For Nick (19 page)

She and Zach had experienced an idyllic three months together. This was just a bump in the road. All couples had them. They’d get through it and everything would return back to normal. Surely he was just exhausted after a long night. He had no idea how much she needed him in her life. She was so disturbed at their present state of unease it was all she could do just to think straight.

That afternoon, however, Mrs. Edwards told her, “I’m sorry, Andie. Zach is very busy today. He can’t stop for lunch. He says he’ll see you tonight.”

“Oh, okay. I understand.”

But she didn’t. Not really.

Zach had always made time to meet her for lunch, no matter how busy he was. It was their tradition. He
was
upset about something. She’d talk to him tonight. They’d work this out, somehow, some way.

In the meantime, she’d go find comfort in Nick’s arms.

As Andie arrived home that night she felt fatigue seep into every joint in her body, making her ache with exhaustion. Zach’s car was in the driveway. He was home, thank goodness. Now they could finally make things right between them. She entered the house and immediately heard the distinct sound of a female voice. Great, Zach had company. However, she couldn’t hide her surprise or her dismay when she made her way into the dining room and saw who it was. Camille sat with Zach at the dinner table and they appeared to be deep in conversation. Upon seeing her, Zach stood.

“Andie, come on in. We’ve waited on you for dinner.”

Andie hesitated. The last thing she wanted to do was spend time with Camille. Nevertheless, she was stuck joining them. Camille sat where Andie normally sat—across from Zach—so she sat at the side of the table, in between them.

“You look tired, dear. Have you had a long day?” Camille inquired.

Andie met her gaze, seeing the spite in her eyes regardless of the caring tone in her question. “Yes,” she responded.

“Andie puts in a lot of hours,” Zach remarked. There was an unmistakable undertone of anger in his words that made Andie wonder what was going on. She looked up at him rather sharply, but his gaze was completely deadpan, as if he was emotionless. As if she was nothing to him.

Mrs. Barnes served dinner. It looked delicious and Andie realized how hungry she was. Camille and Zach began to reminisce, laughing heartily at private jokes, effectively cutting her out of the conversation. Andie’s appetite quickly vanished. She ate only because she knew the baby needed her to eat. She may as well have been invisible for all the attention they paid her. It was as if she didn’t exist. She took a few more bites and her stomach started to rebel. She sipped her water cautiously. Zach never looked at her, not even a glance. She watched him as he spoke animatedly, his eyes bright and happy. He was completely captivated with Camille. This was the woman he’d wanted to marry in the first place. He couldn’t hide it.

There was just one little complication. He was married to her for the next year and she was carrying his child. She took another bite and all at once knew she was going to be sick. She stood up quickly, her chair fell to the ground and she ran to the bathroom, closed the door, and just barely made it to the toilet in time. Her hands gripped the sides of the commode as her stomach heaved uncontrollably. She wished the ground would open up and swallow her whole. She’d rather do anything than go out there and face them again. A knock sounded on the door.

“Andie, are you okay?” It was Zach, sounding concerned.

“Yes, thank you. I’ll be out in a minute.”

Would they notice if she just spent the night in here and never came out? She washed her mouth and splashed water on her face. Her hands shook as she stared at her reflection. Her eyes looked dead. There was no life in them, as if she was an empty shell.

Something had changed between her and Zach. She knew it. Tonight confirmed it
.

I’m not going to cry. Things will look better in the morning. I’ll talk to Zach then, without Camille’s presence
.

Andie walked out slowly, feeling a little light headed. She did not look directly at Zach or Camille. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m not feeling very well.”

Zach was suddenly at her side, holding one arm. “Andie, can I do anything for you?” he asked with so much sympathy, she almost conjured up a single tear. Almost.

“No, thanks. I think I just need to sleep.” Her voice was decidedly shaky.

“Let me help you up the stairs,” he insisted.

“I’m okay, really. Stay with your guest,” she countered, embarrassed at causing such a fuss. “Please excuse me.”

“Of course,” she heard Zach say as she left the room, hoping she didn’t faint just to top off the show. Once in her room, she collapsed onto the bed, curled up into a miserable ball, and fell into an exhausted sleep.

-16-

Andie awoke in the morning feeling somewhat normal again. She knew pregnancy could be quite a roller coaster ride and she was on for the duration. It would appear that ‘morning sickness’ was inaptly named. Nausea could rise up at any time of the day and was no respecter of persons. At least on this particular morning, she’d been granted a reprieve.

Her heart, however, was heavy. It was time to confront Zach. He needed to know about their baby. She had to mend their relationship. They’d been so happy together. What changed for him? It can’t be only that she’d said Jack’s name in her sleep. Surely he wouldn’t be this angry over something like that, after all, she’d been married to the man for several years. It was only natural that he entered her dreams on occasion. Was he in love with Camille and wishing he could somehow break their contract? She had to know the answers to these questions.

She got ready for the day and knocked on his door, filled with trepidation. He answered right away. His hair was wet and he wore only a towel around his waist.

Gulp.

“Hi,” Andie said, with a forced smile. Zach knew that she knew something had gone wrong between them. She just didn’t know what it was.

“Are you feeling better?”
I hate to see you ill. I worried about you all night.

“Yeah. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it. It happens to the best of us.”

“Did you open the present?”

Not again. What was up with her and that stupid present?
“No, sorry, I forgot about it.”

“That’s okay. Can I talk to you? There’s something really important I need to talk to you about.”

“It’s not a good time. Maybe later.”
Maybe never.

“I only need a minute.”

“No. I’m very busy.”

“Tonight then?”

“Probably.”
Not.

“Oh…okay. See you tonight. We’ll talk then.”

Zach closed the door before she had time to say anything else. It was the second night in a row they hadn’t made love. But then, he wouldn’t have disturbed her when she was ill anyway. Several minutes later, he heard fast footsteps on the stairs and then a loud knock on his door.

“What is it?”

“Zach…my car’s gone. I think it’s been stolen. We should call the police.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Andie. I forgot to mention that I had your car turned in for servicing.”

“Servicing? But there wasn’t anything wrong with it.”

“It’s just one of those check-ups they do for new cars after so many miles have been put on them, you know, just a routine servicing. No big deal. It shouldn’t be gone long.” With everything going on, he’d forgotten to mention it would be picked up early this morning.

“Oh,” she paused, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I guess I just panicked.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Thank you.”

“I can give you a ride,” he offered, wondering where she would have him drop her off.

“No, that won’t be necessary. Thanks anyway,” she declined.

“Andie, you’re not feeling well. Let me drive you.”

“I’ll be fine, thank you,” she said firmly as she turned and left. She still looked pale and didn’t seem herself. It was obvious she was trying to hide her distress over the lack of a vehicle. The loss probably ruined her plans for the day.

What a shame.

As Zach left for work, he saw Andie sitting at the bus stop and she didn’t look happy. It was chilly out and he found himself worrying about her. She sat with her arms folded tightly across her chest and her head hung down dejectedly. He felt a prick of uneasiness. He reminded himself what kind of a woman she really was and hardened his heart against her. It made him feel only marginally better. He couldn’t erase the sight of her sitting on the bench, cold and alone, and it bothered him more than he cared to admit. After how ill she’d been last night, he didn’t think she should be out and about. In spite of the circumstances, he still worried about her. For the umpteenth time he reminded himself that his feelings for her wouldn’t disappear overnight. He needed to give it some time—and lots of space. In other words, he needed to avoid Andie at all cost.

To his utter surprise, she still showed up to meet him for lunch. He didn’t think she would bother; surely it was a great inconvenience to take the bus. He glanced up to find her standing in his doorway. She was a persistent little thing.

“Hi, Zach. Are you free for lunch?”

He was a little taken aback. He wasn’t prepared for her. “I’m sorry, Andie. I’m really swamped today.”

She closed his door and walked close to his desk. “I really need to talk to you. It’s important. It will only take a few minutes, I promise,” she declared, demanding attention.

“It’s gonna have to wait. I’m really busy.” He stood. “Please, I’m politely asking you to leave.” His tone was firm as he gave her his most intimidating look, the one he saved for tough business opponents.

Her eyes skittered away. “I don’t understand.” She visibly swallowed. “Zach…what’s going on? Have I done something to upset you? Please tell me. Is everything okay? I mean…are
we
okay?”

“Is there a
we
? I was under the impression
we
were simply a business arrangement. I’m sorry if you’ve conjured up more than that in your imagination. I told you I wanted no romantic entanglements.”

Andie appeared speechless. “But…but you said…”

The door to his office opened and Camille entered.

“Zach, join me for lunch today, I insist. Oh…” she stopped when she saw Andie. “I didn’t realize you had company.”

Perfect timing.
Zach stepped from behind his desk and greeted Cami with a hug. “Nice to see you, Cami.”

Andie quietly slipped out as they visited and Zach pretended not to notice. She sure was determined, more so than he’d anticipated. Surely she now understands that they’re OVER. He couldn’t have made it any clearer.

Problem solved.

Except now he had an even bigger problem: he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

After leaving Zach’s office, Andie ran to the bathroom in the lobby and emptied the contents of her stomach. At this rate, she was going to lose ten pounds before she gained anything. She then sunk to the floor of the bathroom, her hands shaking. How could she have been so wrong about Zach? He was completely intimidating. No more goofball. What was wrong with him? She sat there for several minutes, willing herself to calm down, feeling as though she was fading into non-existence. Life felt gray and dull, like living in a black and white film. She’d become much more attached to Zach than she’d let herself believe. As she splashed water on her face and stared at herself in the mirror, even she could see the tension in her expression. Her eyes burned, hot and fiery, but not one tear escaped. She’d thought Zach was her salvation, the good in her life.