“Hold up.” John caught up with me and dragged me back. “Nothing’s more important than your health. Finish your breakfast.”
“I don’t have time! My client is waiting for me.” I tried to break free, but John forced me to sit down.
“Shut up and eat up.” John served me a bowl of chicken soup and looked me in the eye. He then shifted his gaze to Louis, hinting me he could tell Louis to make me stay if he wanted to.
Dammit. I couldn’t refuse if it were Louis. Besides, getting lectured by him would be the worst. Well, I had no choice but to finish my chicken soup. At the same time, I observed everyone.
It was odd nobody asked me about last night. I went out late and came back obviously knocked out. I expected it from Emma since she was a happy-go-lucky woman, but John? He should have known what happened. He was always an alert one.
Then John gave me some sausages. “Take a day off, Scarlett. Sleep in for a while longer. I need you to come with me later.”
I looked at Emma. “Who, me?” Then I pointed at myself. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll find out. Now finish your breakfast.” John smiled mysteriously.
“Why don’t you ask Emma? I’m occupied.”
“No.” Emma and John refused at the same time, then they threw a look of disgust at each other.
Emma piped up, “I have an appointment, Letty. Sorry, but you’ll have to take this.”
I was about to say something, but John retorted sarcastically, “Another day, another geezer, huh? I don’t mind putting them to the test for you, you know.”
Emma sneered, “Thanks, but I’d prefer it if you’d stay out of my way.” She glared at him. “Really, please. Well, I’m done with brekkie. See you around.” She picked up her handbag and left.
I was starting to panic, so I put everything down and got up. “Alright, I have to go now, or I’ll be late.”
John stopped me. “Are you sure you want to miss seeing Jackson over this?”
That surprised me. “Jackson’s awake?”
John shrugged smugly. “And he specifically asked for you. So do you want to go?”
“Of course I do.”
After about an hour, John took me to a house in a rural resort. We were surrounded by nothing but mother nature the moment we came in. The air was spectacularly fresh thanks to the morning rain.
But when I came to Jackson’s room, I was starting to get nervous.
He was a good friend for many years. We used to be like family, but we got into a big fight over Summer’s custody a few months ago. However, he risked his life to protect me later on. I wondered how our reunion would be, but I started getting nervous when the time actually came.
My palms were sweaty. I couldn’t bring myself to ring the bell, but Jackson asked, “I know it’s you, Letty.” His voice was as angelic as usual.
I started tearing up, but I mustered up my courage and went inside.
Jackson was facing the window, the sunlight enveloping him. He looked like an angel basking in the lights of heaven, but he looked gaunt after being bedridden for months. He was supporting himself with a crutch, though he looked like he could fall at any moment.
“Jackson…” I was at a loss for words, for my excitement overwhelmed me.
“Have a seat.” Jackson smiled, then he sat on the rocking chair beside him.
