The Intern (wattys2014)

Chapter 8: The Sister and the Swingset

                When I got to Andrew’s house, I was literally shaking. I don’t know why, but Lucy’s words rattled around in my head. She was right, the fact that on Saturday I was thinking about getting back together with Robert seemed off. Like, maybe I was some flaky girl who jumped from guy to guy. But I wasn’t, life just timed things that way. I had been virtually done with Robert, despite lingering feelings, for a while. Before the wedding, I’d made myself a promise. I promised myself that unless Robert did something to give me hope for a future, I’d move on. And at the wedding, I truly believed Robert was done with me, which is why I let myself flirt and have fun with Andrew. And then Robert made a U-turn and decided to fight for me. I now wonder why I was willing to give him a second chance, since our history was so flawed. But I wasn’t using Andrew, and I had gotten over Robert enough to move on, I hoped. In truth, the three days I’d known Andrew meant more to me than the years I knew Robert. How did I say that, without freaking Andrew out, but also conveying my interest in only one guy? I wasn’t fickle, I just knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Robert and I were through. Of course, judging by his panic attack, I don’t know that Robert knew that. In his head, I was just waiting for him to leave Lucy and run away with him.

                With these thoughts spinning in my head, I rang the doorbell. Andrew’s house wasn’t the typical LA celebrity mansion, but it was gorgeous. Surprisingly enough, it was an antebellum style home, with the broad white roman inspired columns and a spacious front porch and windows with the shutters. His lawn was perfectly trimmed, and I had a hard time believing that sweet, goofy Andrew lived in this dreamboat. When I had parked my car on the side of the house, peaking back to see a small swing set in the giant backyard. Who were those meant for? I wondered idly. This was not a bachelor pad, this was a house that someone intended to fill up with children someday. Maybe his mom helped him pick it out, I wondered. I heard footsteps, the distinct sound of women’s shoes hitting wood floors. Gia opened the door, smiling at me.

“Hey Ann,” she said. “Cute skirt, my mom is going to love you.”

 I had worn a pink pencil skirt with a black button blouse, and I intentionally made my outfit “Mom friendly.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I have some decorations for bring in, and the tables are coming with the caterers in twenty minutes. Is Andrew around…I wanted to talk to him for a little bit.”

“He went out to lunch with our parents,” Gia said. “They’ll be here soon…you know LA traffic.”

                “Ok, well, I guess I can start decorating,” I said. “Do you want to show me the room where the party will be?” Gia nodded, and I followed her inside. The house was glorious inside, with modern details and family photos everywhere.

“Wow,” I said. “I’ve been to some nice houses, but this place is gorgeous. And it’s so…personal.”

“Yeah. Andrew has this whole ‘tough guy musician’ thing going, but he’s just a big softie. When he bought this, I think he thought he’d be raising a family here someday.”

“Hmmmm…He certainly thinks ahead for a young guy.”

“He may only be twenty four, but half of his friends are married or practically engaged. The room is in here.” I looked around, taking in the details. The room was spacious, with white curtains hanging in the windows. All of the furniture was gone, probably moved just for the party.

                “I’ll need to go outside and grab my stuff, but I think I can make this room magical. It’s already so perfect. I’m sure you helped Andrew decorate.”

“I helped him re-decorate about a year and a half ago. That was when I moved in…I didn’t think Andrew should be alone after it happened.”

“After what happened?” I asked.