Chapter 155
Tm having dinner with Dr. Norman tonight. I’m bringing Juno along mostly to avoid any misunderstandings, but also to hear his advice on some
things.
Upon hearing this, Martha relaxed a little. That’s a good idea. You should listen to Dr. Norman. Just be careful, okay?”
Inodded. “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine.”
I took Juno to the revolving restaurant.
Jeremy was already there, waiting for us
Under the soft lights, he was dressed in a simple
simple white shart with the top te
top two buttons undone, focused intently on the menu.
From where I stood, he looked like someone straight out of a drama–sharp features, striking eyes–handsome in an almost unreal way.
I took a deep breath to steady myself and led Juno over to him. “Good evening, Dr. Norman,
Juno followed suit, chirping. “Hello, Dr. Norman!”
Jeremy looked up. Seeing us, he wasn’t at all surprised. Hello, Juno. Are you happy to have dinner with me tonight?”
“Yes!” Juno answered cheerfully.
“Why?” Jeremy asked, his smile widening.
*Because Dr. Norman is handsome,” Juno replied innocently.
I was a bit stunned–this wasn’t something I had taught him to say.
Jeremy’s mood seemed to lift instantly. Juno’s candid and playful words made him smile even more, and the warmth in his eyes was undeniable.
1 expect
1 let out a quiet sigh of relief. I thought, ‘Gaining favor with this man isn’t easy. Id asked him for help countless times, and I certainly didn’t e one dinner to settle everything
But if I could at least make Jeremy happy. I felt that would be a good start.
Once we were seated, I smiled and said, “We might need to wait a bit longer, I’ve invited your mother as well.
Jeremy’s smile faltered slightly. “She tricked me into coming for a blind date, and now you’re tricking me into coming for dinner. You two really are a perfect match.”
“That’s different,” I replied. “Your mother tricked you, and you couldn’t escape. But with me… you’re free to leave whenever you want. And I didn’t deceive you I just didn’t tell you everything.”
Jeremy gave a dry laugh. “Smooth talker.”
Still, he didn’t leave.
A line while later. Neva arrived. I stood to greet her and showed her to lier seat.
When Neva saw
saw I had brought juno along, her usual cold expression softened, just a bit.
Especially when Juno sweetly called her “Mrs. Norman, Neva’s eyes shifted, and to my surprise, she actually smiled. She reached into her bag. pulled our a gift, and handed it to Juno,
TH
hurriedly declined. “This really isn’t necessary. Tonight’s dinner is on me, I’m the host–please, don’t feel like you need to give anything”
Neva was insistent. “This isn’t for you. It’s for the child. After he called ine, how could I not give him something?
She pressed the gift into Juno’s hands.
Juno blinked up at me, silently asking for permission. At this point, refusing would be impolite.
I smiled gratefully and said, “Juno, don’t you want to thank Mrs. Norman
“Thank you, Mrs. Norman, Juno said in his sweetest little voice.
The dinner got underway, and the atmosphere turned out to be much more relaxed than I had anticipated.
Jeremy and Neva weren’t as tense as before. Everyone ate and chatted, and I watched Neva’s smile gradually become more genuine, which made me feel more at case,
A dish of refreshment arrived, one of Juno’s favorites. But instead of taking it for himself, he pushed it toward Neva. “Mrs. Norman, you cat.”
Neva looked surprised. At Juno’s age, most children wouldn’t think to offer something to their elders. But Juno, with his sweet and considerate nature, had done just that..
He went on. This is made with milk, it smells really good. I’ve had it before. Mrs. Norman, you should try some.”
Neva’s expression softened. “Aren’t you going to eat it? Don’t you like it?”
