Chapter 29

Andy's POV

“Bree, I… I need to talk to you.” I said.

“What's wrong?” She asked as she came to stand beside me.

“Can we go to your room?” I asked her, my hujher suddenly subsiding out of nerves. She nodded in response.

We walked up the stairs and headed to her room. Once we got in, I sat at the edge of her bed, and stared at my hands while she stood a few feet away from me.

“I want to go home,” I let out, looking up at her and immediately the expression on Bree’s face turned into one of confusion.

“Home?” She asked as she walked closer to me. “What do you mean?”

I didn’t answer, instead I just looked at her blankly.

“Andy, no. You can’t just leave.” she said.

I sighed, trying to find the appropriate words. “It’s not that I want to leave you, Bree. It’s just-“

“Is it because of Jake?” She asked, cutting me off and stepping even closer to me.
“Is it because of what happened at the pool party? I promise, we’re going to handle it. He’s never going to come near you again, Andy. I swear.”

I looked up at her, feeling the exhaustion behind my eyes. I did not know how to explain it. It wasn’t just about Jake, though he was the biggest reason. It was everything- I was just so tired.

Bree sat down next to me, her eyes looking at me with a mix of concern and frustration.

“Please, Andy. Don’t go. You haven’t even seen half of Miami yet. We have barely been anywhere. I mean, yes we went shopping, sure, but there’s so much more. I had so many plans for us. I wanted to show you everything.” she explained.

Her eyes softened when I didn’t say anything, and for the first time in a while, I saw how concerned she was about me.

“I am so sorry I got sidetracked,” she said, her voice quiet as her eyes fell to the floor. “Please stay, I would make it up to you. I promise you won’t regret it.”

She was desperately trying to convince me at this point.

I sat there, listening to her and not knowing what to say as my hands balled up into a fist.

I felt stuck. I was torn between wanting to get away from Jake and the memories of everything that had happened here and wanting to stay. I was… trying to run away again.

What Ryan was trying to say made more sense now. I was trying to do exactly what he told me not to do. Run home.

Bree’s voice broke through my thoughts again, this time calmer and softer.
“Please, Andy. Don’t leave me,” she begged again. I didn't think I had ever seen her like this.

I sighed deeply, looking away. I didn’t know what to say. Everything was so overwhelming.

A single knock on the door reverberated through the room. Looking up, I saw the door was already slightly ajar, before it opened fully. Jason walked in.

His presence filled the room immediately, the same way it always did. Calm and controlled but always watching. His eyes looked between Bree and I.

“Sorry, I couldn't help but eavesdrop,” he said.

I froze. But instead of questioning me, he walked closer to us, his hands in his pocket. “Bree’s right, you know. You haven’t seen the best of Miami yet,” he said.

I blinked at him, not expecting him to take Bree’s side so quickly. I thought that maybe he would understand how I was feeling better. Maybe he wanted me to stay?

“It’s such a beautiful city and there’s so much to experience. I don’t think it’s time for you to just leave yet,” he added as his expression softened.
“We'll fix everything that worries you” he said assuringly, as he basically stared into my soul.

Before I could say anything or even think of a reply, Bree spoke up.
“Wait, what about our vacation home?” She asked, turning to Jason with an excited tone.

Jason asked as he raised his eyebrows clearly curious as to where she was heading with her question.

“We could go!” Bree said, her voice now louder.
“It’s quieter and more relaxing. We could get away from all the… drama here,” she added as she looked at me.

Jason rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I could call and get it ready for us.”

Bree grinned. “Us?”

Jason nodded. “Of course. I’m definitely coming with you. I’m not leaving the two of you alone out there. Anything can happen.”

“Okay dad,” Bree said as she rolled her eyes playfully.

I felt my stomach twist in surprise. Bree had just called Jason, “dad”? My mind reeled and I wondered if I heard her right. She called him dad. My heart swelled with happiness. Maybe things were finally getting better between them. Maybe this trip was part of it. Maybe… that’s why I shouldn’t leave.

For a moment, I was lost in my own thoughts. If Bree and Jason were finally mending their relationship, how could I just walk away when that was my plan for coming along on this trip? I had been watching their relationship struggle and now that they were finally getting closer, how could I leave?

I didn’t want to be the reason Bree and Jason don’t get to spend enough time with each other. If staying here was what was helping them, then maybe… maybe I should stay.

I was still slightly torn. Was I making the right decision?

Jason gave me a warm smile, probably noticing the conflict in my expression.

“You will love it there, Andy. The vacation house is right by a lake, and it’s the perfect place to relax. We can go whenever you’re ready.” he said.

Bree looked at me hopefully.
“Please, Andy. Just give it a little more time. I know things have been crazy lately, but maybe this is exactly what you need.”

I went silent for a minute.
I was slowly getting convinced. Plus, a quiet vacation house? Count me in.

“Okay,” I finally said, my voice quiet but steady.

“I’ll stay.” I said with a small smile.

Bree’s face broke into a smile, and she threw her arms around me and pulled me into a tight hug.
“Thank you! I promise you won’t regret it.” she said as she nearly choked me.

I hope so.