Chapter 29 Unwelcome
Andrea’s room was beautiful and had a window overlooking the back gardens. It was obvious Case’s mother paid a lot to maintain such a beautiful area—or he did anyway. Even in the winter, it was lovely with flowers and green hedges.
She was glad to have a few minutes to collect herself, but soon Case knocked on the door and said it was time for dinner. With a deep breath, Andrea went downstairs to face the fire.
At least she had dressed to fit in. His mother was wearing a lovely gown, as if she were going to a party. Shayna had also changed, though her dress was not as fancy. She looked uncomfortable. Case was wearing a tie and slacks, and Edward was wearing a suit jacket and tie. Andrea was glad she’d put on her purple dress. Regardless of what Rhonda might say, she knew she looked good. She was wearing the necklace Case gave her as well.
“You must be Andrea.” Edward offered his hand. “You are even more lovely in person. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you.” He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, which made Andrea raise her eyebrows and Rhonda make an odd choking sound in the back of her throat. This was not going to get her any points with Case’s mom.
They were all seated around a lavish dining table with crystal and chinaware. The food was as delicious as anything Andrea had eaten in five star restaurants. It seemed Mrs. Meyer was going to great extent to impress her—either that or this was just a typical dinner at the Meyer residents. Andrea couldn’t believe Case had grown up this way. He seemed way too down to earth for this sort of posh lifestyle.
Throughout dinner, Rhonda did everything she could to trip Andrea up or embarrass her, watching to see which fork she used, measuring every bite she put in her mouth, watching for her to spill something. When Andrea managed to show her perfect manners, Rhonda was disappointed.
So she brought up Sarah.
“Have you spoken to Sarah recently?” she asked as everyone was finishing up the final course. “I hear she’s just auditioned for a role in a large movie.”
“Heard from who?” Case asked.
“Whom.” His mother raised an eyebrow, as if to say he sounded like he was born in a barn. “Why, Sarah, of course. We chat often.” Her eyes cut into Andrea.
“I have spoken to her recently, but not about that.”
Andrea hoped Mrs. Meyer would let it go, but she didn’t. “She’s such a lovely girl. And a fine actress. I’m certain she can get any role she would like to. So long as no one… cheats the system.” She glared at Andrea then, the implications clear.
Clearing her throat, Andrea took a deep breath, reminding herself there was no reason to defend herself. Case believed the truth, that Sarah had made up the allegations that Andrea had slept with the director to get the role in the film she’d beaten Sarah out for. At least she thought he did.
“How are you feeling about Daytona?” Shayna asked Case, changing the subject. “You ready to get back at it?”
“I am. I’ll have to get back to Charlotte in a few weeks to start practicing again. I’m ready. The team’s ready, too.”
They continued to chat about racing for a few minutes, but Rhonda’s eyes bore through Andrea. She shifted her glance to Edward. The man winked at her. Andrea looked away, wishing she’d never come for there.
Case hadn’t noticed Edward’s behavior. The last thing she needed was more unwanted advances. Done with dinner, she shifted in her seat, wishing she could go back to her room.
That Case did notice. “I think Andrea’s tired. We’ll head upstairs now.”
Realizing there was help who would take care of clearing the table, Andrea didn’t offer to help. She set her napkin aside and followed Case upstairs, wishing everyone a good night.
“Are you all right?” Case asked, standing outside of her door.
“I will be. It’s just… your mother obviously hates me.”
“I’m sorry. I think… once she gets to know you….”
“No, I don’t think there’s any helping it.” Andrea sighed. Could she date someone whose mother detested her? “I think I’ll go get some rest.”
Case looked sympathetic but obviously didn’t know what else to say. He kissed her cheek. “I’ll see you later.”
Andrea went into her room and changed into something more comfortable, thinking she wouldn’t go out again for the rest of the night, and no one would see her in her linen pants and long-sleeved T-shirt. She was sitting on the bed checking email when there was a knock on the door.
Mrs. Meyer didn’t wait for Andrea to tell her to come in. “Oh, good, you’re alone.” She closed the door behind her and looked around again, as if Case might be hiding under the furniture.
“Is everything all right, Mrs. Meyer?” Andrea asked, setting her phone aside.
“No, I’m afraid it’s not. You see, my son has brought home a tramp for New Year’s, and no matter what I say to her or to him, she just won’t go away.” The woman glared at her, and Andrea felt her stomach tie in knots. “Perhaps I’m not being direct enough. I don’t like you, Andrea. I was heartbroken when Case and Sarah broke up, and I think you had something to do with that.”
Shocked, Andrea began to protest. “I didn’t---”
“Save it. I’m just telling you, dear, I think it’s in your best interest to leave my son alone. If you don’t, I believe you will regret it. It’s clear to everyone who knows him that Sarah is the right girl for him. If I were you, I’d call one of those Ubers and go. Now.”
With that, Mrs. Meyer spun on her heel and headed out of the room, leaving Andrea gasping for air behind her.
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