Give Me Love

Chapter 13

Later that day, Jimmy had to take Winnie and I decided to hang out with my mom and little sisters. We decided to head down to a frozen yogurt place and treat everyone. My sisters were 11, but they were tech-savvy, like every other tween nowadays. They were too busy taking selfies and Instagramming their cups to even notice mom and me.

“So, you’re really serious about that Fallon.” Mom fiddled around in her froyo, scooping out the M&Ms and eating them.

“Yeah,” I wiped my arm with my sleeve. “You know, he’s always been there. It took me a little while to realize it. I hope you don’t think it’s weird.”

“What’s weird?” She asked.

“That he’s a lot older than me.”

“Oh Andie, I don’t think it’s weird. Even if I did, it’s not my problem or my business. You’re a grown woman, an Emmy-nominated writer. I can’t tell you anything at this point.”

One thing my mother was always good at was making me feel awesome.

“But, if there’s one thing I can tell you?” She proposed.

“Yeah?”

“Go with your gut, not your brain. Your brain will have you all messed up. I know you went with your gut feeling last night. I want the best for you, and he’s the best.” My mom smiled at me and I haven’t seen her smile this bright since before my dad died. My happiness was bringing out the best in her.

-

Jimmy’s POV

Me and Winnie hung around Central Park for a little bit, waiting for Nancy to come pick her up. I toted her on my side as we pretended to chase birds. I probably looked like an idiot, and Winnie probably knew I looked like an idiot but she was entertained. I put Winnie down and she began running rapidly in the other direction.

“Winn! Get back here!” I ran after her and got to the corner and looked around for her. Shit, I lost her. “Winnie!” I yelled, running down the street.

“Lose something?” I turned to see Andie holding Winnie in her arms.

I sighed and sat on a bench. “Winnie don’t run away like that ever again.” I watched as Andie carefully sat down on the bench, able to sit Winnie on her lap. Winnie was pretty sleepy, and Andie clutched her tightly, rocking her to sleep.

“You’re pretty good at that.” I pointed at an almost dozed off Winnie.

“Oh, putting kids to sleep?” She giggled. “I had to take care of my little sisters a lot. Well I didn’t have to, I kind of wanted to act responsible and do diaper duty and stuff like that. I thought it was fun.”

“Winnie adores you.”

She smiled, brushing Winnie’s hair away from her face as she slept. “I adore her. Almost as much as I adore her dad.”

“Really? Her dad must be pretty cool.”

Her eyes fluttered as she laughed. “The coolest.”

“Oh, look at her! She’s sleeping!” Nancy walked up to us. I could tell Andie was sort of nervous.

“Yeah, Andie got her to sleep. Let me help you.” I got up and helped Nancy get Winnie into the carseat.

“She’s still sleep. I never get her to sleep that quickly. Thanks Andie.” Nancy smiled.

“Oh, it’s no problem.” Andie stood and smiled, awkwardly.

Nancy quickly walked over and gave her a hug. I don’t know what they were whispering, but I’m glad Nancy was taking this amazingly.