Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 11 Revealed

*** Andie's POV ***

Holy crap. I just made my relationship, or whatever this was, very known. Wade wasn't quite sure how to respond. He muttered a quick "good to meet you, see you around" and left. Wade had been good friends with Bennett in high school and worked on the fire squad with him until Bennett's accident. It didn't surprise me that they kept in touch, but it did surprise me that Bennett talked about me to him.

We finished our food and the kids managed to talk us into bowling, which was across the plaza. They were incredibly into it, from the goofy shoes to picking out the coolest balls they could find from the racks. They wanted those bumpers but we had to draw a line somewhere.

Lou and I sat out the last game, hoping it would go quicker than four of us alternating. We sat at a table watching the siblings.

"They really needed this." I commented.

"They did. I think they're going to need it even more after Paula breaks the news to them. If she breaks the news to them." He muttered that last bit under his breath.

"What do you mean?" I'm confused because Paula agreed to my terms, albeit begrudgingly.

"She was set to pack up and leave. Part of me thinks she still might." He revealed.

"Does she really think keeping them in the dark is going to yield a better outcome?" I asked incredulously.

"She has always been avoidant when it comes to conflict." He remarked.

"Well I'm sticking to my deal. I can be stubborn too." I crossed my arms.

"I've considered telling them myself. I do think she should be the one to do it, but I've already threatened if she won't, I will." He confided.

"Good." I grunted, watching Parker goof around and shoot the ball between his legs backwards.

"So who's Bennett and why have you strung him along since high school?" Lou asked in a mocking tone. I gave him my best unimpressed look. He stifled a laugh and reached for my hand across the table. "Well?"

"Are you serious?" I rolled my eyes when he gives me a go-ahead nod. "Bennett is...well he was a kid I knew in high school. I had a small crush on him, but honestly didn't think he even knew I existed."

"That's doubtful. I mean he's into chicks, right? Trust me, he knew you existed." Lou assured me. "What's he do now?"

"Insurance adjuster and local politician." I answered. Interestingly enough, I hadn't thought about my chance meeting with Bennett until tonight because I became so enamoured with Lou.

"Did you vote for him?"

I laughed. "I don't live in the right county."

"Would you have?" He challenged.

I thought for a moment. "It would depend on who was running against him."

Lou chuckled and squeezed my fingers. "I like that you'd make him work for your vote despite the familiarity."

"Nothing is a given."

"I do like a challenge." Lou ran his thumb over the top of my hand.

"Were you serious about still being around?" I remembered what he told the kids.