Love In Strange Places

by Ancelli

  “Sometime next week.” She turned. “I hope you don’t regret this, because if we get pregnant, regardless of the outcome, we’ll be stuck together for life.”

  “We’re already stuck together for life, remember? My brother and your sister are married and I know that’s for life.” He touched her hand, then held it and brought it up to his lips and kissed it. “Goodnight, beautiful.”

  “As Shannon would say, goodnight papi.” She turned and walked down to her car.

  Damn, that’s my wife. I’m fucking married. He smiled as he re-entered the house to check on his niece and nephew. One day I’ll have one of my own, it’s not too late. Oh God, please grant me with a son or daughter. I promise to try to be the best that I can be as a father.

  Chapter Eight

  Sherry got home and couldn’t believe what she’d just agreed to, but the smile on her face wouldn’t go away. She called Shannon and told her everything that had happened. Through the phone, she could hear Shannon telling Matt and both of them were beside themselves in happiness. She hung up with them and dialed her best friend Tiffany. They’d met in college. They were so alike, both outgoing and always saying what was on their mind. The only difference was that Tiffany was white, blonde, with blue eyes. For years, she’d been Sherry’s go-to person. Even though her sister Shannon was her heart, she couldn’t ask for a better, loving, loyal friend.

  “How was Vegas, girl?”

  “Vegas was great! We had lots of fun, and we partied till six in the morning.” She thought about her last night there.

  “Damn, girl, until six in the morning? I can’t believe Shannon would do that.”

  She chuckled. “Believe it. She was right there when I got married.” There was silence on the line.

  Tiffany screamed into the phone. “No way! You told me Dean wasn’t the one. I didn’t know he went with you.”

  “I didn’t marry Dean.”

  “Then who?”

  “Andrew.”

  Tiffany made choking sounds into the receiver.

  “Tiff, are you okay?”

  “Yes, I just thought I heard you say you married your dead-gorgeous brother-in-law.”

  “I did.”

  “What?” she yelled. “No way! When? How? Where?”

  Sherry laughed into the phone. “Girl, it happened so fast, first he gave me the best night of my life. I was sore in so many places and then I woke up, and we were married. For some reason, it feels so good.”

  “I bet it does.”

  She shared bits and pieces with her friend, but decided not to tell her about the legal documents, because Tiffany would go off on Andrew, thinking he was using her.

  “I’m proud of you. You did good. I never saw the marriage thing coming, but I did see the two of you getting down and dirty. The sexual tension was so thick, even I couldn’t cut it.”

  “No, it wasn’t.”

  “It was. Shannon and I told you to sleep with him and get it over with. You took our advice, but damn, it must have been that good, because you married him. Welcome to the club.”

  “I really hope it works out. He drives me crazy, but I can talk to him about anything and he really listens.”

  “You’re on the right track. It’s all about communication and understanding.”

  “But we don’t really know each other.”

  “Whatever, Sherry. You’ve known Andrew longer than I’ve known Rick.” She chuckled. “You know him more than you think, and I think that deep down inside you’ve always had a thing for him.”

  She ignored her friend. “Tell Rick I said hi.”

  “Rick, Sherry says hi, and guess what? She went and got herself married and didn’t even invite us!”

  Sherry could hear him in the background. “Tell her I said I feel sorry for him.” He laughed.

  “Whatever, Rick!”

  “Hey, Sherry, Ricky is crying, but we have to get together really soon.”

  “Give my godson a kiss goodnight.”

  “I will. Goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.”

  ***

  “I can’t believe out of all people, Sherry tied you down.” Matt entered his brother’s house laughing. “But I have to say, Shannon kind of saw it coming.”

  “She didn’t tie me down, I roped her in. Where’s your wife?” Andrew asked, closing the door.

  “Home. She needed rest from all that partying.” He kept walking to the living room.

  “Daddy!” Matthew yelled, running toward him. “Te extrañe.”

  “Hola, papito.” Matt picked him up and squeezed him tight. “I missed you more. Where’s your sister?”

  “Taking a nap,” Matthew said kissing his cheek.

  He put him down. “She’s taking a nap? I didn’t know Makayla took naps.” He chuckled.

  Andrew laughed too. “I didn’t know Tasmanian devils took naps either, until her energy wore out.”

  “Don’t be calling my angel a devil.”

  Matthew went back to watching cartoons while he waited for his dad to finish talking.

  “So you and Sherry, is it the real thing?”

  “I don’t know, but I think it has the potential. I mean, only she can handle me.” He went into the kitchen and Matt followed.

  “You’re right about that. What are you going to do if your one-year plan doesn’t work?” Matt asked, pouring himself a glass of water.

  “Move on, but maybe with something special.”

  “Like what?” Matt asked, taking a drink.

  “You can’t tell your wife.”

  “I wont tell her. Hopefully, this secret will not affect my relationship, and she’ll know soon enough because your wife will tell her.”

  “She does run her mouth at times. We’re going to try to have a baby.”

  “Wow…finally my brother is really going to settle down, not only with a wife, but kids, too. I’m shocked, but really happy for you guys. I’m going give you some advice big brother.” He put the glass in the sink. “Don’t give up on her, even when she begs you to.”

  “You’re not going to wash that out?” Andrew asked.

  “Nope.” Matt strolled out of the kitchen. “Another thing, keep away from your father-in-law.”

  “I was already warned, but he has to keep away from me.”

  “How did Dad take it?” Matt asked, packing the kids’ bags.

  “He said as long as I’m happy, then he’s happy. I miss having him around. He’s been the one constant in my life. Why did he move again?”

  Matt laughed. “He found happiness with Maria. He always put us first growing up—now it’s time for him to be happy too. I’m happy he found love again,” Matt said, sitting down next to his son.

  “Daddy! Daddy!” Running into his arms, Makayla screamed her little lungs out.

  Her father picked her up and she kissed him non-stop, and rubbed her nose against his. “Nose, nose, Daddy.”

  “Hi, princess.” He kissed her forehead. “Were you a good girl for Uncle Andrew?”

  “Nope.” Her brother Matthew answered for her. “She colored Tio’s book.”

  Matt and Andrew couldn’t help their laughter.

  “Matthew, let’s go. Mom is waiting for us.”

  “Mommy…” She giggled and bounced in his arms.

  Andrew helped him with the kids’ bags. “Adios princesa y principe.” He kissed his niece and hugged his nephew. “Te quiero mucho.”

  Chapter Nine

  Andrew was awakened by the scent of bacon and coffee. He slid out of bed and did his morning ritual in the bathroom, then he marched toward his kitchen. He stopped suddenly when he saw her.

  Sherry was in his kitchen cooking breakfast. “Good morning. I hope you’re hungry,” She said, placing orange juice on the table.

  “Sherry, you don’t have to do this, you know.” He stepped in front of her.

  “I know I don’t, but I love having someone to cook for.” She smiled.

  “Tell your mom I said tha
nks.”

  “For?” She stared at him.

  “For raising a wonderful woman who knows how to please her man.” He kissed her juicy lips. “And for giving you this.” He smacked her ass and sat down.

  She chuckled. “Really…I don’t think she’ll appreciate that compliment.” She sat down, too.

  Andrew began eating. “These eggs are delicious.” He continued to devour his food.

  She took a fork full of eggs, and then cleared her throat. Andrew looked up, and placed his fork down. “What’s wrong? Did you change your mind? That’s why you’re being so nice.”

  She smiled. “No, fool, I haven’t changed my mind. It’s just that you and I are going to church today.”

  He gave her a disbelieving stare. “I don’t do church.”

  “If we’re treating this like a real marriage, then we’re going to church, and it’s the perfect way for my parents to find out. Think about it, they can’t really say much in the house of the Lord.” She took a sip of her orange juice, looking at him over the rim.

  “If this is going to give you peace of mind, then I’ll go, but don’t run when the church roof caves in as I walk in,” he said, finishing his food.

  “If the roof hasn’t caved in with me, it definitely wont with you.” They both laughed. “He loves and forgives us no matter what we do.”

  ***

  Andrew got out of his Infiniti and opened the passenger door, helping Sherry out. “Such a gentleman,” she said, taking a hold of his hand. Andrew wore one of his best business suits, trying to impress her family.

  “Always.” He stared at her, giving her his naughty smile. He fixed his pants, and she could see the beginning of an erection.

  “Andrew…” She blushed staring at his crotch.

  “You shouldn’t have worn that sexy dress to church, it hugs your body in all the right places.”

  “Stop it we’re in the church parking lot.” She smoothed her dress down with her hands. “Are you ready?” She took his hand in hers.

  He squeezed her hand, then kissed it. “I’m as ready as I'll ever be.” They strolled into the church hand in hand.

  It seemed like everybody in the congregation stopped what they were doing and watched them come in.

  Seeing the surprise in their eyes, she met her parents’ glares. When they got closer she noticed the sweat beading on her dad’s baldhead. Her mom’s mocha-skinned looked flushed watching them passed by, she fanned herself with an announcement paper, and her dad gave her a mean, dirty look. She could already see the disappointment.

  Andrew squeezed her hand as he guided her to sit next to Matt and Shannon. They both had big smiles on their faces.

  Shannon moved over, and when Sherry sat, she hugged and kissed her, and whispered in her ear. “I can’t believe you convinced him!”

  She looked at her sister. “He wouldn’t say no to his wife.”

  ***

  The pastor spoke about unanswered prayers. Andrew was touched by the sermon. He hadn’t been to church in over ten years. As a kid, his mom always took them every Sunday, until she disappeared out of their life. He remembered Matt and him begging God to bring back their mother but God never answered their prayers, or so he’d thought. Now, he saw things differently. God had answered, but he’d done in his time. Their mother had gone through a lot, she left them because she thought she was doing the right thing, saving them from seeing her die of cancer, but she’d ultimately survived. Tears came to his eyes as he remembered his mother. She was an exceptional woman who’d made a couple of wrong choices.

  Sherry leaned over. “Are you okay?”

  He shook his head and cleared his throat.

  The pastor asked if anyone had a testimony to share, and as Sherry was about to stand, Andrew held her back and whispered in her ear. “This is not the place, nor the time, to do this.”

  She gazed into his eyes. “You’re right.”

  The pastor ended with a prayer and everyone got up and mingled, sharing small talk. Nodding their greetings, Andrew and Sherry exited the church.

  “Sherry,” her mom called out.

  “May we have a word with you?” her dad asked.

  Sherry released Andrew’s hand and walked toward her parents.

  “What’s the meaning of this?” Her father pointed at Andrew.

  “Are you seeing him?” In contrast to her father’s brusque attitude, her mom posed the question with a soft and gentle voice.

  “What is wrong with you girls? I raised you both better than this.” Her dad spoke tensely, trying not to raise his voice.

  Shannon came over, smiling. “Did you tell them the good news?”

  Sherry’s eyes got big, but it was too late. Shannon covered her mouth with her hands. “Whoops.”

  “What news?” their mom asked.

  “Sorry, Sherry.” Shannon stared at her sister. “I thought you told them.”

  “It’s okay, Shannon. Can you excuse us?”

  Shannon kissed her parents and sister. “I’ll call you later.”

  “What news?” This time, it was her dad asking.

  Sherry couldn’t find the words. She could see the shame and disappointment in her father’s eyes.

  Andrew walked up behind Sherry and kissing her cheek, circled his arms about her waist. Her parents just watched them. He whispered in her ear. “Let me do the honors. It will be short.”

  “Okay.”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Jones, it’s great seeing you again.”

  “It’s nice to see you again, Andrew, but what is the meaning of this?” her mother asked, as her father gave him a dirty look. “You’re all over our daughter.”

  “Sorry about that, but I can’t seem to keep my hands off my wife.” Andrew smiled.

  Her father looked like he was having a heart attack, and her mother covered her mouth with her hands. “What did you just say?”

  “We’re married.” Sherry muttered.

  Her father shook his head and stormed off to his car.

  “Sherry, weren’t you dating Dean?” her mother asked. “You know what? Don’t even answer. You’re a grown woman, and whatever you do is your business. I love you no matter what. Are you pregnant?”

  “No mom, I’m not pregnant.”

  “I’m just making sure. Don’t want any more surprises.” Her mother sighed. “You and your sister robbed me of the chance of seeing you get married. At least I got to see your brother’s.” Her eyes shined with tears, she was emotional.

  “I’m sorry, Mom.”

  Her mother hugged and kissed her, then turned and touched Andrew’s face. “If you hurt her, you’ll deal with me.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Mom, thank you for not judging me.” Sherry hugged her mom tight.

  “Baby, I’m not one to judge. I guess the Johnston boys make my girls happy.” She kissed her. “I’ll talk to your father, but you know it won’t be easy.”

  “Thank you, Mom.” Her mom walked away to the car, where her dad angrily awaited.

  Chapter Ten

  Andrew made himself sit perfectly still while he waited for Leann to arrive. The smells of Thai food filled the air. He stood as she approached the table. He pulled out her seat, waited until she sat.

  “I’m glad you could make it. How are you and the kids?”

  “They’re great. I’ve been sick, but nothing I can’t handle.” She said, looking over the menu. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

  “I’m not avoiding you.”

  The waiter came by and took their drink order, and left.

  “Like I was saying, I’m not avoiding you. A lot has happened since we last saw each other.”

  “Andrew, stop beating around the bush and tell me.”

  “We can’t see each other any more.”

  “I thought we had an understanding, I like being around you.” She put down her menu. “You make me feel wanted, something my ex could never do. What did I do? I gave you space.”

  He took
her hand. “Leann, you’re a special woman. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise, but we can’t see each other anymore because I got married.”

  “What?”

  “I got married.”

  “When?”

  “Three weeks ago.”

  All of a sudden her eyes got shiny with tears. “I didn’t know you were seeing some one else?”

  Her response confused him. She’d been the one who’d approached him with the idea their relationship would just be a physical one.

  “Leann, you knew we weren’t serious. I gave you what you wanted.”

  “But….”

  “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, but we don’t want the same things in life. You don’t want to get married again or have more kids and I want that.”

  “So, it’s over between us?” she asked with tears in her eyes.

  “Yes.”

  “She doesn’t have to know.”

  “But I’ll know. Remember how you felt when you caught your husband cheating on you? I would never want my wife to feel that way.”

  “Andrew, you’re a very special man.” A tear dropped from her eye and she got up. “She’s a very lucky woman.” She turned and left the restaurant.

  Andrew pulled out his cell. “Hey.”

  “Hey, yourself,” Sherry answered.

  “Are you working late today?”

  “Why?”

  “I wanted to know if you would join me for dinner?”

  “When?”

  “Now.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Thai House.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  ***

  “Thank you for joining me.” Andrew gazed at Sherry.

  “I was starving,” she said, looking over the menu.

  The waiter came over to their table and took her order.

  She stared at him. “What’s really up?”

  “What you mean?”