Free Love In Strange Places by Ancelli

short.”
    “Okay.”
    “Mr. and Mrs. Jones, it’s great seeing you again.”
    “It’s nice to see you again, Andrew, but what is the meaning of this?” her mother asked, as her father gave him a dirty look. “You’re all over our daughter.”
    “Sorry about that, but I can’t seem to keep my hands off my wife.” Andrew smiled.
    Her father looked like he was having a heart attack, and her mother covered her mouth with her hands. “What did you just say?”
    “We’re married.” Sherry muttered.
    Her father shook his head and stormed off to his car.
    “Sherry, weren’t you dating Dean?” her mother asked. “You know what? Don’t even answer. You’re a grown woman, and whatever you do is your business. I love you no matter what. Are you pregnant?”
    “No mom, I’m not pregnant.”
    “I’m just making sure. Don’t want any more surprises.” Her mother sighed. “You and your sister robbed me of the chance of seeing you get married. At least I got to see your brother’s.” Her eyes shined with tears, she was emotional.
    “I’m sorry, Mom.”
    Her mother hugged and kissed her, then turned and touched Andrew’s face. “If you hurt her, you’ll deal with me.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”
    “Mom, thank you for not judging me.” Sherry hugged her mom tight.
    “Baby, I’m not one to judge. I guess the Johnston boys make my girls happy.” She kissed her. “I’ll talk to your father, but you know it won’t be easy.”
    “Thank you, Mom.” Her mom walked away to the car, where her dad angrily awaited.
     

Chapter Ten
     
    Andrew made himself sit perfectly still while he waited for Leann to arrive. The smells of Thai food filled the air. He stood as she approached the table. He pulled out her seat, waited until she sat.
    “I’m glad you could make it. How are you and the kids?”
    “They’re great. I’ve been sick, but nothing I can’t handle.” She said, looking over the menu. “You’ve been avoiding me.”
    “I’m not avoiding you.”
    The waiter came by and took their drink order, and left.
    “Like I was saying, I’m not avoiding you. A lot has happened since we last saw each other.”
    “Andrew, stop beating around the bush and tell me.”
    “We can’t see each other any more.”
    “I thought we had an understanding, I like being around you.” She put down her menu. “You make me feel wanted, something my ex could never do. What did I do? I gave you space.”
    He took her hand. “Leann, you’re a special woman. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise, but we can’t see each other anymore because I got married.”
    “What?”
    “I got married.”
    “When?”
    “Three weeks ago.”
    All of a sudden her eyes got shiny with tears. “I didn’t know you were seeing some one else?”
    Her response confused him. She’d been the one who’d approached him with the idea their relationsh ip would just be a physical one.
    “Leann, you knew we weren’t serious. I gave you what you wanted.”
    “But….”
    “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings, but we don’t want the same things in life. You don’t want to get married again or have more kids and I want that.”
    “So, it’s over between us?” she asked with tears in her eyes.
    “Yes.”
    “She doesn’t have to know.”
    “But I’ll know. Remember how you felt when you caught your husband cheating on you? I would never want my wife to feel that way.”
    “Andrew, you’re a very special man.” A tear dropped from her eye and she got up. “She’s a very lucky woman.” She turned and left the restaurant.
    Andrew pulled out his cell. “Hey.”
    “Hey, yourself,” Sherry answered.
    “Are you working late today?”
    “Why?”
    “I wanted to know if you would join me for dinner?”
    “When?”
    “Now.”
    “Where are you?”
    “ Thai House.”
    “I’m on my way.”
     
***
     
    “Thank you for joining me.” Andrew gazed at Sherry.
    “I was starving,” she said, looking over the menu.
    The waiter came