In the car, Josephine turned to Laura, "You sure you're okay? Let's skip driving and just grab a cab over there."
Laura shrugged, starting the engine. "It's just a fender bender. You scared?"
"Terrified," Josephine clutched her chest. "I nearly had a heart attack."
"Relax, it was just a little bump. They'll cover the damages, and I'll hit them up for some emotional distress cash too."
"You think they'll actually pay up?"
Laura smirked, "Did you catch the license plate?"
Josephine shook her head, "No, what about it?"
"That plate's not for regular folks. Bet it's some big shot. I saw someone in the back, and the guy who got out was just the driver."
"Oh," Josephine eyed her. "You're sure you're not hurt?"
"Nope," Laura replied. "But don't tell anyone, especially Steven, okay?"
Josephine nodded, "Got it."
Laura added, "I'm leaving my car at your place tonight. I'll grab it tomorrow. Just say you hit a wall while parking."
"What?"
"Just say that. If Steven finds out, he'll never let me drive again."
"Drive carefully," Josephine was still shaken. "Stop talking and focus on the road."
"It wasn't my fault; the car in front braked suddenly."
"Then keep a safe distance."
"Okay," Laura slowed down. "Just don't tell Steven, or I'll never speak to you again."
"Just be careful and don't speed."
"Got it."
They seemed to reach an understanding.
When they pulled up to Haustia Manor, another car arrived right after them.
Stuart showed up a bit later but still in time to see Josephine. But why was Laura with her?
Stuart hurried over, "You guys made it? Come on in."
"It's late," Josephine said. "We don't want to bother Grandpa and the others. Just bring Jeffery out, and we'll head out."
Stuart glanced at Laura, "Thanks for bringing Josephine. I'll take her and Jeffery back later."
Laura laughed, "You don't need me anymore? No worries, Mr. Haustia. I'll stay with Josephine tonight."
Stuart wished he could call Steven right now to deal with Laura. It was late, and she still wanted to stay over?
Josephine chuckled, "Stop joking. Go get Jeffery."
Stuart had no choice but to go inside.
Josephine turned to Laura, "I don't want Stuart driving me. I don't feel safe with you driving alone, so stay with me tonight. If you want to leave, take a cab or have Steven pick you up."
"I'll stay with you," Laura said. "If he picks me up, it'll be too obvious."
"Just don't drive for the next few days."
"I told you, it's fine."
Just then, Laura's phone rang. She glanced at it and saw the person she added as a friend on the road had transferred money to her.
She showed it to Josephine, "Look at that, generous, huh?"
"Is it enough to fix the car?" Josephine asked.
Laura nodded, "I checked, the car's not too bad. It's enough."
"If it's not, I'll cover the rest," Josephine offered.
"I don't need your money," Laura playfully punched her. "It's more than enough, even for emotional distress. I'll split it with you."
Josephine laughed, "You keep it."
"Told you they wouldn't stiff me. They even paid up without me asking, and a good chunk too."
Josephine nodded, "Seems like a decent leader."
Laura smirked, "Or maybe a shady one, being that generous."
As they chatted, Stuart came out with Jeffery, and Elbert followed.
Josephine and Laura quickly greeted, "Hello, Elbert."
"Hello," Elbert smiled warmly. "Why don't you come in and sit for a while?"
"It's too late," Laura said. "We didn't bring anything today. We'll come by another day to see you and Carol."
"Haven't seen you in years, you're still as beautiful as ever," Elbert said to Laura. "How are your parents?"
Laura smiled, "They're doing well, thank you for asking."
After a few more pleasantries, they left.
Elbert watched the car drive away and sighed, "So many years have passed."
Stuart was surprised; Laura was so well-behaved and polite in front of Elbert.
In the car, Josephine said, "You were so well-behaved just now."
Laura grinned, "I did it for your sake. If it were someone else, I wouldn't have bothered."
The three of them chatted and laughed on the way back. Not long after they got home, Steven called, asking when she would be back.
Laura said she wasn't coming back.
Steven sounded frustrated, "You're really leaving me alone?"
Josephine went to take a shower, and Laura lay on the big bed alone.
She remarked, "At your age, you can't be obsessed with sex all the time. You have to look after yourself."
Steven was annoyed, "Are you calling me old again?"
"Not old," Laura said. "You're in your prime, but you still need to be moderate, right?"
"Then I'll pick you up first thing in the morning?"
Laura thought for a moment and said, "Okay."
"I'll have someone bring your car back."
"No need," Laura said. "Josephine said she'd drive it for a couple of days, so it's staying here."
"Doesn't she have a car?" Steven asked. "Why is she driving yours?"
"I want her to drive it, is that a problem?"
"Fine," Steven replied without further debate. "What if I get you a new car?"
"No need," Laura said. "If I wanted one, I'd buy it myself."
"Wouldn't it be special if it's from me?"
"They all have four wheels, what's the difference?"
They chatted for a while, and Josephine came out of the shower.
After hanging up, Steven sighed. 'How to make Laura happy?'
She didn't even want a new car.
As he was pondering this, his phone rang. He answered, "What's up?"
Rex said, "Got time? Let's go for a drink."
Normally, Steven would decline. But he was feeling bored and lonely today. He asked, "Where?"
Rex gave him the address and was surprised, "So eager today? Don't need to stay with your Laura?"
"Laura's at Josephine's, staying over."
"I see," Rex said enviously. "She and Josephine are really close."
Steven laughed, "Forget it. Just hold on, I'll be there in thirty minutes."
En route, he received a call. Answering, still slightly puzzled, he said, "Gerald? You really dialed my number?"
They had known each other since school. Gerald was a few years older and they had a good relationship. But over the years, Steven had been busy with business, and Gerald with his official duties, so they hadn't kept in touch much.
Gerald said, "Tonight, a car rear-ended mine. My driver told me the car is registered under your name."
Steven's heart skipped a beat, "Is everyone in the car okay?"