The Choice

Chapter 22

"Thanks for picking me up today," Andy says, getting into my car.

"Yeah, of course. How long will your car be in the shop?" I ask him.

I pull out of the hospital, and I head toward Ricky's house.

"They're still trying to find the problem."

"At least you're getting the rental tomorrow," I smile.

"So, where are we headed?" Andy asks.

"I'm picking up the twins from Ricky. He wanted to take them for ice cream after school today."

"That's nice of him," Andy smiles.

"He's a great dad," I say.

We pull into Ricky's house, and I see Ezra's truck outside.

"Maybe I should stay in the car. It may be awkward after what happened the other night,'
Andy sighs.

"How are you and Paige?"

"She won't speak to me."

"I'm sorry Andy. Look, I'm going to straighten this whole thing out soon," I frown.

Andy squeezes my hand, and I force a small smile. I open the car door, and I walk to Ricky's porch. I ring the doorbell, and Ricky soon opens the door.

"Hi, Jo," Ricky says, rubbing his hand on the back of his head.

I can tell he feels awkward after what happened.

"Hi. Where are the kids?" I ask.

"They're finishing up their ice cream. You want to come in?" Ricky asks. He glances at my car. "Andy with you?"

"He didn't want things to be awkward, so he stayed in the car," I say.

I step past Ricky and into the house, but I stop in my tracks when I see Lucy and Ezra in the living room in front of me.

"Oh, hi guys," I say, plastering the biggest smile I can muster.

"Ezra told me about the big blow up. How are you feeling?" Lucy asks.

I see her give me an evil grin behind Ezra, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

"I'm alright. Thanks for asking."

I see Ezra frown, but I avoid making eye contact. I walk into the kitchen, and Leon runs to hug me.

"Mom!" he grins, and I wrap my arms around him.

Chloe follows him, wrapping her arms around my legs.

"I missed you both," I frown.

Ricky hands me their bags, and I walk out of the house without saying anything to anyone.

"Andy!" Chloe grins, seeing him.

Leon and Chloe both run to the car, and Andy gets out and hugs them both.

"Hello little ones," he smiles.

"Can we play spaceship tonight?" Leon asks.

"Of course we can," Andy grins, ruffling his hair.

"And barbies?" Chloe puts on her award winning smile.

"You betcha," Andy grins, gently touching her nose with his finger.

Ricky's door opens, and Ezra walks outside.

"I'll put them in the car," Andy tells me, noticing Ezra walking toward us.

I meet him halfway because I'm unsure of what he is going to say.

"Can we talk?" Ezra asks.

I look at the house, and I notice Lucy watching from the window. She's sending a scowl my way.