Rescue Me

Recue Me | Chapter Eleven

Andrea wrapped on the front door of her parent's home three times and pushed the doorbell for good measure. A moment later, the door swung open and there stood her mother. Her small stature and olive skin, much different than Andrea's, as were her chocolate brown eyes. However, the placement of her hands upon her hips and the attitude she exuded reminded Jared of the first night he met Andie and he snickered.

"Hi Mom, surprise! Merry early Christmas!" Andrea smiled. "Andrea Leigh Bennett, get in this house," she yelled, pushing the screen door open, shock and excitement all over her face, "and hug my neck! Oh my gosh, is that Jared?"

Instead of hugging Andie, the petite woman wrapped her arms around Jared. "Mom, Jared. Jared, my mother, Katherine."

"My God, you're even more handsome in person than I imagined. Don't you dare call me Katherine. You can call me mom." She beamed at Jared. "Ok. It's nice to meet you, mom. You are too sweet, I see where Andie gets it." Jared replied.

Katherine finally pulled her eyes from Jared and turned to her daughter, "Come here angel," she said, squeezing her tightly, "six months feels like sixteen!"

"I missed you too, mom." Andie replied as Katherine pushed away from their embrace. "My goodness child, when's the last time you ate? You are skin and bones, get in this house so I can feed you a proper meal."

Andrea rolled her eyes and threw her head back, "Five minutes. We've been here five minutes and she's already started in. Jesus, take the wheel!" She sighed and glanced at Jared, "It isn't too late to run you know." Jared laughed and held the door open gesturing for her to enter. Andrea drug her feet, entered her old home and listened for her mother's voice. She was in the kitchen, waist deep in the refrigerator, digging for ingredients.

"Mom, please don't start in on how I look, what I eat, what I'm wearing, etc.," she sighed and plopped down on a bar stool, "My lifestyle is the very same it was when I lived here, it's only improved since I left."

"Katherine! What are you fussing about?" Jared watched a nervous Andrea rub her hands repeatedly along her thighs as he approached the bar, taking a seat next to her. She smiled and mouthed, "Save me." to which he chuckled.

"John, get in here. There's someone here to see us!" Andrea stood up, "Would you like some water?" She asked Jared. "Yes, please." He replied. "I'll get it. You sit." Katherine ordered, shuffling around the kitchen to pull two cups out of a cabinet and filled them with water from the refrigerator.

"Who is here?" John asked as he appeared, a big smile danced across his face as he saw his daughter. "Andrea, hi! Welcome home." She walked a couple feet over meeting her father for a hug, then introduced Jared.

"Jared, this is Jonathan, my dad. Dad, meet Jared." She said, returning to her bar stool, taking a sip of water and watched Jared interact with her father.

"It's so cute you are dating him. I just hope.." Andrea choked, but recovered quickly. "What? Mom, no. I never said we are dating. Where did you get that idea?"

"Well, honey, you've not mentioned a valid relationship title, so I just assumed. You have told me a couple times how handsome you think he is, so what was I supposed to think?"

Andrea's cheeks flushed crimson, "Ok. Well, he's my friend and soon to be boss." Katherine looked at Andrea with disbelief and smirked. She glanced to Jared and then back to Andrea, "We'll see about that."

Andrea reached down and grabbed Jared's hand, "How about I give you the grand tour." Jared grinned and nodded. "You two don't get too far, dinner will be ready in thirty!" Katherine yelled after them.