Chapter 36: Memphis
Andrea's POV
We flew from Florida to Memphis, Tennessee. My heart skips a beat when I see the city.
I hadn't been here in almost a year. Even then, it was a short trip. We got off the plane, and Martinez was there at the airport waiting in the limo.
"Which hotel are you staying at?" I asked, looking into his blue-green eyes.
"None. We are going home," he says. I'm so confused.
We pulled up to a beautiful, grated white mansion that looks like it probably has six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
"Did you buy this house?" I said, amazed as Martinez parked the car in the garage.
"Actually, my parents own it and said we could have it. As a wedding gift, I thought, with you wanting to go to college, this would be perfect," he says, taking me inside.
"Was the house already furnished?" I asked, looking at how everything was put together perfectly.
"Yes, Sa- Andrea," he says like he almost go my name wrong.
"When do we move in?" I asked seating on the leather sofa.
"Right now, I have a few things to take care of in Altana, but that should be done in about two weeks. I already have a job offer here. But you can go ahead and stay," he says as if he shouldn't have discussed this with me first.
"Didn't you want to mention this to me first?" I said, sort of annoyed.
"We did discuss it. You wanted to go to the University of Memphis, and I said we could move here and I would pay for your classes. I guess I don't understand why you are upset," he says calmly, dealing with my shock.
"I thought we would look for a house together and wait until after we had a baby," I said, still frustrated.
"Your right. You hate the house, we can go look for a different one," he says angrily.
"NO, I love the house. I just wish you had told me," I said, trying to accept this new situation.
I had so many questions. What about my job? My clothes and belongings? I didn't even get to say goodbye to my friend Michonne.
"I wanted to surprise you. I know you love it here, and Atlanta has so many bad memories for you. I thought this place could be different for us," he says, sitting down beside me.
"What about my job?" I asked.
"You don't need to work. But Negan has a law firm here run by an attorney named Maggie Greene. She will allow you to work Mondays and Fridays. When there is a full-time spot available, I'm sure you could get the position. I thought part-time would be good with your college classes," he says logically.
"I would have liked to say goodbye to Michonne, Paige, and Rosita from the office," I said with mixed feelings.
"Paige is moving here with Martinez. As for Michonne and Rosita, you can call them, email them, or Facebook message them. And I am sure we will visit them at some point," he says, pulling me close.
My mind goes back to Shane with dark brown eyes for a moment. Was that why I wanted to go back to Atlanta? To hopefully see him again? If I did, I would lose everything. You always want what you cant have.
And now I have no full-time job or apartment. I was sort of dependent on Philip, and he knew it too.
"Okay, but no more big surprises," I said, accepting that I was permanently moving and starting a new job without packing my stuff or office.
"Only one," he said leaving the room. He comes back with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy that has white and light brown fur with big brown eyes.
"Oh she is so beautiful," I said holding her close.
"Adopted her for you from a local shelter, her name is Willow, but we can change it if you like," he says, feeling that I am more relaxed.
"I love the name Willow. I am sorry I overreacted. I just want to be more included in decisions," I said, petting my puppy.
"This job offer was too good to turn down, Andrea. It's more of a professional move than anything", he says calmly.
"I understand. And I do love my ring,puppy, and the house. I would like one more thing."
"Whats that?"
"I am craving Chick fila. Would you mind getting me some while Willow and take a nap," I said feeling fatigue again and wanting a few minutes alone.
" I got you. I will be back in thirty minutes. You get settled," he says kissing my cheek.
Tired from the plane ride, I go upstairs to make myself more comfortable. Willow follows me.
Having a puppy will be great since Philip works so often, I decided.
Willow gets in the bed with me, and I turn on The Summer I Turned Pretty. I wish so much that Amy could be here for my wedding.