~Alistair's POV~
When I saw the name flashing in the dim light, my stomach twisted with a sickening drop.
Andrew. "Oh no," I whispered to myself, the name hitting me like a cold splash of water. "Not now."
Alex handed me the phone slowly, his gaze heavy on my face. My hand trembled as I took it, my thoughts racing. If I didn't answer, Alex might think I was hiding something.
But answering could be just as dangerous.
Andrew was probably calling to remind me about his mother's birthday party. And if Alex realized I had an open invitation to another mother's home while his own mother treated me like a stranger, the comparison would hurt.
I stared at the ringing screen, paralyzed. Alex watched me, his voice a low, steady vibration. "Babe? Why aren't you picking up your call?"
At that exact moment, the ringing stopped. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "The call ended already," I said, trying to sound casual.
