Chapter 122 Surprise at the Track
Shooting was cancelled until the following Tuesday. Normally, Andrea would be upset not to be on set for four days in a row, but in this instance she was glad. It would give her an extra-long weekend to spend with Case.
She’d arrived in Dayton early Friday morning. He was busy with interviews and other meetings, so she hung out in the RV for the most part, but that afternoon, she’d sat on the pit box with Brad for practice. The next day was more of the same, with a final practice in the morning, followed by meetings. At least Sarah wasn’t there—not until Sunday morning anyway.
Andrea woke up that day with a wide smile on her face and Case’s arms around her. It was her first Daytona 500, in person, and she couldn’t wait to talk to Grandpa Jack about it when it was all over with. She hoped he’d see her in TV because that would be enough to make him smile for weeks to come.
“What would you like for breakfast?” Case asked, kissing her nose.
“It’s your big day. I should cook for you.”
“But you’re my guest.”
Andrea giggled and hopped out of bed, rushing into the kitchen to start cooking before he had a chance.
After a huge breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausage, and waffles, Case had to get into his fire suit and go do some more interviews. Since he was on the pole and one of the favorites to win, the media had been keeping him busy.
“I don’t want to leave you sitting here on your own, though. So… I have someone to keep you company.”
“Oh?” Andrea was alarmed. Who might it be?
“Yep, and she’s just on time.”
The sound of a golf cart pulling up out front brought them both to the door.
At first, Andrea wasn’t sure who she was looking at. She recognized Charlie right away, but she was so shocked to see the person beside him, she thought she might be dreaming at first. But then, she brushed a swath of blonde hair out of her eyes, and Andrea knew for sure who it was. “Leslie!” she shouted, jumping up and down.
Case threw the door open, and Andrea bounded out, wrapping her arms around her sister. “Oh, my gosh! It’s really you! What are you doing here?”
“Wow—Case is good at keeping secrets,” Leslie said, taking a step back so Andrea would release her. “You really don’t know?”
“Know what?” Andrea looked from Leslie to Charlie to Case and then back at her sister.
“I’m singing the national anthem,” Leslie explained.
“Get out of town!” Andrea swatted at her sister but didn’t hit her. “For real?”
“Yep. And I am the official driver for the most important talent of the pre-race festivities,” Charlie said with a grin.
Leslie grinned back at him, which had Andrea raising an eyebrow. “Just how long have you two been acquainted?” she asked, trying not to pry but not getting too far with it.
“Not long. Charlie picked me up at the airport, drove me to the speedway, and then switched his car out for this golf cart to bring me here.” Leslie smiled at Charlie as if that was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for her.
“And I was happy to oblige.”
“Well, I hate to walk out on the reunion,” Case began, giving Leslie a hug to greet her, “but Charlie and I have business to attend to. We’ll be back in time to escort you to the pit box and stage, though,” he said, indicating Andrea first and Leslie second. “You two have fun.”
“You, too,” Leslie added, smiling at Case and then shifting her gaze to Charlie, who winked at her before the men both got into Charlie’s golf cart, waved goodbye, and took off for their meeting.
Leslie’s eyes followed until the cart was out of sight. Andrea couldn’t help but notice. “He’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Who? Case?” Leslie asked, a puzzled expression on her face.
“Well, yes. But I meant Charlie.’
“Oh. Right.” Leslie looked down at the ground and scratched her head. Andrea knew her sister wouldn’t want to talk about guys with her—she never did. At least she wasn’t still seeing that awful Brock from Christmas.
“Come on inside. We’ve got so much to catch up on.” Andrea took Leslie’s hand and led her into the RV, and Leslie went along, both of them smiling. Andrea was so thankful Leslie had gotten this opportunity. It would be huge for her singing career. And… she was happy she’d finally met Charlie.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
