3. Warnings

Rick is here to see me. Being around Rick brings me a small amount of happiness. If only because I feel close to Shane again.

"Is this restaurant any good?"

"If you still like Pizza," I said smiling.

"You know I love pizza. Remember that summer we practically lived off of Bruno's pizza?"

"Yes. Is that place still open?"

"Sure is. We get pizzas there on Friday nights still," Rick says as he parks the car.

We walk in the restaurant hand in hand. The hostess assuming we are a couple sets us in an intimate booth in the corner.

"Are you getting a beer with your pizza?"

"No, Rick," I answer, sullenly.

"Why not?"

"I am pregnant."

"With Philip's baby again?" Rick grumbles.

"No. This is Shane's baby. Not that it is any of your business," I said crossly.

"Your right. I am sorry, Andrea," Rick says staring at me with those blue-green eyes.

"Apology accepted."

"Are you ready to order?" The waitress asks, smiling at Rick.

"We need a large pizza. Half sausage and half pepperoni, and a pitcher of coke," Rick answers her quietly.

I smile as he orders what the exact thing we used to eat at Bruno's. I could see Shane there now with a slice of pepperoni pizza and can of coke. What would I do to see Shane now? Why could not be here with us sharing this pizza? Why did he have to die?

"What is on your mind?"

"Shane and you," I tell Rick honestly.

"Me?"

"Yes. Why did you come all this way? I know it's not to eat at Upper Crust Pizza with me," I whisper.

The waitress arrives bringing our pizza and drinks. She places them on the tables as we stare at each other, blue eyes to blue-green.

"You're right Andrea. I am here because of Amy," Rick said quietly.

"Amy? My sister?"

"Yeah. She could not leave. She is studying for finals, but she is worried about you."

"I am fine. You can tell her that. I don't want her to worry," I said taking a sip of coke. I look at the pizza, but I can't bring myself to eat anything.

"Eat," Rick commands handing me a plate with a slice of pizza on it.

Reluctantly I put the pizza up to my mouth and take a bite. I can barely taste it. I am completely numb. I take another bite and look at Rick. He is more relaxed now that I am eating.

"You aren't fine. You are pregnant, but you look like you have lost weight. Also you are back with him," Rick says clearly.

"You mean Philip? We are not together. He is Emily's father, and he is helping me out. That's all," I said annoyed. Why was Rick so concerned?

"Amy does not want you near him. And from what I have seen I don't blame her. He was drinking whiskey in the middle of the day," Rick says taking my hand.

"Look, I don't why everyone does not like Phillip. He loved me so much it came off creepy. But he has a good heart," I said defending Philip yet again.

"Andrea, we love you. I don't want you to get involved with someone who will hurt you. I think you should come home to Florida. Bring Emily and let your parents take care of you until you get back on your feet. If you don't want to stay with them I talked to Lori and you'd be welcome at our home too," Rick says squeezing my hand.

Part of me wants to go with Rick. Staying with him and Lori does not sound that bad. But I don't want to get in his way, or my parents. For some reason I feel like Philip was the only one who could help me. He lost his wife and he understands how lost I feel. Besides my work and life is here. What is left of my life.

"I have a job here. And Emily loves her daddy," I said breaking away from Rick's stare.

"I understand, but we all have a bad feeling about Philip. If you change your mind call me. I'll come back for you," Rick says calmly.

The waitress returns, and Rick hands her a credit card without checking the bill. She quickly brings back the card. He signs the receipt.

"I should take you back. You look tired," Rick says taking my hand.

He drives me back to Philip's house. We sit in silence on the way back. Rick pulls up to the house and we look into each other's eyes.

"God, I miss Shane," I admitted to him.

"Me too," Rick says touching my face with his hand.

"I wish I could go back in time for just a few minutes. I just want to look into his chocolate-brown eyes one last time," I whisper.

"I know how much you loved Shane. Please don't go back to Philip. Andrea, I promised Amy I would bring you home," Rick pleads.

"I'll be fine," I promise Rick.

"If something happens to you, I would not be able to live with myself. I feel like I should protect you now that Shane is gone," His voice is low and soft. I wrap my arms around Rick, giving him a quick hug.

"I'll be okay. But I will call you if I decide to come to Florida. I will really think about it," I tell Rick getting out the car.

"You promise to call me if you feel like you are in any danger at all at?"

"Yes. But Phillip would never hurt me. Goodbye Rick," I said getting out his car.

"Bye Andrea," Rick says giving me one last look before he drives away.

I walk into the house, and find Philip waiting for me in the living room.

"Do you feel better after going out?"

"No, I guess I am not ready," I said tears falling down my face.

Philip smiles at me warmly. "You will be. You just need some more time. Now let's get you to bed." He the kisses my forehead and takes my hand. I follow him to his bedroom. Tonight I will let him hold me. I'll close my eyes and pretend that I am in Shane's arms. Then and only then will I be able to sleep soundly.