Connie sighed. “Seriously.” She slipped her hand into his. “I worry about you, all alone in California. At least Connor and Damon live near each other. They hang out a lot. You’re by yourself. I have no idea what you do to stave off the loneliness.”
“Mom, I’m not lonely.” Which was mostly the truth. Andrew had always been content in his solitude. He never had a slew of friends like Connor, and he didn’t date a lot of different women like Damon. He’d made a nice, quiet life for himself. If he found someone he wanted to marry, he’d do so. Until then...
His mom eyed him skeptically. “Are you sure?”
He offered her a smile. “I’m sure, Mama. Don’t worry about me. And if you’re so concerned about me being in L.A. by myself, you could always move closer.”
Smacking his shoulder playfully, she said, “I’m not moving to no California. I’m happy right here where I am. I have my flowers, my new television, my friends, and my card nights.” His mother had a standing card game every Friday night with her girlfriends. “I’m just fine.”
“Well, the offer stands, whenever you’re ready.”
“What time is your meeting?” she asked.
He explained that his “meeting” was actually on the west side of the state, near Lake Michigan. He also told his mother that he’d be gone for a few days.
“Have time to eat lunch with me?” His mother stood and walked to the refrigerator. “I have your favorite.”
Andrew glanced at his watch. He’d planned to get on the road within the hour, but he could never tell his mother no. And he could never turn down her food. So he agreed to stay for lunch. After he took care of Mrs. Fulton’s blinds and checked her thermostat, he and his mother ate leftover lasagna and tossed salad, while they talked about all the things she wanted to do around the house in her free time.
“I have a request.” She cut a big piece of lasagna and transferred it to a plastic container. She’d insisted he take some with him. “I want all of you home for Thanksgiving.”
Andrew joined her at the kitchen sink and watched as she washed the few dishes inside. “Not Christmas?” They’d all made a point to return to Michigan for Christmas. It had been their tradition since they’d left home.
“Not this year. Me and the ladies decided to go on a trip to Vegas.” She smirked. “We thought it would be good to get away from the snow.”
“Good plan.” Andrew had grown up in Michigan, but he wouldn’t move back there. He’d gotten used to the mild temperatures of Los Angeles. “It’s not that far from me. Maybe I’ll join you.”
She frowned. “No. It’s a ladies’ trip.”
“You just want freedom to go to the casino.” He bumped her shoulder and she burst out in a fit of giggles. “You think you’re slick.”
Swatting him with a drying towel, she said, “Get out of here.”
He took the container and kissed her cheek. “I love you, Mom. And if you want me here on Thanksgiving, I’ll make it happen.”
Connie beamed. “Thank you. Make sure you tell your brothers.”
“I will.”
“Are you stopping by before you leave the state?”
“I’ll be sure to see you before I leave.” He gave her another hug and waved at Mrs. Fulton before he took off.
Three hours later, Andrew turned down a private road. A mile up the street, he came upon the house. In all the years he’d lived in Michigan, he had never visited South Haven. But he’d done some research before he made the drive.
With a population of around five thousand people, South Haven was known for its beautiful beaches off of Lake Michigan, wineries, unique restaurants, and boutiques. As he’d driven through the city center, he almost felt like an intruder, like he didn’t belong in the small town. But he’d come there for a reason and he wouldn’t leave until he saw her.
He pulled into the driveway and parked outside of the garage. He stared at the sprawling lake house in front of him, before making his way up the stone steps to the large front porch. Knocking on the door, he waited. It took a few seconds, but he heard her unlock the door. Soon, he was staring into the eyes of the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about.
Paige had on a pair of yoga pants and a tank. Her curls were pulled up in a high ponytail.She’s beautiful. And safe.
The bright smile she’d donned when she opened the door turned to ice once she’d realized he was waiting for her on the other side. “Andrew,” she whispered.
“Hi, Paige. Can I—?”
But before he could get his question out, Paige slammed the door in his face.
* * *
