Chapter 2/ Dinner
Amy and I spent about an hour cooking dinner for our guest. We kept it simple with spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and chocolate cake. I am a horrible cook, but Amy is a regular Julia Child in the kitchen.
" I prepared peanut sandwiches for you to take to your friends, " Amy said once he entered.
"Thank you. I am glad you are welcoming us to your community." The Governor says.
"Shane said, staring down the stranger, "We aren't welcoming anyone."
"Mr. Walsh, it's nice to meet you. Amy tells me you used to be a cop. That could be useful when we go on supply runs."
"Would be if I agreed to go," Shane said, placing his arms around Amy.
Avery and I walked into the room, very aware of our guest. The Governor's eyes went straight to Avery.
"Daddy, Daddy," Avery says running up to Shane. He wraps his arms around my daughter, and I can see the look of anger on the Governor's face.
"Avery, I found this doll for you," Shane says handing her a plush frozen doll, he found in one of the abandom apartments.
"Elsa," she says holding the doll close to heart. Her blue eyes look over towards the Governor. I take her over to him, so he can look at her.
"Avery this is momma's special friend. His name is Philip and he is the reason I have you," I said looking at him.
"Hi,I am Avery," she says looking at him curiously.
"You are the cutest little girl," he responds, taking her hand. We go to the table to eat, and the bond between Avery and Philip seems to be instant. He holds her while they both eat their food. Shane doesn't seem happy, but what can I do?
Shane and The Governor actually start getting along, talking about plans for the town.
I pour some whiskey for them , and they talk for about an hour. Amy and I serve chocolate cake. After dessert, Shane leaves with Amy. I know it's their time to be alone.
The Governor is left with Avery and me.
"Did you find an apartment to move into?" I asked, knowing he was staring at me, wanting something.
"Actually, I thought I could stay here," he says, moving closer.
"I have to get Avery to sleep. Then I like to spend my time reading. We have a routine."
"Andrea, she is mine, correct?" His eyes stared into mine.
"Yes. I told you I changed my mind about the abortion. And I knew I would raise her by myself. My plans haven't changed," I said, knowing his have.
"Your being here is fate. I never wanted you to have an abortion. I felt like it wasn't my place to tell you what to do with your body. Our daughter is beautiful," he says, coming closer as I move away.
"Hey, I really need to get Avery to bed its getting late," I said, hoping he would simply leave.
"I'll take care of it. You can relax and start reading," I say nothing, but to decide to let him try.
To my amazement, he gets Avery into her pink pajamas and asleep in less than twenty minutes, which usually takes me an hour.
He comes back to the living room and sits down beside me on the sofa. I knew he was different from the man I used to work with. He obviously had been through a lot.
" I don't like her calling Shane dad, " he admits.
" She started it on her own," I said simply. "I think she wanted someone to fill that role."
"Will you let me take that role?" he says, his arm wrapped around me.
"Let's try. You could start coming around to visit and see how Avery responds to you," I said, knowing I had no choice.
"Would you like to try a relationship with me?" he asks, moving closer. His hand is on my face now.
"We tried before and that didn't work out too well," I said, hoping he wouldn't push the issue.
This time things could be better. I would be so good to you and Avery. You can't say no to this," he says, moving his lips towards mine. I kiss him back for a few minutes before pulling away.
"Let me think about trying again," I said, getting up from the sofa.
I see the frustration on his face, but he holds his emotions in.
"Fair enough. We should go to bed," he says, following me into the bedroom. Exhausted, stressed, and overwhelmed, I crawl into bed with him. I just didnt have the energy to fight with him. So I allow him to hold me, falling asleep in his arms.