I smiled and shook my head. “I’m not sure but let’s stop gossiping about them. At her age, if Aunt Sally manages to find someone suitable for her and have a partner for her remaining years, that’s a good thing.”
“That’s right!” Hannah nodded and continued seriously, “I suddenly believe that destiny really exists. We all have our own predetermined paths to walk. Some people get to enjoy a smooth life with fame and riches but die young. There are others who have it rougher but remain in good health until they die of old age. There are also some who have a difficult start in life but work hard and ultimately get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. It’s the same when it comes to relationships. True love might only come to some at a later stage after experiencing trials and tribulations.”
I nodded, agreeing with her views. Chandler ordered a few of Hannah’s favorite dishes and said, “What about us? It was also not easy for us to be together, right?”
Hannah looked at the man and replied, “We just met each other at the right time.”
Seeing that they are showing off their love again, I looked down at my phone. Hailey texted again. It’s difficult to explain over the phone. Let’s find some time to meet up!
She was right. That issue was too complicated to be properly communicated over the phone.
Just then, I saw an incoming call from Ashton and answered it at once. “Has your meeting ended?”
He replied in a hoarse voice, “Yup, just ended. Where are you now?”
“I’m in town having dinner with Hannah and Chandler right now. Do you want to join us?”
“Sure!”
After I hung up, Hannah looked at me and asked, “Is that Ashton?”
I nodded and she asked worriedly, “Have you been resting well these days? I already noticed that you looked quite pale when I saw you this morning. Are you losing sleep feeling troubled over Summer?”
I froze for a moment and let out a bitter smile before replying, “She’s Macy’s only child. I… “
I sighed and did not finish my sentence. Not wanting to discuss that topic, I looked at Hannah and said, “Ashton will be coming later. I should go say hi to Aunt Sally first.”
Talking about Summer’s situation was pointless. I could only hope that a suitable kidney for her would be available soon.
Hannah understood that I did not want to continue talking about it and nodded. “Sure, go ahead. There should be still a while before our food is served,” she said.
Sally and Jim were sitting by the window. The middle-aged couple was behaving just like teenagers in love. One of them was talking animatedly while the other listened quietly and responded with smiles intermittently. One could tell from the look in their eyes how much they adored each other.
I must have arrived at an inopportune moment. When Sally saw me, she was obviously startled and had an awkward expression on her face. “Scarlett, why… why are you here?”
“I just happened to be having dinner with my friends at this restaurant and I saw you. I thought I should come over and say hi. Aunt Sally, who’s this gentleman?” I asked, beaming.
A blush of embarrassment spread across Sally’s cheeks. Jim, who had seen much in life, remained composed and answered instead. “Hi, I’m Jim. Sally and I are dating. I guess you must be her niece? Please have a seat.”
His candidness surprised me. I joined them at their table and introduced myself to Jim. I could not help but smile when I saw the blush on Sally’s face. “Aunt Sally, Ashton and I are quite busy lately. Are you angry that we haven’t had time to visit you?”
Still feeling a little awkward, Sally smiled at me and replied, “I’ve heard about Fuller Corporation’s situation and understand that Ashton is occupied with work. Anyway, you youngsters have your own matters to attend to. I’m already feeling bad that I can’t be of any help to you. The only thing I can do is not to be a burden and worry you guys.”
I nodded and thought about Summer. I realized Aunt Sally was still unaware of that. With a smile, I replied, “Aunt Sally, we should have a gathering after this busy period. You have to bring Uncle Jim along, yeah?
Sally nodded. I could see that her cheeks were still in a shade of pink. Since I had already greeted her, I should get going in order not to disrupt their date.
Just when I stood up and was about to leave, I saw Ashton walking towards us. I was rather stunned at how speedily he arrived.
“Oh, Ashton is here too,” Sally said as she noticed Ashton as well.
I walked towards him and asked, “How did you reach so quickly?”
He pulled me closer towards him and frowned. “Why is your hand so cold?” He asked, while at the same time holding my hand in his, warming it. “The office is quite nearby and the traffic was smooth. That’s how I’m here so fast!”
“Oh,” I simply replied before whispering into his ear, “I forgot to tell you just now. Aunt Sally is here too.”
While we were talking, Jim had already stood up and approached Ashton. After the two men exchanged greetings, Ashton asked me, “Aren’t you with Hannah?”
I nodded and we said goodbye to Sally before joining Hannah and Chandler again. The dishes were served the same time we arrived back at the table.
When Hannah saw Ashton and I, she smiled and said, “I was just about to go over and get you.” Then, she introduced Chandler to Ashton and all of us sat down.
