They Want Me Back When It's Too Late (Jessica and Brian) novel Chapter 314

Chapter 314

Chapter 314

Once Jacob and Wanda had everything sorted, Jacob jumped into planning mode.

To be honest, there wasn’t much to it.

He rummaged through his closet for the cutest outfit he could find, dug out the allowance card Jessi had set up for him ages ago, and asked Jim to help him withdraw some cash. Then he headed to the mall to pick out presents for Stella and Dereck.

Bright and early the next morning, Brian drove Jacob to Grant Manor.

Decked out in a tiny vest and a sun hat, the boy was an instant heart–stealer.

Dereck tried to keep his gruff facade intact, but Stella didn’t hold back. She pulled Jacob into her arms and showered him with kisses.

Usually the type to shy away from hugs, Jacob just stood there, letting her squeeze and pinch his cheeks.

Brian made a quick getaway, saying he had urgent business at the office.

He knew full well that Stella and Dereck didn’t want him around, so why stick around and cause trouble?

Jacob spent the whole day with his grandparents, charming the socks off them.

When dinner rolled around, Stella noticed how fidgety he seemed. “Jake, is there something you want to tell me?”

He nodded vigorously.

“Speak up, boy. None of that stuttering nonsense,” Dereck barked.

Stella shot her husband a dirty look and pulled Jacob closer. “Don’t mind him. Take your time and tell me what’s on your mind.”

But Jacob stood up straight, gave Dereck a respectful bow, and said, “You’re right, Grandpa. I shouldn’t have been so hesitant.”

Dereck was taken aback by the boy’s sudden show of maturity.

Stella playfully slapped her husband’s arm. “Stop looking so grumpy. Jake apologized. What more do you want?”

Dereck rolled his eyes disapprovingly.

But Stella was already focused on Jacob again. “Now, honey, what did you want to talk to me about?”

Hearing this, Jacob snapped to attention, though his six–year–old face could only muster a half–serious look.

“I need you to set up a meeting with Mom, but don’t tell her it’s me asking.” He talked in circles.

Stella thought she had it figured out. “You want me to engineer a chance encounter?”

‘That makes sense,‘ she thought. ‘Jessi shot down every offer to visit Jake, but she can’t exactly storm off if they “accidentally” cross paths.”

Jake nodded, then shook his head.

Stella’s brows knit together.

“Grandma, I do want a surprise meeting.” He clarified. “But not for me and Mom–for her and my friend.”

He launched into a detailed story about Wanda, his hospital buddy.

“I just know Mom will take to Wanda.” He finished.

Chapter 314

Stella recalled Wanda. She was a polite, adorable little thing, always well behaved.

Stella said, “Okay, I’ll do it. But won’t the girl’s parents wonder why she’s out alone?”

Jacob let out a sigh. “Wanda’s parents are divorced, and neither really pays her any mind.”

Stella fell silent. ‘Talk about a coincidence,‘ she thought.

“Let’s not get into that. Call Mom now. I want them to meet tomorrow,” Jacob pressed.

“Alright, I’m dialing. You sure you don’t want to say hi?” Stella held the phone out.

Jacob’s eyes flickered with hope, but he swallowed hard.

Staring at his sneakers, he kicked and mumbled listlessly, “No, Mom probably doesn’t want to hear from me. Better not bug her.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Stella chided, shoving the phone toward him.

When he refused to take it, she punched in the number herself.

Jessica was flipping through her mailbox, which was once again crammed full, when Stella’s call came as a surprise.

She said, “Mom, are you coming over tomorrow? Just use the spare key.”

She’d given her mom a copy ages ago.

“Actually, no. The weather’s supposed to be nice, so I thought we could go for a walk,” Stella replied.

Jessica realized it had been a while since they’d gone out alone. “Okay. Any place you want to go?”

Stella looked at Jacob, who shook his head. “Not yet. Got a suggestion?”

Jessica stared at the postcard in her hand, pausing for a moment. “How about the botanical garden? I saw a video recently. It’s supposed to be beautiful with tons of flowers in bloom. They even have a spot for fishing.”

The postcard showed a garden overflowing with color, and she couldn’t help feeling a spark of anticipation.

“Sounds great. I’ll pick you up at 9 tomorrow morning. Make sure you go to bed early. No staying up late.” Stella fussed before hanging up.

Jessica agreed.

As soon as the call ended, Jessica looked at the postcard and her face went white,

She’d done it again–mindlessly followed Brian’s suggestion. Exactly what she’d been trying to avoid.

Her lips pressed tightly together, she felt a surge of disappointment in herself.

She thought, ‘Why can’t I stay firm?‘

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify