Read Online The Trouble with Andrew by Heather Graham - Free Book Online Page A

called at three a.m.—right before the world exploded. And it’s long distance—”
    â€œMom, it’s a natural disaster!” Jordan chimed in. “I’m sure Mr. Cunningham will let you pay him for the call later!”
    Drew Cunningham grinned. “I’ll just charge interest. Call him quickly. We don’t know how long the phone will last.”
    Katie dialed, then said, “Hi, Dad!” as cheerfully as she could the moment her father answered the phone.
    She had to pull the phone away from her ear—Ron Wheeler spoke with such passion. “Katie! I’ve been worried sick! What’s happened, where are you? Are you okay, is my grandson okay? I’ve been seeing the pictures on television—my God, Katie, where are you?”
    â€œI’m across the street at a neighbor’s. I’m fine, Jordan is fine. I just called to tell you that.”
    â€œThen your house—”
    â€œMy house is damaged, yes.”
    â€œI told you that you should have come up here!” Ron insisted. She knew he was worried, but he also seemed to be forgetting that she was not only over twenty-one, but a few months past thirty-one, as well.
    And he was speaking loudly enough to be heard in the next state, she was certain.
    â€œDad, the phones aren’t lasting well. I just wanted to say that I’m fine—”
    â€œI’m coming down.”
    â€œDon’t come down, Dad! There’s nowhere to stay.”
    â€œThen you get yourself right up here.”
    â€œDad, I can’t come right away, I have to see about my home, my—my life!”
    She glanced at Drew Cunningham. He was watching her with a certain amount of amusement.
    â€œHave to go now, Dad. I’ll call again soon. I’m fine, and I can’t leave right away. When I can come up there, I will.”
    She didn’t wait. Ron Wheeler started to say something else.
    â€œBye, Dad! Take care!” she said swiftly, drowning out whatever he might have had to say. Then she handed the phone quickly to Drew, and he set it in its cradle.
    â€œAny other calls?” Drew asked. He was looking at Jordan.
    â€œMy dad is dead,” Jordan said, and Katie realized her son had intuitively known that Drew was suggesting Katie should let Jordan’s father know they were all right, if she was divorced.
    â€œOh, I’m sorry,” Drew said softly.
    â€œIt’s all right. It’s been a long time now,” Jordan said, but he stood up, straightening his shoulders beneath the too big robe, and asked, “Can I go outside? In the front?”
    â€œSure,” Katie said. “I’m coming myself. I want to get some pictures. The house—that poor banyan tree.”
    Jordan nodded and left them. Katie felt Drew’s eyes on her. She wasn’t sure why, but she felt a flush coming to her cheeks.
    She turned to look at him. His gold eyes were intense as he watched her. “I should have known,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
    â€œYou should have known what?” Katie asked.
    â€œThat your husband had passed away.”
    â€œWhy should you have known?”
    He grinned suddenly. “The way your father talked to you. He’s a man who still feels he has the responsibility to look after you. That usually comes when a woman—is alone.”
    Katie felt her flush deepen, and she looked down at her hands. He laughed softly, and she looked at him quickly. “He hasn’t realized yet that I’m capable of looking after myself and that I don’t mind being alone. But then—” she shrugged “—my mother has been gone a while now, too, so I suppose I’m good for him, too. He really is a great guy.”
    â€œI imagine,” Drew said. “What happened?”
    â€œTo what?”
    â€œTo your husband.”
    â€œOh,” Katie said softly. It had been a long time. Over five years. She had learned to cherish