Page 37 of Only You

“I thought my relationship with Skylar was complicated,” Christian added, taking a large swig of his beer. There was something wrong. Andrew would need to get in touch with him. Tonight, however, was not the night.

“Now you have the perfect babysitter. You need to get out and meet someone. That will make your mother happy, and you. You’ve been on your own way too long.” Damian said, “You both have.”

Andrew rolled his eyes, looking at Christian, who was unbelievably quiet and lost in thought.

“Just because you have the perfect relationship,” Andrew said.

Damian raised his eyebrow at Andrew, “You know my relationship has been far from easy. Relationships aren’t, they take work. But unless you try, you won’t ever find someone.”

“True, but you and Star had history. We are starting from scratch and the thought of having to get to know someone, work out whether I even like them. Then, if I want to introduce them to Olivia, to only have it go wrong. I’m not sure I have the energy. I barely get a minute to myself with the hospital and television work as it is. How am I supposed to fit anyone else into our lives and hope to make it work without it affecting Olivia?” Andrew sighed; his friend meant well, but the thought of putting himself out there was terrifying.

Damian shook his head. “Just think about it. We’re not designed to be alone. Being with someone else, sharing your hopes and dreams. It’s worth the pain. Not to mention the sex.”

Damian had barely finished when Christian stood up. “I’ve got to go,” he said, grabbing his coat and heading for the door.

Both Andrew and Damian stared after him.

“Star’s worried about him. Something happened while he was away, but he’s refusing to talk about it.” Damian said, staring after their friend.

“He needs our support. His past is catching up with him and he’s going to break if he doesn’t get some help.” Andrew said.

Damian looked at Andrew. “You need to think about yourself. Like Star, you owe yourself a life. You cannot put everything on hold for Olivia. It’s not right.”

Andrew knew Damian had worked hard to get Star to allow him in. One moment in a hospital room with them had told him they were made for each other. Star had fought their relationship every step of the way. She had erected so many walls to protect Skylar; it had seemed like Damian had an impossible task. Their love story had won out. But they’d had a past before all the drama. Their love had been a second chance at happiness. That would never be an option for him.

“If the right person comes along, they will love Olivia as much as you do, but you must put yourself out there and open up to the possibilities. Just think about it.”

“I’ll think about it.” Andrew looked at his watch. It was time to collect the girls from the party. He knew Olivia was going to have had fun and was glad Star had been there to keep her eye on things. Although life had seemed to have taken a positive turn, Andrew knew children could be cruel.

Chapter Twenty-five

Ana

Several parents complimenting her on Olivia’s costume had approached the week after the Halloween party. Mums had asked her about making adult and children’s costumes, and if she’d thought about setting up an online business. Ana explained she was a university student and her timetable was full. Before the party, Ana had hidden on the outskirts of the playground, the designer shoes and clothes worn by the other mothers, compared to her scuffed trainers and ripped jeans, making her stand out. The party meant she could no longer hide. Instead, she was dragged into the heart of the rumour mill and by mid-week, the conversation had subtly shifted from her working as a nanny to the mothers’ fishing about Andrew. Ana wondered if he knew he was the talk of the playground. His new television role turned him into quite the celebrity.

It was Friday by the time the mums had decided they had wrung all the information they were going to get from her, so Ana was back to standing on her own.

“Hi. Ana?”

Ana jumped as a voice appeared beside her.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” Ana turned to face the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She’d swept up her long hair and was immaculately dressed in a business suit. Ana smiled at the warmth radiating from the other woman.

“I’m Star, Skylar’s mum. I was hoping to finally meet you.” Star said, holding out a hand.

“Hi,” Ana said, returning her smile and shaking the hand Star offered. This was Star, the mum she had heard so much about. Ana looked around her. The other mothers were eying them both. The rumour mill had told her Star had been close friends with Andrew, until Damian, her now husband, had arrived on the scene. It did not surprise Ana after looking at the woman in front of her. They would have made a beautiful couple. A burning sensation formed deep in her chest.

“Would you and Olivia like to join Skylar and I for a milkshake when the children get out?”

Ana looked down at her ripped jeans and her stained t-shirt. She had been dying fabric all day and had come straight from uni. She looked a mess.

“I’m not dressed for going out,” Ana said, wishing she’d had the time to change before pickup. She did not want to disappoint Olivia, who she knew loved Star and Skylar.

Star laughed, “It’s Okay, nowhere fancy. I would love nothing more than to be in jeans and a t-shirt. Unfortunately, I had a client meeting today and didn’t have time to change. I’d like to get to know you. Olivia has been telling Skylar so much. You have made quite an impression.”

Ana felt herself warming to the other woman. “Okay,” she said.

They waited in a comfortable silence until the bell rang. The two girls came out together and ran over. Olivia was pleased to see Star and her together.

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