
"When can I see you and Hannah?" Andy asked. "I don't want to make things awkward with Emily. I am sure you are in for the night with her."
"Oh," Sharon gestured with her hand in the air. "I am not staying with Emily. She has a studio apartment, barely big enough for the furniture she has. I think my living room is bigger than her apartment. No, Hannah and I are at a hotel. I usually stay at the same one when I visit Emily. I tried staying with her once, and it was just too tight."
"You're serious? Sharon, you spent a ton of money, all just to come because my dad fell? I don't know what to say, "he exclaimed.
"I knew you wanted to see Hannah and hoped this would help. I know that things are stressful with your family," she told him. "Hannah traveled well, and this way, you can still see her for the weekend."
"So, it's just about Hannah?" Andy asked, not really expecting a reply. The line was silent for a few moments before he continued, "Look, when can I stop by, or I guess I should ask if I can even stop by your hotel?"
"I'm here to help, however I can, to make things easier for you. You are welcome to stop by whenever you like," she said. "I'm here until Sunday."
"I'll be by in a couple hours," he said. "Let me get my dad settled for the night, and I'll be there. Sharon, I can't wait to see you and Hannah."
Now, as Sharon played with Hannah in the tub, she thought about that last statement from Andy, how he couldn't wait to see both of them. She hadn't told him that she was looking forward to seeing Andy. She didn't know what the weekend might bring, but she was longing for him, for him in bed with her. Yes, some of her travel reasons were selfish. She felt terrible thinking about time with him in bed while his dad was sick, but she knew that might help Andy too. It had been a good stress relief for her countless times, especially after her mom died, and if she could repay the favor, she'd be glad to do so.
She jumped back slightly when Hannah made a large splash and looked down at her clothing. She was glad she'd changed for Hannah's bath time, but she wanted to change again before Andy stopped by later. Her travel clothing felt dirty after a full day of travel, and she'd changed out of that. Currently, she had on an old t-shirt, a favorite she liked to wear around her house or her dad's house, and she had on gray leggings with the old shirt. Hannah always splashed a lot in her bath, and before Andy came by, Sharon planned to put on something more flattering. She smiled at Hannah, who grinned at her, showing off her teeth again. Sharon groaned at the grin. It was that look of Andy's again. She sighed and grabbed the towel to dry off Hannah. As she got up with Hannah in her arms, she checked the time and noted she still had plenty of time until Andy stopped by. Really, she had no idea when that would be, as he was not on a set schedule with the hospital, but it would be nice to see him.
It took a few minutes to dress Hannah, as now, she was trying to roll around a lot when being changed. It was a struggle, and her little feisty attitude made it more of a challenge. Hannah also seemed to not like the footed pajamas, which was odd. Her other kids had loved them, but each morning, she found Hannah had tried to kick her way out of them, really causing a tangled mess with her pajamas. As an experiment, she'd bought a two-piece pajama set with no footed bottoms, and Hannah seemed to prefer those much more. It was odd, but she figured maybe Hannah was getting hot or uncomfortable at night, and if the two-piece pajamas helped, she would start buying those. She put Hannah's pajama shirt on her, and then, as she started to put on her pants, she heard a knock at her door. Her eyes widened; she had her room service. Emily was working, so the only other person who could be at the door was Andy. She picked up Hannah and walked to the door, scowling at her appearance.
"Andy," she said, almost breathlessly, as she opened the door. She'd checked before opening, and sure enough, he was standing there in the hall. "I didn't expect you this soon."
"Hi," he gave her a warm smile, his eyes sparkling. He seemed to look over Sharon and then, he turned his attention to Hannah, giving her the same once over before he looked back at Sharon. Whatever it was, instinct or not, she leaned up toward him and gave him a hug, Hannah still in her arms. She could tell he was a bit surprised, but he quickly pulled them in for a hug.
"I'm sorry about your dad again, but I'm glad to hear he's on the med," she said quietly as she hugged him. She stepped back, Hannah still in her arms as the baby looked around. "Oh, would you like to hold her? Come in," she gestured to the room. "I was not quite done dressing her."
"Thanks," he said as he squeezed her arm. He reached for Hannah, "Oh, Pumpkin, it's so good to see you," he said as he kissed her head. "Mmm, lavender. You've had your bath and smell like your mom."
Sharon stepped back into the room and gestured for Andy to walk further into it. She sighed, "Sorry the room is a mess. I thought it would be much later before you stopped by here. I'm a mess for that matter," she rolled her eyes.
Andy sat down on the side of the bed, holding Hannah, and he gave Sharon a soft smile, "You look great, a very lovely sight after a long day. I still can't believe you are here." He lifted Hannah and got her smiling and giggling. Sharon pointed at him.
"She's just calming down after her bath. If you get her all excited again, you have to get her to sleep later. She's just about ready for bed. The one good thing about her not sleeping well with her naps today is that she just might catch up to the time change okay tonight." She handed him Hannah's pajama pants and gave him a look, one that had him almost cringe. It was a look he'd seen at work, a look of warning.
"Okay," he frowned at Hannah. "Sorry, Pumpkin, Mom said no fun tonight. We'll have fun this week though." He kissed her head and put her back on his lap as he finished dressing her. She bucked, not happy with being seated again, and he stood her up on his lap, which is what she wanted. He raised his eye at Sharon.
"She's standing much better," he said.
Sharon nodded and moved to sit down across from him on the chair in the corner of the room, "She is. I told you that she's starting to move along the furniture. I knew you would be surprised. Emily won't believe it. She's barely seen Hannah."
"I just," he said and closed his eyes briefly. He opened them, and Sharon thought she could almost see him tearing up, "I really, really appreciate you coming here. I hate seeing my dad so helpless. I haven't seen him in person in a few months, and he's deteriorated so much. It's hard to see. I didn't realize I would be emotional about everything, but you visiting, that's about put me over the top."
"I do understand that," Sharon gave him a sympathetic glance. Andy just looked at her, and their eyes met.
Hannah started to buck at Andy again, and he held her to his chest. Sharon stood, and Andy looked to her, the moment over, "Has she had her bottle?"
"No, that is what I was going to get ready? Would you like to feed her and put her down? I could freshen up," she offered.
"I'd love to feed her. Don't freshen up on my account. Why don't we just sit here and enjoy her together a few minutes?" Andy asked.
Sharon met his gaze, and she then just nodded, "Okay."
A half hour later, Hannah was in bed, and Sharon looked to Andy as he stood from kissing Hannah goodnight. She gestured to the only real place to sit, the king-sized bed, "Ahh, do you want to sit here and talk while she's trying to sleep? I don't have any other place to sit."
"Of course," he said. "Mind if I stretch out? Between the plane and the chairs at the hospital, I am ready to crash."
"Only if I can do the same," she gave him a soft smile. Andy kicked off his shoes and sat down on the side of the bed before he leaned back and groaned. Sharon, who was still in her leggings and old shirt, did the same. The two rolled toward each other to talk.
"I'm still trying to process all of this, that you are here," he said. "I wanted to get over here before Hannah went to sleep, and my dad fell back asleep before I left. They said after his surgery, he would most likely sleep awhile. Anyway, Angela went home, Dad was asleep, and it seemed silly for me to sit in a chair there when I knew you both were here."
"Like I said," she sighed, "I just thought you could use the support."
"So," he said looking at her, his eyes locking on hers. The two had their hands resting under their heads and were just there looking at each other. "I wondered if while you were here, Hannah could meet my sister and my dad? I don't expect anything from you. You didn't ask to be part of this, to be roped into my family, but I would like to have her meet them if there is a day and time I could do that. It would mean a lot to me. I've told Angela everything. She knows I walked away from Hannah. I've not told my dad, mostly because I know he will judge me for being a crappy father again, but I need to come clean with him. He deserves to know he has another granddaughter, even if she's not legally my daughter."
Sharon bit her lip and looked into Andy's eyes. She smiled softly at him, a smile that could be seen even in the dim light, "To tell you the truth, one of the reasons I came here with Hannah was for just that, to meet your family, if you want. I hate that my mom died without knowing everything, without even meeting you. It haunts me. I would change it if I could. My mom deserved to know the story, to know you. I would like Hannah to meet your family if that's what you want. She does deserve it as you pointed out, just as they deserve to know her. It really shocked me to know your sister is so excited about her. I don't have siblings, so in a way, I can't understand that, but I do think it's very sweet. Yes, I think she should meet them."
"Thank you," he said quietly. She heard him let out a long sigh.
"What are you going to tell your dad?" Sharon asked.
"The truth," he said and continued, "all of it. I mean, with Hannah in my arms, it's hard to deny anything. He's always been hard on me. I mean, I love him; he's my dad, but I'm the drunk. He has told me that I messed up a good thing. He reminds me often that his grandkids don't have much of a relationship with him because I blew it with my family. He's just old school, but the truth is the truth. I'm sure I'll get a lecture on what a dirt bag I am for legally giving away Hannah, you know, not taking on her as my daughter, but what has happened can't be changed."
"I would like to meet them too," Sharon told him. His eyes widened, and she continued, "Look, I'm not going to force the issue, but if they meet her, I think they should meet me too, don't you?"
"Sharon, you don't need to do that. I've made the mess here," he told her.
"I came to support, to help. If that would help, putting a name to a face, I'll go with you. It takes two to tango; I'm aware of that, so if you want, I'll meet them. I've dealt with worse at the LAPD," she gave a low chuckle. "You met my dad."
"You really are surprising me tonight," he said. "I'm, I'm speechless. Thank you," he told her.
Sharon lifted her hand from under her head and put it over on Andy's head, running it over his hair. She shifted closer to him and kissed him lightly, "You're welcome. I'm here for whatever you need. I know how much you helped me when Mom died." She kissed him again, lightly, but with more intensity. Andy shifted to put his hand on her waist, and the two continued to kiss. Their legs tangled as they kissed, and just as they were starting to get more involved, Hannah let out a loud noise, almost a yell. The two froze, waiting for her to make another sound.
"What was that?" Andy said, kissing her head and pulling back slightly, his hand cupping her face.
Sharon started to laugh quietly, "I think she's dreaming. I am not sure. She's done that a couple times this last week. It's really funny. She lets out this single yell and goes back to sleep. I think she's sleeping again."
"Either that, or she's telling us she's impressionable," he said quietly.
"Let me check on her," Sharon said, pulling herself from their intertwined arms and legs. She leaned in and kissed Andy quickly again. He pulled her in for another kiss, and when they broke apart, she said it again, "I'll check on Hannah."
Sharon quickly checked on Hannah and then moved back to the bed. She saw a light blanket on the end of the bed and pulled it up, looking to Andy to see if he wanted to share it. He nodded, and the two settled under it, looking at each other again. While they'd enjoyed their hint of passion, the moment has passed, not that it wouldn't present itself again.
"Tell me about your dad," Sharon said, looking at him. "I don't know much about him."
"Okay," Andy nodded, tugging on her waist to pull her closer. "I can explain better if you are closer," he teased. Sharon didn't say anything, but she let Andy wrap his arms around her. "Where should I start?"
"Start with memories of your dad," Sharon encouraged. "We can talk awhile tonight and figure out the plan for the week before you go home."
"Well, I can honestly say if someone had asked my plan for the week a few hours ago, it would not have included an incredibly sexy woman almost on top of me right now," he said. Sharon froze, and he just ran his hand up her side. "Since that's all you asked, for stories of my dad, let me get started."
Several hours later, Sharon shifted, only to freeze in her spot. Andy's arm was wrapped around her, and it was obvious they had been sleeping for quite some time. She listened to the silence of the room, shaking her head at the small snoring sounds she could now hear coming from Hannah and also Andy. His arm was on her hip. They'd fallen asleep talking. That had never happened. The two had only slept together when more had been involved, and really, usually, she'd sent him home. Only recently, had he actually fallen asleep in her bed after they'd finished. When the two had first started with their arrangement, she hadn't wanted him around after, wanting her own space. She didn't want to form any sort of an attachment; it was an arrangement, nothing more. Things were slightly different when she'd invited him to stay at the hotel on Christmas right when Hannah had been conceived, but even then, the two had barely spoken. Sleep had come only from their exhaustion. As things had changed with Hannah in the picture, Andy had tried keeping her in his bed. She'd tried to bolt out of bed each time; she'd tried to avoid talking to him, and even that had been awkward. Tonight, he'd stayed with her, and it had been different than every other time. Yes, they'd kissed a little, but that had stopped with Hannah's little shout out earlier in the night. Somewhere along the way, while the two were talking, they had both fallen asleep, fully clothed, and she was just waking up now. He hadn't gone home. He was supposed to be staying with his sister. His bag, which he'd pulled into the room when he'd arrived, was still with him. He'd gone from the airport to the hospital to Sharon's room, to Sharon's bed, and he was now sleeping peacefully beside her. Sharon glanced at the clock, shifting slightly as she did so. It was 4:45. She was hungry, and it dawned on her she hadn't eaten her room service dinner. She was hot too, noting that Andy was like a furnace. It didn't help she had her regular clothes on too, as did he, but she really didn't like being hot and hungry, in a bed, next to Andy. She needed to move quickly.
Sharon started to shift, and as she did, Andy wrapped his arm around her waist and moved slightly toward her. Her back was to him, and soon, his head was resting on her long hair. He kissed her neck. Okay, so he was slightly awake, even if not fully aware of what was going on too. Sharon shifted, turning toward him since it appeared he was half awake.
"We fell asleep," she said in a very low voice. She started to run her arm up his, still not sure what she really thought about sleeping next to him. It was odd. She felt rested even though she hadn't slept that long. She felt awkward, but at the same time, she felt maybe even safe. Andy moved his hand slightly and rested it on her hip as her hand moved to his hair. He ran his thumb over her hip. "You didn't go home last night."
"Too tired," he grumbled. "Content right here."
Sharon let out a low chuckle, and then, she leaned in to kiss him. He reciprocated and pulled at her hip, where he had his hand. Sharon kissed him again, shifting slightly so she was on top of him. He put his arms around her. "Sleeping is overrated," she whispered and continued to kiss him. "This, being with you, helped me when my mom died. I just want to help you the same way." The two started to kiss and continued to lazily kiss for a few minutes. Andy's phone ringing had Sharon almost jump, but instead of jumping, she kneed him in the groin. He doubled over in pain and let out a loud cry as he tried to fumble around for his phone.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "Who calls at, what 5:00?"
"Could be the hospital," he said as he fumbled around. "Hello?" he said, coughing as he answered. His voice sounded terrible partly because he was still in pain from where Sharon had kneed him.
"Angela?" he said. "Sorry, I didn't even look at the name or number. What time is it?"
Sharon tried to listen as she moved back to her side of the bed. She couldn't believe they had been interrupted again. She needed Andy and knew she could help him relieve some stress too. Hearing it was his sister, she was worried something had happened and quietly listened as he continued his call.
"No, I'm not at the hospital, and I'm sorry I scared you that I didn't come home," he said, almost slurring his words. He was still trying to wake up. He'd had Sharon on top of him, had been kneed in the groin, and now, he had his worried sister wondering where he was. "No, I'm not drunk, but yeah," he sighed, "I'm at a hotel. I'm fine. Look, just, listen, just come by here say at 7? You can get me, and we can go back to the hospital. No, I'm not hung over! I didn't fall off the wagon, okay? I'll text you the details. Sharon coughed, and she froze, aware that it was loud and could probably be heard on the phone. Andy continued with his call, "Fine, see you then," he said and hung up the phone.
Sharon sat up and looked at Andy in the dim light. She hadn't turned off the bathroom light, and with the door partially open, she could just see him.
"You are so gorgeous," he said, letting out a long sigh. "You, your hair like that," he said. "It just, well," he sighed.
"It's dark, and you are half asleep, not to mention injured," she said, moving back toward him. She rested herself halfway on him, "My hair is a disaster. I'm sorry I kicked you."
"Little out of commission right now," he told her. "That was my sister. She's up for the day already, doesn't sleep well, and she panicked when I wasn't there. She first thought I was at the hospital sleeping there next to Dad. Then, she said I sounded off, which I did because I was trying to get over the pain from being kicked, and she thought I was drunk and in bed with a random woman. I told her neither was true, but I'm pretty sure she heard you coughing." Sharon lifted her head at him, and he shrugged, "You're not random. I don't do random anymore."
He leaned up and kissed Sharon as he pulled her closer to him. His hands started to move up under her shirt, and as things were starting to get heated, the two froze again when they heard Hannah start to babble.
"This isn't going to happen," Sharon said with a defeated sigh. "I needed this to happen." She kissed Andy's neck, "I wanted to do something to help you relax."
"I appreciate it," he said. "I am still in recovery," he chuckled before kissing her lazily. "As much as I want to say this doesn't need to happen on this trip, I'm only kidding myself," he admitted. "Sharon, being with you, it's all I seem to think about anymore."
Hannah made a couple of loud sounds, demanding attention. Sharon looked into Andy's eyes, something still hard to do in the dim light, and she said, "I look at her, and all I see is you," she gave a small shrug. "Then, I start thinking about our times together, and I can't get those times off my mind. Last night, I expected more of the same and for you to then go home. I haven't envisioned waking up next to you like this, which might sound odd. I don't know what to think."
Andy listened, running his arm up hers as she spoke, and then, he said, "Don't know what to think, as in you are changing your mind about meeting my family? I told you that I will take Hannah alone."
"No, it's not that," she shook her head. She pursed her lips, trying to put words to her feelings, "When I was in LA recently, you asked me to stay with you in your room that last night."
"Yeah," Andy said, nodding. Hannah started to make more noise, and Sharon shook her head. "I mean, you aren't just some one-night stand, but you tried to run off that next morning without talking about our night."
"I realize we aren't going to have some long conversation now because she's waking up, but something has changed with our chemistry. I'm not sure if we just know what the other needs and wants better because we've been sleeping together awhile now, but something has changed. Nothing happened last night, which normally would frustrate me to no end," she let out a low chuckle, "but I am content this morning. We were here in this king-sized bed, but I woke up with your arms wrapped around me, our legs tangled together, and nothing happened. I'm not sure why, not that I'm letting you off the hook for the weekend. I still plan to get you back into my bed at some point. We both need this Andy, but something is different. I've always wanted you out of my bed as quickly as possible, but this morning," she shook her head. "I don't know, but I don't mind you being here. Maybe I just am seeing how you are with Hannah."
He stilled his hand movements and looked at her. Hannah was making noise, but somehow, the two just stared at each other, there with Sharon still close to Andy. He finally sighed, "I want everything from this trip, Sharon, everything, whatever that is. I want to spend time with Hannah. I want my family to meet her, to learn everything about her-how she came into this world, all of that. I want you to meet them and am really surprised, happily surprised, you are willing to meet them. I want to be with you and Hannah. I have so much on my plate, decisions with my dad, but all I can think about is you and Hannah. I want you. It's torture thinking of you, going over the memories of us together, pure torture. I feel like we are in some gray area here, with me still being the guy sleeping with my kid's mom when I see her. I've told you that's not what I want to be, not for the long haul. I get that she's young and has no clue we were almost undressed over here, just a few feet from her, but I can't be that guy. I also can't resist you, not for long. I keep trying, and that isn't working well. We always end up in bed. Yeah, something has changed. This trip, I know more is going to change, and by that, I mean by telling my family about you and Hannah. Still, even with all the emotions of that, telling my family about the mess I made with you and Hannah, I still keep thinking about you. I can't resist you. I want to be back here in this bed with you. I do. I think we both agree on that. For now, though, we have my sister coming here at 7:00. She has no clue she's about to meet Hannah. I want nothing more for you to meet her too, so let's put our desire on hold for now. I've got a lot to do. I've got to deal with my sister, my dad, all when I just want to stay right here, with you in my arms all day. You have your day too. You came here for me, yes, but you also have another daughter her. Go see her. Enjoy her. Let's take one day at a time here, and hopefully, we can find some time to be together before you go home."
Sharon listened, nodding as he spoke. She ran her hand up his chest, and she pulled herself closer to him, whispering, "I came here to help in any way I could. I'm okay with meeting your family, having Hannah meet your family. You want me?" she looked at him and waited for him to nod. "For months now, you've been there for me, and that is the least I can do for you."