Page 63 of Summer Affair

“Thank you for telling me this,” she said softly. “It means a lot. I’m still raw. But…” She glanced around at each of them. “It means more than you know.”

His mother sighed and then stood up. “Well, I think that’s our cue to head in for the night.”

“Thanks for stopping by,” Sophia said, hugging Andrea. “Now that I’m able to get out a little more, I’m thinking of coming in for a massage. Dean has mentioned you’re teaching him.”

“I am,” Andrea said with a nod.

“I guess I need to think about my own future.” She sighed. “I’ll need a new career now that I’m back on my feet.”

“I’m certified to start your training if you want to do what Dean’s doing. You’d still have to take a few online classes and there are a few tests you’ll have to pass.” she offered. “We could always use the help.”

Sophia’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Andrea nodded and laughed when his sister hugged him. “I’d love that. I have a few more weeks before the doctors say I can go back to work, but I’ll hold you to it.”

“You know where to find me when you’re ready.” Andrea hugged his sister back.

“Thanks,” Sophia said and disappeared inside the house with his mother.

“Ready to go?” he asked, taking her hand.

As they drove to her place, Andrea seemed lost in thought. Dean didn’t push her, giving her the space to process everything. He hoped that sharing his family’s story would help her see that she wasn’t alone, and that there was always a way forward, even when things seemed bleak.

When they reached her place, Andrea turned to him, her eyes full of a mixture of emotions.

“Thank you for tonight. It was…it was really nice,” she said softly.

“I’m glad it helped.” He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Dean watched Andrea walk to her door, her shoulders slightly hunched as if bearing the weight of the world. As she turned to give him a final wave, he saw a flicker of a smile, and his heart swelled with hope and determination. He drove away slowly, his mind swirling with thoughts of how he could continue to support her, knowing that tonight had been a small step forward.

The next day, Dean kept busy with work, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Andrea. He texted her a few times, just to check in, but kept it light, not wanting to overwhelm her. He knew she needed time to process everything. When he finally finished for the day, he decided to swing by her place again, bringing along her favorite ice cream as a small gesture of comfort.

When he arrived, Andrea was sitting on her porch, staring out at the darkening sky. She looked up as he approached, a tired smile playing on her lips.

“I thought you might like some company,” he said, holding up the ice cream.

Her eyes softened, and she nodded. “That sounds nice. The ice cream is a bonus,” she added with a chuckle.

They sat together, sharing the ice cream in silence. The stars began to appear, twinkling against the backdrop of the night sky. Andrea leaned her head on his shoulder, and Dean felt a wave of protectiveness and love hit him like a ton of bricks as he felt her shiver against his chest. He wanted to shield her from all the pain, to make everything better, but he knew it was a journey she had to navigate herself, with him by her side.

“Dean,” she said after a while, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’m scared. Afraid of the future. Afraid of…myself.”

He wrapped his arm around her more tightly, pulling her closer. “I know. I’m here. Always.”

“I know that now. Yesterday evening helped me understand. Helped me put things into perspective.” She sighed. “I…just don’t trust very easily.”

“I get it, I’ve met your family.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m willing to prove it for as long as you don’t kick me out.”

She glanced up at him. “Keep bringing me ice cream or donuts and I won’t kick you out,” she joked, and he chuckled.

They stood quietly for a moment before Andrea’s phone rang, breaking the silence. She pulled it out of her pocket and sighed as she answered the call.

He watched her face as she spoke to her sister, the color draining from her cheeks as the conversation continued. He could only hear one side, but it was clear Amy was excited about something.

After the call, Andrea turned to him.

“Amy asked—well, actually, pretty much demanded—that I throw her a baby shower. At the camp,” she said with a slight sigh.