CHAPTER FIVE-yes
At dinner Andrea was distant at best. Philip squeezed her hand, trying to get her attention.
"What is wrong, sweetheart?" He whispered longingly.
"Addison's father wants to see her. The court has granted him visits. I finally think I am in the clear with custody battle. Now this," she says, wishing she had not gone out in public.
The last thing she wanted to do was cry in the crowded restaurant. She looks over at Addison, not a care in the world eating a bread stick.
"I could help you. I have seen you with Addison. The way you care for her. I mean how many single moms put a two year in dance class? Most moms are just trying to get a shower in. The way she looks at you. You've become her mother now," he says taking her hand.
"That means more than you think. Listen I want to ask you something," she says looking for the strength to ask for help.
"Okay," he says knowing that he had where he wanted her at last.
Good thing too, because Philip Blake was not a patience man. Not anymore at least. He just needed her to admit that she needed him. And would do anything to get his help.
"Do you think her father will get custody?" Andrea said picking at her salad. Normally a meal at Olive Garden would be a treat, but her mind was only on keeping Addison with her.
"That depends. Did your sister report her assault? They file a police report? Tell anyone besides you?" He said looking at her concerned.
"No. I came to pick up her from the hotel. She refused to get the law involved," she whispers knowing the answer to her own question.
"So it's your word against his then? No other witnesses. You know that it won't look good," he says, handing Addison her sippy cup.
Both of their eyes lock on Addison.
"I know how it looks. I don't to want to lose her. That fact Amy stayed all night with this man in a hotel room doesn't look great either. I never imagine the father would want Addison," she whispers.
The waitress returns bringing the check, Philip gives her his credit card. For the moment they are both silent until they are left alone again.
"You know I can he help. I know people. Joel Owens is my attorney, I can arrange a meeting with him," Philip offers.
"I can't afford that. I make good money, but I know he is out of budget," Andrea admits embarrassed.
"He won't charge you for the first meeting. Because I will cover the fees for you. Remember what I asked you about a month ago? About us getting married. I would cover all expenses for you if you were my wife. I could probably make this whole mess with Addison's father go away before it even goes to court," he whispered in a low voice.
For some reason his offer made Andrea a little aggravated. Is this his way of saying he would only help her if they were married? She could not be hearing that correctly. Or maybe she was.
"If he takes you to court, would look better for you if we were married. Two parent home verse a you as a single mom. Joel will tell you the same thing," Philip said, trying to convince her. He knew exactly how his first statement sounded. While he meant it, he did not want Andrea to know that his help was conditional just yet.
The fact she rejected him still hurt his ego. He remember showing up with the airplane tickets to Vegas, certain she would jump on a plane to elope. Saying she needed more time to make a decision threw him off to say the least. Now here he was waiting to be rejected again. The silence is killing him. She can't say no again. Can she?
"I know. You are completely right. I am so unsteady. Being married to you, would not only help my case, it would help Addison. She adores you. I adore you too," she said finally.
"Then why don't we go to Vegas tonight, huh?" he says, right before the waitress brings the check.
After declining the dessert menu, Andrea is left there alone with him waiting for an answer again. She knew that going slow would never be an option with Philip.
How much time do you need to know want ? Philip seem to know. Maybe he always knew since they first met at the gym. His blue eyes stared into hers waiting for an answer.
"Not tonight. But yes. Yes to everything. I want your help. I want to keep Addison. I don't want to be a single mom anymore. I need help. I want to go to Vegas and get married. Just give me a few weeks. At least a couple of days. I want to take sometime off of work. And I am going to have to talk with the social worker. See how often these visits will be. Say if want to take Addison with us out of town with us. I need to make that will be okay," Andrea said always practical.
Here she was planning even when she was attempting to be spontaneous by agreeing to get married.
"I can get Joel to call the social worker. They can work out the visits. You need to focus on the wedding. Talk to your boss about getting off work. Tomorrow, we will get you a ring," Philip promised.
Andrea looks over him and smiles. Just dinner turned into an engagement. But she knew it was either get married or break up. Philip Blake was not the type of guy who did things half way. You made the right choice, she tells herself.
Still part of her is a little unsure.