~*~ Blind Faith ~*~
While Mr. Powell had fixed breakfast, he and AJ talked, getting to know each other. Andi had been sent to get ready for her day allowing the two men to have some privacy.
It was over breakfast that Andi decided to ask about Seth. "Grandfather, what are you going to tell Seth? If he knows Alex is looking for something, he’s going to be more cautious."
The two men had obviously discussed this as well because AJ was seemingly calm about the whole thing.
Mr. Powell said, "I’ll handle Seth. In the meantime, Mr. McLean has agreed to let you work off your debt to him. You’ll be cleaning his house for him and accompanying him when he has to have a date for public appearances."
Andi looked from her grandfather to AJ who had a triumphant smile on his face. He’d found a way for them to be together without compromising her grandfather. She smiled happily. "Sounds reasonable. It might take me a while to pay off the debt since it was an expensive car."
"Don’t you have an eight o’clock class?" asked Mr. Powell.
"Yes sir."
Looking at the clock, AJ said, "We’d better go, Andi. I need to swing by the house and change. I have to be at the studio at eight. Thank you for the breakfast, Mr. Powell."
"You’re welcome. Andi, what time is your mother going to be here?"
"She’s meeting us for lunch. Alex, do you mind if we eat at the snack shop on campus? It’ll give us more time together."
"As long as you don’t mind a bodyguard tagging along. I don’t want to take all my time signing autographs."
"No, sounds cool. I’ve never had a bodyguard before."
AJ laughed, "You had one all weekend."
"I guess you’re right. I’ll be back in a minute," smirked Andi knowing exactly what he was talking about.
Setting her plate on the counter, Andi floated out of the kitchen.
Mr. Powell shook his head. "How could I have been so stupid?"
"What do you mean?" asked AJ puzzled.
"To think that ancient customs were still practical…not seeing that she was simply trying to please me. I’ve NEVER seen her this happy with Seth."
Taking a sip of his coffee, AJ said, "You weren’t stupid, Mr. Powell. You wanted to believe a way of life that worked for centuries could continued to work. Andi told me your marriage was arranged too and that you loved your wife a great deal. It’s not wrong to want the same thing for your children or grandchildren. I know Andi and I haven’t known each other very long…."
"It seems it was long enough," acknowledged Mr. Powell. "You know my granddaughter very well and you make her very happy."
"I hope I can continue to make her happy for a very long time. Mr. Powell, I know Andi would do anything to please you."
"I just want her to be happy, Alex."
From the doorway, Seth spoke, "And she WILL be with ME. What are you doing here?"
"This is MY house, Seth. You will NOT take that demanding tone with my guests. Mr. McLean is here to discuss Andrea’s debt and we have worked out an arrangement that suits everyone."
Suspicious, Seth asked, "Which is?"
"Andi will be my employee until her debt is paid in full."
"Your employee?"
"Cleaning my house, fixing meals, hosting parties, accompanying me to public appearances…."
"Servicing your sexual needs."
"I don’t like your tone or accusations, Seth," reprimanded Mr. Powell. "Andrea may have slept with your friends but I believe her when she says it was your idea. I’m not excusing her behavior, merely stating that I believe my granddaughter."
Andi came bounding back not expecting Seth and stopped short. "What are YOU doing here?"
AJ chuckled seeing the distinct signs of Andi’s fury. God, she’s gorgeous when she’s mad.
"I came to take you to classes and talk to your grandfather." Turning to Mr.
Powell, "Something was up last night. I do NOT believe Andi had to work like she
claimed. I can’t prove it but I think she was with McLean."
"I know exactly what Andrea was doing. He boss banned you from the club so that she could work without being bothered. Mr. McLean is taking Andi to class and he’ll be picking her up for the evening. There’s no need for you to hang around."
"Actually, Andi’s going to be tied up with working off her debt to me for a while," said AJ smugly.
"She has a wedding to plan."
"Yes, she does," came a voice from behind them all, "and it will get planned. If Andi has other commitments, then she certainly DOES NOT need you bothering her. Why on earth she’s going ahead with this marriage to you is beyond me."
"MAMA!" Andi threw her arms around the beautiful woman who’d joined them.
The woman hugging Andi mesmerized AJ. It was clear where Andi got her beauty.
"Alex, I’d like for you to meet my daughter, Belinda," said Mr. Powell.
"It’s a pleasure to meet such a beautiful lady," greeted AJ as he took her hand and kissed the back of it.
"Such a gentleman," complimented Belinda.
Andi shook her head. "Mama, I’ve gotta get to class and Alex has to get ready for a meeting."
"Am I still meeting you for lunch to discuss what you want?"
"Yes ma’am. We’re gonna eat on campus at the snack shop. I’ll see you about 12:15."
Seth spoke up, "I have a class at the time, Andi. How about we all meet for dinner?"
Belinda turned, fire flashing in her eyes. "If this wedding is taking place, then my daughter will have it HER way and you will keep your damn nose out of it."
"But…this is my wedding too. Don’t I get what I want?"
"You’re getting what you want…my daughter!" Just as fast as her temper had flared, it disappeared as she looked at Andi. "I’ll see you at lunch, baby," she said lovingly as she brushed Andi’s hair back.
Andi gave her mother a kiss and looked around at Seth. "Alex, I’m ready."
"Mr. Powell, thank you for breakfast. It was nice talking to you. Mrs. Drea…"
"Belinda, please."
"Belinda, it was DEFINITELY a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to meet you, Alex. I certainly hope to see more of you," and she gave him a wink.
AJ put his hand on Andi’s lower back and led her out of the house. Both were confident that things would work out.
Seth was incensed. "How could you agree to that arrangement? You know it’s EXACTLY what she wanted."
"Let me be concerned with what my granddaughter wants. The wedding is set for December 21st. I’ve given my word…it will go forth."
Seth left in a huff and Belinda turned on her father. "I can NOT believe you’re going to go through with this. Andi is obviously VERY in love with Alex. You are taking advantage of her loyalty and blind faith that you know all."
"I gave my word, Belinda. It all rests on Alex and Andi now."
"What’s THAT suppose to mean?"
"Let Andrea explain at lunch."
Belinda looked at her father and saw the anguish etched in the lines on his forehead. "Why can’t you just let it go?" she asked quietly. "It would NOT make you any weaker."
"Andrea understands," was all he said walking away.
Belinda watched as the old man went into the living room and stood staring at a picture of Andi. Out of all his children and grandchildren, Andi was the one who did her best to please him, never questioning him, never doubting him. Nothing was right unless her grandfather gave his approval This was no different and Belinda knew that Andi would go through with her grandfather’s wishes despite her obvious affection for AJ.
