hapter 378
When Jessica got home from work, she checked her mailbox and found a new bag of candy inside.
That evening, Jacob went to Jessica’s place with the excuse of learning to draw, to snoop around. When he spotted the extra candy wrappers in the trash can, he silently pumped his fist in triumph. Then he went home and told Brian the news.
“She ate some? So this candy must really be to her taste.” Brian let out a long, relieved breath.
Jacob nodded hard. “Dad, where did you buy this candy? I’ll go get some tomorrow too. Mom only has a few left. i need to restock for her.”
With that, Jacob stood up and headed for his bedroom to get his snack jar.
Brian grabbed him back. “Quit fooling around. That candy’s only sold overseas. I’m heading on a business trip there tomorrow, and I’ll pick some up for your mom while I’m at it.”
Jacob blinked. “Is it really just ‘while you’re at it‘?“”
Brian said nothing and just gave him a look to make him shut up.
Jacob let out a silly laugh and didn’t push it further.
Jacob thought, ‘Oh, well, if Dad says it’s “while he’s at it,” then that’s that. Anyway, as long as Mom gets her candy, it’s fine. I’m a good kid now, and I know how to save face for Mom and Dad.
‘I’ve grown a lot. Mom will notice the change sooner or later and forgive my past thoughtlessness.‘
Brian shook his head as he watched Jacob trot off.
Brian thought, ‘Wearing his feelings so plainly. He’s still just a kid.‘
“I’m leaving on the trip tomorrow. If it goes smoothly, I’ll be back the day after. Jim will come over to take care of you while I’m gone.
“Or you can stay at your mom’s, if she’s okay with it,” Brian said, packing his bags and going over his plans for Jacob.
Jacob would’ve loved to stay with Jessica, but he knew she wouldn’t agree. Insisting would only put her in a tough spot, so he reluctantly accepted
Brian’s offer.
Early the next morning, Jim showed up at the door.
Jessica noticed him when she left her apartment, feeling a little curious, but she didn’t ask.
She thought, ‘What does Brian and Jacob’s life have to do with me?‘
“Jessi, I’m off to Yvoria on a business trip today, so I asked Jim to look after Jake for the day,” Brian said. “Oh, and is there anything you want me to bring
back for you?”
She hadn’t asked, but he just had to chime in anyway.
“No.” When Jessica heard Brian was leaving on a business trip, her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly settled back to normal.
‘This is just Brian’s usual routine, after all,‘ she thought.
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