Page 95 of Unburdening His Heart

“Knock, knock!” I call out as I walk inside.

I’m greeted first by Sophia, who runs over and gives me a big hug. I squeeze her tightly, realizing I needed that hug more than she did.

“Hey, sweet girl! Where is everybody?” I ask, noticing she was in the living room watching TV alone.

“Daddy, Uncle Jack, and Mr. Joe are out back; and Mommy, Aunt Andrea, and Ms. Irene are in the kitchen. I’ve been watching my favorite show!” She squeals and hurries back over to the sofa, clearly enjoying the extra TV time she’s getting since she’s stuck with a bunch of adults.

“Thanks, kiddo,” I say as I walk into the kitchen.

I smile. “Better late—” Everyone turns to face me, stopping me in my tracks.

Andrea’s smile fades when she looks at me. In only a few steps she’s standing before me. She hugs me gently.

“Whatever you’re worrying over will be okay. Let’s talk later, okay?” she whispers.

I nod into her shoulder and whisper, “Thank you.”

Adalyn and Irene are cutting fresh veggies and putting them on a platter with some dip when we pull away from one another.

“What can I help with?” I ask them.

“Not a thing, child. You got here just in time,” Irene teases.

“We’re just having finger foods really. The guys are out back,” Addy adds.

My heart sinks a little more, wishing my guy was out back with the others. Instead, he’s off on some secret mission. Well, that’s what I tell myself anyway. I don’t really know what he’s off doing.

Soon enough… I’ll know soon enough.

Andrea pours four margaritas and motions for Adalyn, Irene, and me to join her.

“Sophia, sweetie, are you good in there?” Andrea asks as she makes her way between the kitchen and living room.

“Yes!” she calls back. “Just watching my show!”

Addy giggles and takes her drink before handing Irene hers. We go out back where the guys are in conversation.

Every one of the ladies takes their place next to their guy, except me, of course. I force a smile as I take a seat in the corner on my own. I’m not my normal bubbly self, but I can’t seem to shake this sinking feeling in my gut. I notice Andrea eyeing me, and she gives me a tight smile and a wink.

The guys talk about Joe’s old car, and the ladies slowly pull away and come over by me. I’m all for talking about a good car, but the only one I know much about is my own. I sip my margarita, trying to appear casual, even though my mind is caught in the middle of a worry funnel.

“Alright, Charlie, spill it. You’ve had that long face all day, and well, that’s just not you.” Irene’s voice is gentle but expectant at the same time. She’s a master at subtly showing her concern while also putting her foot down to let the person know she isn’t accepting excuses today.

Addy pulls a chair over and takes a seat. She leans over and pats my knee. “You can talk to us, Charlie. You’ve been there for everyone when they needed it; let us be here for you. Whatever it is.”

Andrea takes a seat on the patio beside my chair, while Irene remains standing beside me. All their eyes meet mine. I feel silly really. I don’t have a reason—nothing concrete, anyway—to be upset. It’s just this… feeling.

I shake my head and release a heavy breath. “It’s just Andrew. He’s just been different since we talked the other night, after that girl’s body was found. We haven’t talked much. I think he might be avoiding me, so I don’t want to press him for answers.”

Thankfully, everyone already knows about my situation with Andrew. Andrea filled Adalyn in that night after dinner at my place, then Irene the next morning at the café. There are no secrets in this group. Well, not since Andrea’s big secret broke.

That seems like a lifetime ago now.

I notice Andrea and Addy exchange a look, followed by Addy biting her lip.

“What? What are you two hiding?” My words are rushed, more worry showing in my voice than I’d like.

Adalyn doesn’t offer an answer, but Andrea starts. “We aren’t hiding anything. Andrew sent Adalyn and I a group text message last night telling us he loves us and that it’s almost over. That’s all.”

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