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The voice precedes a woman who would be my mother’s age if she were alive. It’s a woman I kind of recognize from when I was in high school. Very formal, tweed wool topcoat, St. John suit, and Hermès handbag.
“Claudette?” Miss Gina’s brow furrows. “What in the world are you doing here? I thought Alexis was coming.”
“Alexis is busy with her children. I made the drive myself.” The woman removes her coat, straightening her suit. “My goodness, what is going on here? Who are these people?”
Her tone is sharp, and she sizes up me then Zane like we’re robbers holding Miss Gina hostage.
“Mrs. Rosario, it’s so good to see you again. I’m Rachel Wells?” The woman frowns at me like I’m a bug, and I continue. “I went to high school with your daughter Alexis in Birmingham.”
Her upper lip curls, and her eyes narrow. “That must’ve been when Alexis had that unfortunate term in public school.”She turns to Miss Gina. “It was your brother’s idea. He thought she was losing touch with the common man.”
She waves a hand like that’s such a ridiculous notion. I haven’t seen Alexis in a while, but she seemed nice in school. I hope she hasn’t turned into her mother.
“Jameson was such a good brother.” Miss Gina smiles thoughtfully. “I miss his laugh.”
“I hope your loneliness hasn’t led to you making poor choices.” She turns suspicious eyes on Zane and me.
That gets my defenses up. “I have a degree in sports medicine from Auburn, and I came here on your daughter’s recommendation.”
“Is that so?” She seems skeptical. “I’ll have to ask if Alexis remembers you.”
My jaw drops, and Zane straightens, crossing his arms. From the flinty look in his eye, I’m pretty sure he’s as offended by this snobby woman as I am, and I appreciate him ready to spring into action.
“I’m sure Alexis will remember my dear Rachel.” Miss Gina’s calm voice cuts the tension. “She’s an amazing companion, and this is Zane Bradford. He’s one of the Newhope Bradfords—a very good family. I’ve known him most of his life.”
Claudette lifts her chin, and her helmet of auburn hair doesn’t budge. “And what does this fine young man do here?”
“I’m the new Stephen.” His tone is flat, and I bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing.
Claudette Rosario had better not push him.
“I see.” She crosses her arms, squaring her stance. “Well, young man, I’ve come to check on things. My sister-in-law is very kind-hearted and trusting, and I intend to make sure everything is in order and nothingunusualis occurring.”
“What in the world are you implying, Claudette?” Miss Gina walks to her sister-in-law, and I hold her forearm, helping her reach her goal. I wouldn’t say Miss Gina is angry, but an edge is in her voice. “I’ve been taking care of myself a long time.”
“Perhaps we’d better speak about this in private, Gigi.” Thewoman pats our employer’s hand. “I’m planning to spend the night, so I’ll just get my bag out of the Bentley while you finish up what you were doing.”
She turns and stalks out the front door, and I look over at Zane. His expression is difficult to read. He seems concerned, but he doesn’t seem angry, which annoys me. For a minute there I’d thought he was defending me.
I’m furious at this rude woman calling my high school “unfortunate,” and I don’t like her implying we’re doing somethingunusualhere. I’m about to say as much when our old friend beats me to it.
“Claudette has always been a bit over the top.” Miss Gina reaches for my hand, and I pull hers into the crook of my arm. “I suppose you two had better head on out, and I’ll take care of getting her settled and easing her mind. Have a lovely evening.”
“Are you sure?” I slide my hand over hers. “We didn’t get to do any of our exercises today.”
“Oh no,” she cries, putting a hand over her eyes. “That means I’m going to be extra sore on Saturday!”
“I’ll take it easy on you.”
Zane steps forward, placing his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll see you Friday. Remember what I said about the fainting.”
“Don’t you worry,” Miss Gina nods. “I promise I’ll keep an eye on our favorite therapist. She won’t faint on my watch.”
He shakes his head, and I know he’s thinking what I’m thinking. How is a blind lady going to keep her eye on me?
I follow him out the patio door to collect my things. He picks up his tool bag, and we walk down the brick path that leads to the wrought-iron gate at the side of the yard.
“She’s got a lot of nerve,” I grumble, crossing my arms as we follow the walk around to the circle driveway. “Acting like we’re doing something wrong when we’re legitimate employees. Acting like we’d take advantage of Miss Gina.”
