Page 68 of Only You

Star caught his eye over Olivia’s head. She had come to the same understanding. “Okay,” Olivia said, accepting his explanation.

Taking Olivia’s hand, Andrew gathered her things before thanking Damian and Star for having her. “Everything will work out for the best. Have faith,” Star said after he placed Olivia in her car seat.

He nodded, giving them both a hug goodbye.

“We are here if you need us,” Star said as he started the engine.

He knew his friends were right. He needed to understand what Eva wanted, what he himself wanted and overall, what was best for Olivia.

Chapter Forty-four

Andrew

The house was quiet without Ana, too quiet. He missed her warm presence that filled every room when she was there. It was like her life force made their house a home.

He spent the rest of the day talking to Olivia about what she and Skylar had done the previous evening, but she had eventually gone off to her bedroom to play with her new toys. The silence was deafening.

He tried to call Ana again but gave up when it diverted to voicemail for the fourth time. He didn’t want her to think he was stalking her. She’d asked for time, and he needed to respect that. It was difficult. The past few months, he had developed a habit of talking about everything with her, and now, when he really wanted someone to talk to, she was not there. It was wrong of him to expect so much from someone so young, he knew that, but she seemed to understand him better than anyone else.

After checking in with the hospital, he was pleased to hear Adrian was recovering well. His latest tests had all come back positive. His family had been with him for most of the day, taking turns to sit and talk to him. It was difficult for them to see; he had tubes coming out of him from every direction, but as Andrew had explained, they were there to take the pressure off his body and allow it to heal.

After Olivia went to bed, Andrew walked into the kitchen and stared at the piece of paper Eva had given him. Before he could change his mind, he dialled her number.

“Eva,” she answered.

“It’s Andrew.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the phone.

“I wasn’t sure you’d ring,” Eva said.

“If I’m honest, I wasn’t sure either,” Andrew admitted, sitting down on a stool.

“I’m glad you did.”

“Why did you really come?” Andrew asked. “What is it you want from me?”

There was a pause. “I know I can’t make up for the past,” Eva whispered.

Andrew could almost visualise her wringing her hands.

“That aside. What do you want? No more games, Eva… please.” Andrew ran a hand through his hair.

“I want to apologise... I signed away my rights as a parent and do not expect to be given a second chance. But I want to make it up to you. I need—no—want you both to know that I’m sorry.”

Andrew heard Eva’s voice catch.

“I need time to think.” Andrew hung his head and sighed. “How long are you staying?”

“I’ve moved back. I’m staying with a friend while I look for a flat,” Eva admitted, taking Andrew by surprise. “The ball is in your court, Andrew. I’m happy to wait as long as it takes,” Eva said quietly.

Andrew hated the sound of hope that filled her voice. What if he decided it wasn’t in Olivia’s best interest to see her mother?

“And Andrew,” Eva added.

“Yes?”

“Thank you… for not slamming the door in my face this morning. I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had.”

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