The Connellys of County Down: a Novel by Tracey Lange

Author:Tracey Lange
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Celadon Books

Chapter Fifteen

Normally Andrea provided some notice when she was coming to visit. Not a lot, Conor’s mom wasn’t much of a planner. But typically she called Eddie a day or two ahead to get the all clear. So he and Conor were surprised when she was waiting at the house Thursday afternoon. Eddie kept the truck that day so he could attend Conor’s baseball practice. They’d been working on his swing, and Conor wanted Eddie to come watch him. Tryouts for the traveling team were coming up that weekend, and Conor’s heart was set on making it.

When they saw Andrea smoking a cigarette and leaning against her old, bright yellow PT Cruiser, they exchanged a look. Eddie could see the mix of excitement and dread on his son’s face. Conor was always happy to see Andrea, but the visits were inevitably a letdown. It was natural for him to keep hoping his mom would change, but it was tough to watch fresh disappointment sink in every time.

“Wait here a sec, Con,” Eddie said, before climbing out of the truck. He wanted to get a good look at Andrea before Conor got too close. Though she knew better than to show up high, particularly now that Tara was back.

Andrea had always been a beauty, kind of exotic with a touch of glamour. She had dark glossy hair and full lips, a tiny waist and long legs. As usual she was showing them off in a miniskirt and ankle boots with a high heel. She used one of them to stomp out her cigarette as Eddie approached, then stuffed her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket. It was when she pulled her big sunglasses off that Eddie could see the shine was wearing off, even though she wasn’t quite thirty yet. That was bound to happen after almost a decade of living the club life. Her green eyes were lined too heavily, her lipstick too red. She looked tired, probably strung out, but sober at the moment. Which was about as good as it got with Andrea.

“Hiya, Eddie.” She gave him a nervous smile and wiggled her long red nails over his shoulder at Conor. “I was just hoping to say hello to him. I’m sorry I didn’t call first. I didn’t know I was gonna be up this way until it happened.”

Eddie knew better than to ask what brought her up this way. She often coordinated parties for wealthy people who lived in Westchester or on Long Island, hooking them up with all the product they needed for their fun. “All right,” he said, waving Conor over. “But he has practice soon.”

She glanced at the house and lowered her voice. “Tara isn’t here, is she?”

He shook his head.

“Hi, Mom,” Conor said, walking up next to Eddie. His arms swung back and forth against his hips.

“Hey, baby!” She crouched down a bit and held her arms open, several bracelets swinging from each wrist.

Conor gave her a hug.

“You want to come inside while we grab him a snack?” Eddie asked.

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