Page 69 of Only You

“I can’t promise anything. I’ll be in touch.”

Andrew ended the call before she could say anything more. Staring at his phone, he put it down and pushed it away. How had his life turned upside down overnight?

Chapter Forty-five

Andrew

After spending most of the night tossing and turning, Andrew felt no more clarity than he had the night before. The million what ifs floated around and around in his head. What if he let Eva back into Olivia’s life, and she let them down again? How would he cope with that? But then, on the flip side, what if she didn’t, and Olivia got to build a relationship with her mother? The whole thing was a mess.

He was going to call John, but he and Sarah hated Eva, so he already knew what John’s response would be. Sarah had never understood how Eva had walked away from her own child.

There was only one person who could really understand.

“Star, it’s me.”

“Hey,” Star said quietly.

“How did you know it was worth the risk?” He didn’t need to tell her what he was calling about.

Star sighed down the phone. “For me, it was a feeling. How would I feel in years to come if Skylar found out I’d kept her father from her? How would I explain that? Especially if she searched him out. It helped that Christian seemed genuine when I met him. It could have been a disaster, but I’ve been lucky the gamble paid off. In the long run, I decided I could try to protect Skylar, but who was I protecting her from? Was it my place to keep someone out of her life who may enhance it? Yes, it was a risk, but she has gained so much more.” Star paused before continuing. “But Andrew, that doesn’t mean my choices are the right ones for you and Olivia.”

It was Andrew’s turn to sigh as he ran a hand through his hair. “I just don’t know.”

“What is your gut telling you?” Star asked.

“If I’m honest, and although it pains me to say this...it says to let Olivia meet Eva. If it all goes wrong, then I’ll deal with the consequences. Eva seemed genuine. It’s not like Olivia hasn’t had issues where her mother is concerned. Maybe this will help her.”

“How doyoufeel about seeing Eva again?”

“Honestly, it’s strange. I thought I’d feel something, but there was nothing. She’s been gone so long.” Andrew paused. “She’s different. Not the woman I married. But in terms of how I felt towards her, there was nothing. I’m more concerned about Ana.”

“Have you spoken to Ana?”

“No, her phone was off when I called. She’s asked for space, and I must respect that... why, when life was settling down, does this have to have happened? We were just starting out, and now the chances are, it will have died before it’s begun.” Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose to stem the growing headache.

“What is meant to be will be. Look at Damian and I.”

Andrew could hear the smile in Star’s voice and knew Damian must be there with her.

“Thank you, Star. Apologise to Damian for the intrusion. You are the only person I knew would understand.”

There was noise at the end of the line. “Andrew,” Damian’s voice appeared. “Sort out one issue at a time, and the rest will fall into place. Ana has deep feelings for you and adores Olivia. Anyone can see that. It won’t be easy. Take it from someone who knows. But be patient with her.”

“Thank you, I will. Catch you later.”

Andrew disconnected the line.

Before he had time to think, he dialled Eva’s number. “Andrew?”

“If you want to meet Olivia, you can… But Eva, if you hurt her, I will never forgive you, and you will never see her again.”

Andrew heard a sob catch on the other end of the phone. “I promise you won’t regret this.”

“Make sure I don’t. Be here at eleven. I want to prepare, Olivia.”

He didn’t wait for a reply and ended the call. Was he being rash? He hoped not.

“Morning, Daddy,” he looked up as Olivia entered the room.

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