Bed & Breakfast

Ch. 12 An Adjustment Period

*** Lou's POV ***

Three weeks later...

"No, Mom. I haven't heard from her." I rubbed my hand over my face and sighed. "I don't know if we ever will."

"How are the kids?" Mom worried.

"They're..." I didn't know how to tell my mom that they were actually doing seemingly fine since Paula packed up and left with Wilson. That was largely thanks to Andie. She had thrown herself into the void that Paula had left. After the night of heightened emotions, neither Riley or Parker had any more outbursts. We all just settled into a routine.

I took one more week before starting my new position, anticipating the possibility of needing to rescind my acceptance altogether. But with the way the kids carried on and Andie's assurance that they could stay as long as needed, I was able to start when I told them I would. I was still staying at the inn though, commuting in. It was a drive, but it was also spring and the weather finally seemed to make a turn for the better.

"They can come here, Lou. We'll make it work." Mom and Dad were prepared to take in the kids. I was trying to prevent that, even though it likely meant that I'd be taking custody. I bought some time, suggesting we sit tight in case Paula came back or Stan came looking.

"No, Ma. They're honestly doing really well. They're even helping Andie with running the inn." I told my mom about Andie's supportive role. I didn't tell her that I was also into her, but I have a feeling that she knew.

"That woman is a saint. And you said she's single, right?" Despite my sister's drama, my mom was still eager to see me coupled up.

"Yes, Ma." I answered.

"You should cook her a nice meal for all her trouble. Maybe a little vino..." my mom suggested.

"We cook together most nights." I shared.

"No, son. You need to give her a night off. Let her sit back and relax. Maybe give her a footrub after dinner." She coached.

"Are you instructing me on how to woo her?" I joked.

"I'm just saying, Lou. I hope to meet her sometime." She hummed.

I choked out a laugh. My mom would go full matchmaker the second Andie's charm rubbed off on her. "Speaking of seeing you soon, are you still okay with meeting us at the Farmer's Market this weekend?"

"Is Andie coming?" Mom pried.

"I haven't asked." I admitted.

"Well you should. And yes, we'll be there." She assured me.

While we had fallen into a solid routine with the kids and regularly ate dinner together, neither of us had tried to pursue anything more since that night. I know I sure as hell still wanted her and probably more so now that she was stepped up big for my family. We just both seemed fixated on making sure the kids were okay before allowing ourselves to explore anything more with one another. The kids had also relocated upstairs in the rooms flanking mine so logistically we'd have to go to her residence to be alone. I had yet to see her place.

"I'll ask." I responded.

"Good. Ti amo, Lou."

"Ti amo, momma."