ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 177

" You can go home now," Andrew said as he collapsed down into the armchair in his living room. Richard stood over by the unlit fireplace in his perfectly creased khakis and dark blue polo shirt , his hand briefly touching a large gold framed picture that was settled in the middle of the mantelpiece. It was of the whole family together at a backyard cook out at Spencer's. Andrew with his arm around a smiling Glory surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Andrew watched his son looking at the picture. " That's my favorite picture, you know , son. We were all so happy. Jenessa was still alive too. She took the picture if I remember correctly. " He laughed with a far off look coming to his grey eyes. " Nicholas was there too. Surprised me. Man like him coming to an ordinary cook out eating burgers and hot dogs. It was not long before she got shot. At the courthouse. It was cool that day but Glory wanted to cook out. "

The older man sat back against his chair and closed his eyes. " I'll be fine. Faith and Joy are moving in tomorrow. They'll spend a few days. "

Richard glanced at his father's still tired face. " What about Glory ? What is this.... this separation of yours, Dad ? You two love each other. I'm sorry but when it comes to relationships the ones I can not see falling apart are you and Glory and Spencer and DuBuis. You're an ..... an inspiration to me really. " He came over and sat on the sofa next to his father's chair. " Makes me think I can get it right finally. Unless I screw it up once again. Until I screw it up once more and Nigel gets frustrated and leaves me. "

Until Nigel decided to cheat just like his wives had , Richard mused as he reached over to switch on the lamp on the end table closest to him.

Andrew shook his head. " That will never happen. You two love each other as much as your brother loves DuBuis. You'll make it last. I have faith in you. And, Glory ....... we're going to have lunch tomorrow. At your husband's restaurant. "

" But she's not moving back in with you? She's staying at Alfred's? Why? What happened? Why won't you tell me? "

Andrew reopened his eyes. He just wanted his son to leave. So he could walk to the store and buy some whiskey. Just a little for the night. Or find a nice bar to have a few drinks. Once Faith and Joy came he wouldn't be able to drink. Then again that was why he needed them at the house with him. Why he needed Faith here. He also couldn't tell his son what his stepmother had said about him. That she had blamed him for what happened to Dodie at the jail. He knew his oldest child. Richard would take it to heart and it would destroy him inside.

" That's for another conversation, Richard. Go home to Nigel and your children. I'm tired. "

His mouth felt dry and his fingers itched to hold that bottle, that glass. Richard needed to go.

" Dad...... Dad , please don't get drunk. I don't care what Grandmother did to you. Please get Faith and Joy here tonight. Or Glory. Or go to an AA meeting. "

Andrew sighed ," I'm fine. I just need rest. I love you. Go home. Hug my grandkids. Tell them I'll see them tomorrow.

Then Andrew's phone rang and he reached to pull it out of his pants pocket to answer it.

" Hello? "

A brisk female voice on the other end said efficiently," This is Andrew Norland? The son of Edith Norland ? "

No , his mind retorted as his mind called up in it an image of Alice Rose's smiling cheerily face.

" Yes. That's my..... my mother. How is she? "

The woman paused briefly. Then she spoke again, this time in a slightly more gentle tone as she said," I'm sorry, sir , Mrs. Norland passed on a few minutes ago. It was fairly peaceful. "

Andrew didn't cry. He didn't rage. He didn't even laugh. He showed no emotion at all as he closed his eyes again, thinking of alcohol, and merely said," Thank you for that information. "