An Unexpected Request

Chapter 6

"Good morning," Andy greeted from the kitchen doorway as Carena served Miranda and the girls. The twins welcomed her warmly, as did the cook, who quickly set up another place at the table.

"Good morning, Andrea," Miranda finally said. Seeing the younger woman dancing on her feet, embarrassed, still in the doorway, she raised her eyebrows. "Aren't you going to sit down? Would you prefer Carena to bring a breakfast tray over there?" She scoffed, but a small smile was visible.

The children laughed. Even the cook smiled surreptitiously. Miranda's strange mood served to break the ice.

Andy gave a shy smile, walked with all the grace she could muster, and sat down with the girls. Then she helped herself to coffee, orange juice and two toasts with date jam.

"Did you sleep well, Andrea?" Miranda asked gently, before raising her cup of coffee to her lips.

Andy had just taken a generous bite of toast and nearly choked on her food. It was still weird having the woman being so friendly. And it felt like something real!

"Hu-hum!" She managed to answer, after swallowing what she had in her mouth with some coffee.

"Did you like your bedroom, Andy?" Caroline asked eagerly, and not overly motivated, took a sip of her juice. "We help Mom choose the new decor."

"But until then, we didn't know it was for you," added Cassidy disapprovingly, playing with her cereal.

"If Mom had said it was for you before, we would have chosen something more like you," added Caroline.

"I couldn't assume anything, Bobbseys. I was just trying to anticipate things in case Andrea agreed to live with us," Miranda defended herself, with a frown. Being scolded by her daughters in front of the younger woman was ridiculously embarrassing.

"Oh, but I liked it a lot! And you guys can help me unpack my stuff when I bring everything. I'm sure the bedroom will be amazing!" Andy was quick to assert.

"Are you going to let us help?"

"Really?"

The twins had expectant faces.

"Of course!"

The girls were extremely pleased.

Before Miranda covered her lips with her cup, Andy could have sworn she saw a sweet smile.

"We are going to choose our tutors today. Can you help us?" Cassidy suddenly exposed, after finally eating some cereal.

"Anh-"

"Please Andy! After all, you need to train to be our second Mother!" Caroline remembered jokingly, and laughed along with her sister.

The young woman looked at Miranda, who shrugged and nodded.

"Okay," Andy smiled.

The girls applauded excitedly.

"Hmm...Instructions?" Andy asked, already knowing she would get several.

Miranda did not disappoint.

By the time they got to the car, the editor had explained in detail what would be required of the applicants, as well as what Andrea would tell them.

"Earlier I instructed Emily to bring you some clothes until you can go back to your apartment," Miranda was in the backseat of the Mercedes, after putting on her sunglasses.

"Uh... I-"

The door slammed shut, and the car pulled away.

"Thanks..." Andy muttered to the vehicle, which was already making its way to the property gate.