After Andrew and I boarded his plane and it took off down the runway, a sadness took over me as I stared out the window and the plane lifted off the ground.

“You can see him anytime you want to, sweetheart,” Andrew spoke as he took hold of my hand and brought it up to his lips.

“I know, but I missed him so much. All these years, I thought he was dead and now he’s not, and I have to leave him.”

“But now you can talk to him over the phone or text him. At least for now, you have that.”

I glanced over and gave him a small smile.

“Where do we go from here, Andrew?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Addison. I’ve been thinking a lot about that.”

“Well, we just can’t go around flaunting our relationship while you’re still married.”

“Please don’t say that word. I am in no way married to that woman except by a piece of paper. I just need a little more time.”

“Then we’ll continue on like we were.”

“That’s not fair to you, sweetheart. I hated not taking you out. I want you on my arm and I want to show you off to the world.”

“And we’ll have that. Can’t you just get a judge to sign off on the divorce? I mean, I’m no expert, but there has to be something you can do to end it without her actually having to sign.”

“I’ve tried. My attorney took it to court, and because of her drinking/pill problem and attempted suicide, the judge didn’t think she was stable enough. So he told me he would revisit the case in six months after her treatment and a report from her doctor and then possibly take it to the Supreme Court if we had to. Do you know how long that’s going to take if I have to go that route?”

“Let’s not worry about it right now, Andrew.”

“How can I not when it’s the one thing stopping us from having a real relationship?” he spoke in anger as he shook his head.

“When we arrive in New York, I’m going to have to go home and talk to Emma and Jasper. I abruptly left, and they weren’t too happy about it. But I can come by your place later.” I grinned.

“I figured you’d have to go home first and it’s fine. I understand. I would like you to come over later and spend the night with me. I’ve missed you so much, Addison. The days and nights you weren’t with me were pure hell.”

I climbed out of my seat and into his lap, wrapped my arms around his neck, and softly kissed his lips.

“I know, and I missed you too. It’ll all work out. We have to have faith.”

****

“Oh my God, you’re home!” Emma practically knocked me down the moment I stepped through the apartment door. “How are you? We’ve been worried sick.”

“I’m fine.” I smiled. “All is good. Where’s Jasper?”

“He’s having lunch with Lucas. They’ve been spending a lot of time together. So, tell me, is everything fine or are you lying to me?”

“Andrew and I talked and the two of us are good.”

“As in friends?” She narrowed her eye at me.

I sighed as I took my bag to my bedroom.

“No. We’re more than friends.”

“He’s married, Addy. Have you forgotten?”

“No, and he’s getting divorced.”

“When?” she asked.

“As soon as Ellie signs the papers.”

“From what you told me and Jasper, she isn’t ever going to sign them.”

“There’s something else I need to tell you.”

“Shit. What now?” she took a seat on my bed.

“Remember how I always talked about the boy from the Hamptons? The one who was my best friend?”

“AJ, wasn’t it?” She cocked her head.

“Yes. Well, AJ is short for Andrew James.”

“Okay and…?”

I placed my hands on my hips and cocked my head at her.

“Holy shit! Are you saying that Andrew is AJ?” she exclaimed.

“Yes.” I took in a breath.

“What the fuck, Addison? Did he know who you were all this time?”

“Yes.” I nodded.

“And he didn’t tell you?”

“No.” I shook my head.

“And you don’t think that’s really fucking strange?”

“We talked, Emma. We’re past everything and starting over.”

“There’s something you aren’t telling me.” She narrowed her eye at me.

“No, there isn’t.”

“Yes, there is!” She pointed at me.

As much as I wanted to tell her about Charlie, I couldn’t. I had to quickly think of something else because she always knew when I hid something from her.

“Fine. Andrew brought me to New York. He had been keeping tabs on me for about a year.”

“Huh? You can’t be serious? That’s what I like to call stalking, Addison.”

“He didn’t want to tell me who he was because he wanted to see if the connection to him on my end was still there.” I kind of lied to her.

“So then why didn’t he tell you after he knew the connection was still there on your end?”

“Because of Ellie. He was afraid I’d reject him. I really don’t want to talk about this anymore. It’s done with. We talked. We’re good and starting over. So please, let’s just forget about this.”

“Fine. I still think it’s weird. But I know he loves you and you love him. You’re a real gem and I hope he realizes that. I don’t think I could ever forgive a guy who lied to me like that.”

She got up from the bed and gave me a hug.

“I’m happy you’re back. I have to go to work. Are you staying home tonight?”

“No. I’m going to stay at Andrew’s.”

“Have you told Madeline yet?” she asked.

“No. That’s one thing I still have to do.” I sighed.