Chapter 193 The Interloper is Back
Back in Charlotte, Andrea was beginning to grow used to waking up next to Case every day. He had an important race coming up the next weekend, after their trip to New York, so he was at the garage every day, trying to get ready for Talladega. They’d head to Alabama Thursday and be there through Sunday evening. Andrea wanted to spend her days relaxing, maybe even reading a book or taking walk in the woods around Case’s home, but she often found herself on the phone—talking to her mom—about the wedding.
“What do you think of a Christmas wedding?” Karen asked. “We could do red and green for the colors. Or blue and silver….”
While a Christmas wedding did sound like a good idea to Andrea, she wasn’t sure how Case would feel about getting married so soon. It would make sense to get married in the off-season, though, after the last race in November and the first race of the new season next February. “I’m not sure, Mom. I’ll have to talk it over with Case,” she said.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Andrea knew the housekeeper, Jill, would get it, but she wondered who it might be. As far as she knew, Case wasn’t expecting anyone, and he was still at the garage. “Mom, someone’s here. I have to go.”
“Someone’s there?” Karen repeated, as if she hadn’t heard the last part.
“Yes. I have to go.” Andrea was already walking through the house to the front door.
“Were you expecting someone?”
“No, Mom. I’ll call you later, okay? Love you.” She hung up before her mom could ask another question.
When Andrea reached the front door, she wished she could’ve gone back in time and told Jill to pretend they weren’t home.
It was Rhonda, standing in the front doorway, a giant suitcase with her, as well as a carryon bag. “Well, if it isn’t my soon-to-be daughter-in-law,” Rhonda said through pursed lips.
“Rhonda. What are you doing here?” she asked, not even bothering to flavor her voice with fake cheer.
“What? Does a mother need permission to come and visit her son?”
“Well, it is common courtesy to call ahead,” Andrea said with a shrug.
“My son and I have an arrangement,” she said, with her nose in the air. “I can come whenever I please. Unless you’re trying to come between us?”
Andrea scoffed. “Not at all. I know how Case feels about your dropping by. You can come right on in. Jill will be happy to take your bags to the guest room.”
Rhonda arched an eyebrow as Jill did as Andrea asked. Andrea thanked the housekeeper and then asked Rhonda, “Would you like a drink?”
“It’s a little early in the morning for that, isn’t it?”
“I meant tea… water… soda, something you’d like that isn’t alcoholic,” Andrea replied, doing her best to keep her temper under wraps.
“In that case, I’d like some tea, please. Hot tea. With lemon.”
Andrea smiled at her and said, “Please come in and make yourself comfortable.”
She headed to the kitchen and was glad to find Case’s chef, Broderick, working there. “Hi! Would you mind making Case’s mom a cup of hot tea with lemon?” she asked as she walked n.
Before he even turned around, Andrea could see Broderick’s back tense up. “Rhonda’s here?” he asked.
“Yes….”
The man swore under his breath, and Andrea had to cover her mouth to keep from laughing. “Of course. I’ll be happy to make her a cup of tea. And then when that one’s wrong, another one. And then when that one’s wrong….”
“I get the picture,” Andrea said with a smile, glad that Broderick was so willing to be open and honest with her. “I appreciate your willingness to help. The visit was unexpected.”
“They always are,” he said, giving her a small grin as he shook his head.
Andrea still had her phone in her hand so she called Case. She was glad that he didn’t answer because she didn’t want to interrupt him, but when she got his voicemail, she kept her voice as cheery as she could and said, “Hi, babe. Just wanted to let you know that your mom came in today for a visit. I’m not sure how long she’ll be staying. I’ll let you speak to her when you get here. Love you.”
She’d no sooner hung up then she heard Rhonda shouting from the other room, “Andrea! Oh, Andrea!”
She took a deep breath and headed into the other room, hoping her patience didn’t wear out before Rhonda headed back home, but she had a feeling this would be trying.
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