“I didn’t react very well. After I realized how wrong I was about Cissy, it was too late. So I buried myself in work and kept everyone at arm’s length. I wish I could go back in time and have a stern conversation with myself.”
Andrea sighed. “We all have moments like that.”
“Have you seen your ex-husband since you divorced him?”
That was the last thing she wanted. “No, and I don’t intend to. If the boys want to see him, I’ll work something out with my lawyer. Unless that happens, it’s better if he isn’t part of our lives.”
David nodded. She could see he was thinking about what she’d said. “What’s your greatest fear?”
The unexpected question made her hesitate. She had a list of things that still troubled her, but only one she constantly struggled with. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her voice, not wanting Andy or Charlie to hear what she said. “My greatest fear is that the boys will be like their father. I’m worried that as they get older, something inside them will snap and they’ll lash out at anyone who’s near.”
“It sounds as if the therapy sessions have helped.”
“They have, but I don’t know if it’s enough. They’re great kids, but they’ve been through so much.” Her hands tightened around her coffee mug. “I try to surround them with positive male role models. That’s why the boys still have counseling sessions with Ethan and help at The Welcome Center. As well as learning valuable skills, they’re seeing how good men behave. What about you? What’s your biggest fear?”
David leaned his head against the back of his chair. “That I’ll never meet someone who wants to be part of my life. I envy my friends who are married or in relationships. I’m not alone but, sometimes, I’m lonely. I don’t like going to the movies or to a restaurant without taking someone else. Even going away for the weekend isn’t the same if you don’t have another person to share it with.”
“I feel the same way. No one deliberately forgets about you, but they just have lots of things happening in their own lives.” She smiled at David. “It isn’t easy meeting the right person, but you’re intelligent, kind, funny, and know about the latest Legos models. Lots of women would want to date you.”
“I should hire you as my PR assistant.”
“I’m good with words. If you want me to create a profile for you on an online dating app, just ask.” Her smile widened when David didn’t say anything. “You already have one, don’t you?”
“Had one. I listened to a friend who said online dating is the way to go. They were wrong. Everything about the first person I met was the opposite of who I’d expected to see. I tried again, but the same thing happened. It put me off online dating for life.”
“I bet it did. If you want to speak to a counselor, I highly recommend Ethan. Although I’m not sure if he deals with trauma from dating apps.”
David laughed. “I solved the problem by deleting my profile. I immediately felt better.”
“Good for you. Would you like another cup of coffee?”
“No, I’m okay.”
Andrea pulled up the collar of her sweater and looked at the sky. “Two years ago, I never imagined I’d be living in Montana and opening a café. Life has a crazy way of working out.”
“It does.” David lifted his hand. “Look over there.”
A shooting star flew across the night sky. “Quick. Make a wish.”
“I have almost everything I need.”
“Think of one thing that would make your life better.” Andrea focused on the shimmering light and made her wish. It didn’t matter that a hundred other people could be doing the same thing or that most of her wishes had gone unanswered. Being able to dream, to make plans for a better life was what mattered the most. Because, without plans, your life stood still. And she couldn’t afford to let that happen.
She glanced at David and smiled. “Did you make a wish?”
“I did.”
“Don’t tell me what it was. Otherwise, it might not come true.”
“What if I have to tell you to make it come true?”
Andrea couldn’t think of anything he’d need to say to her, unless it was about the café. “You can’t increase your percentage of the profit. We’ve signed a contract.”
“It wasn’t about the café.”
“Well, considering you’re going back to Manhattan soon, I won’t be able to go to the movies with you. And dinner at a new restaurant is out because none have opened.”
“What if I asked you to come to Katie and Peter’s wedding with me? It would give me something to look forward to.”
