Picture Perfect

Chapter 32

It takes some convincing for Andrew to believe that Cora feels ready to be alone with the baby, much to her dismay. Initially, he is hesitant to leave her, but Cora insists he attends his regularly scheduled poker night with the guys; some normalcy implanted back into their daily lives will be beneficial for everyone involved. She explains that she feels as if he's spent enough time monitoring her condition, and she may never overcome her newfound fears of motherhood if Andrew doesn't give her the chance to do so. Although he remains uncertain that her fragile state and lack of affection for Gideon will allow her to enjoy her time alone with him, Andrew eventually accepts the request.

Now Cora just has to convince herself that she can handle it.

Andrew arrives at Ken's place lacking the typical generous offering of homemade goodies he usually has in tow; with Cora's recent mental instability, he hadn't wanted to push her. However, as kind as Cora is, she had insisted that she at least prepare the chicken wings that the men always rave about. Andrew smiles to himself as he unpacks the food, both pleased that his wife has been making some progress in her emotional recovery and appreciative of the effort that she's made for him.

It's not long before Ken's home is filled with the typical boisterous sounds of rowdy, intoxicated men. The familiarity and comfort of the setting bring out a niggling of peace that had been buried deep within Andrew. He hasn't felt this way since before the loss of his daughter and his son's birth. Before Cora's emotional demise and his own mental breakdown. He relishes in the relaxed and joyful atmosphere, laughing at bad jokes, and gossiping with his peers like the teenage girls they never liked.

When Nathaniel is still absent from the festivities after an hour passes, his friends inquire about his whereabouts. Apparently, according to his brother, Nate has quarantined himself to his bed, sick with a stomach bug that he didn't think the others would appreciate contracting. While his absence is missed, the night of debauchery proceeds without him, and Andrew again drinks more than he really should. This time, though, it isn't because of the overwhelming negative emotions that haunt him. Instead, it's simply a means to relax and enjoy his night out.

Throughout the night, the topic of conversation takes a turn from light and fun to something much darker. Richard takes it upon himself to discuss with Ken the details and progression of the coverup of Hector Ortiz's death. Since the incident in Andrew's office, the security tapes have been cleared, eliminating all evidence that the deceased man had even appeared at Roscoe and Associates. The room goes silent as the police chief reveals that Hector has since been reported as a missing person; luckily, Richard had fielded the call himself, the report suddenly mysteriously disappearing without a trace.

While on the topic of the Ortiz family, Ken inquires about Maria's fate, not entirely surprised to hear the gruesome particulars of her suffering. After what that woman had done to Andrew and Cora, Ken can't really blame his friend for retaliating in such a way. In fact, had he been in Andrew's shoes, he likely would have done worse.

Andrew's heart clenches as John takes the initiative to ask about Cora's wellbeing, as well as inquire about Gideon. He's taken quite the interest in the little family, and Andrew can't understand why John has never decided to settle down; he obviously has a desire to have a wife and kids of his own. Instead of commenting about it, Andrew feigns a smile and sugarcoats the truth, attempting to keep Cora's condition private.

However, a set of eyes from across the room looks at him knowingly, informing him that his story is not entirely believable. Not for someone who has witnessed Cora's struggles firsthand, anyway. Ed keeps his remarks to himself, allowing Andrew to deceive the rest of the crew; the severity of Cora's depression really isn't anyone's business, anyway.

Sensing a shift in the room's atmosphere, John quickly changes topics, diverting attention to himself instead. Andrew can't stop the swell of gratitude in his chest and offers John a small but genuine smile as thanks. With a barely noticeable nod, John continues to blabber excitedly, taking the others with him in the new direction, leaving the further discussion of Cora Dalton impossible.

After the night's events, an entirely intoxicated Andrew is forced to call a cab to make it home. He stares out the window of the taxi, observing the quietness of the streets. It's almost serene, coaxing a feeling of contentment to blanket him as he watches the passing city. In a combination of speed and alcohol, the images before him blur and blend together, taking on an abstract quality of which Andrew feels a deep enjoyment. The way the brick buildings bleed into the green trees and the faulty, flickering streetlights lend a rather beautiful glow is almost soothing in his drunken mind.

The driver wakes Andrew when they arrive at his house, mumbling profanities under his breath. Andrew can't stop the hearty chuckle that works its way up his throat at the other man's evident anger. While he hadn't meant to fall asleep in the car, the driver should be grateful that Andrew's now queasy stomach hadn't spilled its contents in the backseat. After generously tipping the cabby, Andrew stumbles out of the car and up the walk, quietly giggling to himself.

The house is dark and quiet when he enters, and Andrew does his best to remain noiseless as he meanders through the unlit rooms. He finds Cora sleeping peacefully in their bed, and his heart warms; she truly is the best thing to ever happen to him. Undressing, Andrew tosses his clothes carelessly to the floor before climbing into bed. He pulls Cora against his chest and kisses her forehead softly before drifting into his most restful sleep in a while.