Chapter 28 Meeting Mother
A private car was waiting to pick them up at the small airport Case had explained was nearer his mother’s home on the outskirts of Seattle. “This is really nice,” Andrea said, sliding across the leather seat so Case could get in. The town car reminded her of a limo.
Case got in next to her. “It’s actually my mother’s current boyfriend’s car. He’s a tech giant. You’ve probably heard of him. Edward Stringer.”
“Your mother is dating Edward Stinger?” Andrea had no idea. She had never met the man herself, but he was famous for starting a social media site. “I had no idea.”
“This month.” Case rolled his eyes, and she got the feeling he didn’t approve of his mother’s lifestyle. “Edward and I haven’t spent much time around each other, but he’s a bit brash. Just be prepared.”
“Great.” Andrea forced a smile. A mom who hated her and a boyfriend who was rude. Awesome. For a moment, she almost forgot why she was there, but then Case squeezed her hand and she remembered she was giving this great guy a chance. Also, there was the fact that Sarah Lockton was somewhere in California seething right now. That brought a genuine smile to her face.
It didn’t take long for them to reach his mother’s house. Andrea’s mouth dropped open as she realized they were going through a gate to a huge estate. “How in the….”
Shaking his head, Case said, “Mom has never been shy about asking for things.”
Her eyebrows were still raised when she asked, “Wait—did you buy this for her?”
He nodded. “Most of the cars, the furs, the jewels, those came from her boyfriends. But, yes, the house is a result of my first few NASCAR wins. And before you ask… no my house is not this nice. But then, I don’t need anything this lavish either.”
Andrea nodded, shocked at the view of the estate from the driveway. It looked like it had been picked up from the Italian countryside and dropped in Washington State. The yard was also immaculately maintained.
Case cleared his throat. “Andrea, when I suggested to my mom that we stay in a hotel, she said that was unheard of.”
“We’re staying here?” she clarified. Clearly, the house was big enough, but that wasn’t her issue.
“Yes. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she’s polite.”
“We’re staying here—where your mother lives. Your mother who hates me.”
“It’ll be fine….”
Before he could say more, the front door flew open and a woman with dark, curly hair flew out, a big grin on her face. She looked like she might only be a few years older than Chase, so Andrea assumed this must be his sister, Shayna. The driver opened the door for her, and Andrea stepped out.
“Oh, my goodness! It’s you! It really is!” Shayna wrapped her arms around Andrea, almost knocking her down. Andrea laughed as she continued to sing her praises. “You’re just the best actress in the world, and you’re here for New Year’s! I can hardly believe it.”
“Shayna, this is Andrea. Andrea, my sister—Shayna.”
“I figured.” Andrea smiled. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She noticed Shayna’s eyes were almost the same shade as Case’s though not as twinkly.
“The pleasure is all mine! I can’t wait to hear all about your new movie. I heard Howard Brown has signed on to play the rogue. Is that true?” Shayna looped her arm through Andrea’s and started leading her to the house.
“He’s signed, but I don’t know if they’ve settled on which part he’ll play yet.” Andrea actually did know it was true Howard would be playing the villain, Captain Cutlass, but she wasn’t allowed to say that yet.
Shayna continued to ask questions until they were in the foyer. Andrea did her best to answer them, but once inside, she had to take a second to look around the beautiful interior. It was one of the most beautiful houses she’d ever seen, and she’d been to lots of movie stars’ houses over the last few years.
“Mother has extravagant tastes,” Shayna whispered, rolling her eyes. “My townhome would fit in this room. But that’s the way I like it.”
Andrea smiled at Case’s sister. She liked her already.
He was behind them, carrying in the luggage. Andrea was surprised there wasn’t some sort of butler for that. Or maybe there was, but Case didn’t want to trouble him.
The sound of heels clicking on travertine had her looking toward a hallway off to the left. Holding her breath, Andrea prepared to meet Case’s mom.
Rhonda Meyer looked nothing like either of her children. Her hair was jet black, and it was obvious she’d had work done on her face. Her nose was pointy, as was her chin, and her eyes looked unnatural. She was petite and dressed in a beautiful, expensive dress jacket and skirt. Andrea’s feet hurt just looking at her heels.
“Case you’re here, darling!” Rhonda cooed. He came around to kiss her cheek, and she smiled at him lovingly for a moment.
“This is Andrea,” he said.
Andrea stepped forward and offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Meyer.”
Rhonda looked at Andrea’s hand suspiciously before finally giving it a short shake. “Funny, you look… different in person.”
Taking that to mean she wasn’t as pretty in real life, Andrea didn’t know what to say. “Uh… you have a lovely home.”
Rhonda’s mouth pulled up slightly at the corners in a somewhat thankful smile.
“I’ll show Andrea to her room, Mom. I’m sure she’ll want to freshen up.”
“Indeed.” Mrs. Meyer’s made a face that implied Andrea smelled terrible.
Her eyes bulging, Andrea took Case’s hand as he collected her bags with the other and led her off toward a large, winding staircase.
It had been a long time since anyone had managed to make Andrea feel ugly and disgusting—but Mrs. Meyer had managed to do it in five seconds flat! What else would this woman have in store for her? Andrea didn’t think she wanted to find out.
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