As soon as Justin left, Andrew dropped the act and darted downstairs to find Paradise.


    Paradise was new to the hotel and just as curious. With Andrew pestering her nonstop to explore, she finally gave in and went along.


    Kids will be kids-yes naturally to them.


    This hotel was massive, the biggest and fanciest in the whole harbor city. It had everything you could think of—every convenience, every little luxury.


    The second Paradise left, Herman got restless. He stood out on the balcony, trying to keep an eye on things.


    Anastasia teased, "You''re up here, they''re way down there. What do you think you''ll see? Do you even know where those two ran off to?"


    Herman''s face was all seriousness. "That kid he might be young, but he''s got a grown-up mind."


    “Don''t overthink it. They''re just kids,” Anastasia replied, smiling. “Honestly, I think Andrew''s pretty funny-definitely a step up from his mom, if you ask me."


    Herman caught something in her tone. "Wait, what''s that supposed to mean? Did you and Lisa have a falling out?”


    Anastasia didn''t want to get into any drama in front of him. She just shrugged it off. "Nothing, really. He''s just friendly, that''s all."


    Herman snorted. “Sounds like someone''s got an agenda.”


    If Herman was already so anxious, imagine if he found out Andrew had written


    Paradise a love letter—he''d probably re holes right through the poor kid.


    Truth be told, Anastasia was a little worried, too. Not for her daughter-she trusted her-but it was obvious Andrew really liked Paradise.


    She hoped it was just innocent friendship that would fade with time.


    She didn''t want to meddle and risk making things worse, but ignoring it altogether wasn''t an option either-what if things got out of hand?


    "They''re still so young. In a few years, Andrew will be seventeen or eighteen, basically grown, and Pattie will be thirteen or fourteen..." Anastasia suddenly realized girls matured faster than boys. Back in the day, girls that age were already getting married.


    Yikes. That''s a little too close forfort.


    She and Herman exchanged a look, then she changed the subject. "Let''s stop worrying so much. They''re just kids."


    Who hasn''t had a schoolyard crush? That''s all part of growing up.


    Just then, the doorbell rang.


    Jonah hade by himself to invite Herman and the Salstroms to dinner. Scott was with him.


    Andrew, being his shameless, outgoing self, tagged along too-he always managed to find his way into any gathering.


    It was an old friends'' get-together, with a bit of business mixed in.


    At events like this, Justin was always there. He doted on Paradise, and since the food in Harbor City was nothing like Riverdale''s he''d even brought ina Riverdale chef to cook some hometown dishes just for her.


    Carter arrived in Harbor Cityte that night. He knew his son well-Andrew could blend in anywhere, like wild grass springing up wherever itnded.


    Andrew''s rebellious streak gave Carter headaches, but his quick thinking put his mind at ease.


    With just one son in the family, Carter pinned all his hopes on Andrew. Too bad Andrew''s heart was set on other things.


    Night had fallen.


    Carter checked into the hotel and bunked with Andrew.


    When he heard Andrew had eaten with Herman, Scott, and Jonah, Carter was surprised but pleased. "Look at you, rubbing elbows with your uncles. Did they share any pearls of wisdom? Did you learn anything?"


    Andrew, stuffed from dinner, was sprawled out on the couch, rubbing his belly. “Dad,


    got any antacids? I''m about to explode."


    Carter just stared. "Unbelievable. I''m trying to have a serious talk here. You''re not a


    little kid anymore-can''t you take things seriously?"


    Andrew grinned. "The food here''s


    amazing. I was too busy stuffing my


    face to catch whatever those old


    guys were going on about. Justin


    barely talks, Uncle Herman and Uncle Scott just drone on about stuff nobody gets. Ana''s the best-so gentle, gorgeous, and kind. And her daughter? Just as pretty and way more interesting..."


    Thatst bit was the real reason.


    Carter fixed him with a look. "Your mom told me you wrote Paradise a love letter. How old are you? How old is she? You''ve really got an eye for trouble, don''t you?"


    Andrew just chuckled. “Come on, Dad, I''ve got good taste! Someday I''ll bring Paradise home as my wife. I''m just thinking long-term—just like you always taught me."