“The Day We Met” Pt.22

Andy: Order anything you want,ladies. Lunch is on me!

Ally: Andy, I feel bad having you cover lunch today.

Marie: I don’t.

Andy: See, don’t feel bad, Ally. It’s my pleasure.

Sage: Mommy, can I get the mushroom pizza?

Andy: The mushroom pizza here is my fave!

Ally: Sure, baby.

The waiter came to take their order. The shoreline was just a few steps down & Sage was curious to see what kind of shells she’d find.

Sage: May I go look for shells for my collection?

Ally: Ok, but go with grandma.

Marie: Come on, honey. Grandma needs to go stretch her legs anyways.

Sage: I’ll be back!

Andy: Ok, Sage. I’ll save your seat.

Ally: Look at how happy she looks.

Andy: Look at how happy you look. I love that smile of yours.

Ally: Thanks…

Andy: No John again? He’s really missing out of you ask me.

Ally: Yeah, he’s missing out. I don’t think Sage cares anymore. She’s stopped asking about him & she’s stopped drawing pictures of him & writing notes to him.

Andy: Kids need their fathers. You’re doing a really good job handling it all on your own. I really admire that.

Ally shook her head.

Ally: I’m struggling, Andy. I don’t know what I’d do without my mom’s help.

Andy put his hand over Ally’s hand.

Andy: Hey, hey… I’m here too. Please let me know if I can do anything to help. Anything at all.

Ally looked up at Andy. She was teary-eyed & emotional, but grateful for Andy & his help.

Ally: Thanks, Andy.

The waiter came by with the food & Marie & Sage headed back up to the patio.

Sage: What’d I miss?

Ally: Not much, baby. The food just got here so you’re just in time.

Marie: Good, we’re starving.

Andy: Dig in, everyone!

After lunch, Andy walked Marie, Ally & the kids back up town, towards the playground where they parked their car. He helped load the kids & then said bye.

Marie watched as Andy walked over to Ally’s side of the car, gave her a hug & held her hand gently.

Ally: I can’t thank you enough for lunch today. We all had a great time, Andy.

Andy: Glad to hear it. I love spending time with you..all. I’d really like to see you again if that’s ok.

Ally: Andy, my situation is still kinda complicated.

Andy: Take all the time you need. I’ll just be missing you til then.

Ally: I’ll call you.

Andy: I’ll be waiting.