Chapter 82

Ava's pov

I watched Dale beam at Mr. Rice's words, and my heart filled with joy. There was something genuine in his smile, and I couldn't help but believe he was warming up to the older man.

That was a good thing and I could not wait for my aunt to enjoy a whole lot of light and happiness in her life.

She was righting most of the wrongs my mother made and I was super glad about that.

A cell phone on the table began to vibrate and Mr. Rice raised his hand, excusing himself as he picked up the phone. "Sorry, I have to take this."

There was a collective nod at the table as he answered the call and placed the phone to his ears.

"Oh, you are here already? That is great news. Come into the restaurant. You will find us all in there." He said to the person on the other end of the phone.

"Sorry, that was my son. When he heard that I was meeting up with your kids today, he insisted that he also wanted to see you." The man said.

Dale and I exchanged glances, intrigued by this new information. I have never thought that he had a child, but considering his age, that should not have been hard to guess. But most importantly, I wondered how Dale would take this information.

He had already felt threatened when I came in. He didn't trust Mr. Rice and now, another boy was coming who might just make him feel less of himself.

"You didn't tell us that you had a son." Dale quickly injected, his tone harsh and brittle.

I stared at him and could already see the cool and calm around him breaking down bit by bit.

"I was fully aware of that. You guys are just knowing. But I am certain you will like him. He is a great kid." Aunt Clara said with a big smile.

Beside me, I could feel Dale's body tensing up and I quickly held his hand so as to calm him down and let him know that everything was under control.

He let out a breath and in that instant, a shadow was cast on the restaurant door. Simultaneously, everyone at the table turned their heads in the direction of the door and the sight that greeted me made my knees go weak in a delicious kind of way.

A tall young handsome man walked into the restaurant as though he owned the whole space. There was swag on his steps, a confidence in his smile, and a radiant glow in his great looks. He had the kind of body that would turn the heads of any woman and boy I turned.

Finally, he got to our table and clasped hands with Mr. Rice.

"Good day, Dad. I see that you are surrounded by very good-looking people. Do you mind introducing me to them?" He said, his eyes sweeping through the three of us.

His gaze lingered for a second more on me and something fluttered in my belly from that extended gaze.

"Everyone, this is my son, Justin. Justin, this is the light of my world, Clara Newton and her two children, Dale and Ava." Mr. Rice made the introductions.

"Good day, everyone." Justin greeted and slightly bowed to Aunt Clara. "Ma'am, I must confess that you look really pretty. Now, I understand why my dad was so enamored by you."

I was impressed with his skill at complimenting people and it was gladdening to know that he liked Aunt Clara. She was finally having that happy ending that she always wanted.

"Well, I am glad that you think I am good-looking." Aunt said to him.

"I don't think you are. I know for sure that you are. Even to a blind man, it is as clear as day." He said.

Her cheeks are bright red as she blushes hard at his words. The excitement bubbling off her was contagious and I grinned at the exchange.

Certain that my mom was at ease with his words, he turned the focus of his attention onto me.

Jeez, there was just something so sexy about his eyes. I could stare into them all day. Who the hell was this boy?

"You must be the daughter." He said and offered me his palm.

I stared at his long well well-tended fingers and landed mine on his. His palm wrapped around mine and I had to confess that his hand was soft and cuddly.

"You have nice fingers," I confessed as I stared at him.

"And you have a very beautiful body and soul." He said.

His face stayed on mine, making it crystal clear that he wasn't lying with his words.

A smile lined my lips and I blushed at his statement.

"Thank you so much. It is rare to see a man as gentle as you are." I said, responding to his praise.

Beside me, Dale let out a snort and my heart beat immediately spiked. I had taken my hands off him to shake Justin and that must have annoyed him. Was he mad at me? I took my eyes off Justin and looked at Dale.

His head was bowed but I could already see the thin pressed line of his lips. This was crazy. I needed to do something quick to calm him down.

"And you must be, Dale. The son." Justin said, and gently let go of my hand.

I watched him offer Dale his hand for a handshake.

The tension in the room heightened a bit as everyone had their eyes fixed on Dale. Justin already had a brow up, glancing at me to ask what was wrong. I could tell he was getting pissed off at being ignored by Dale.

Deciding to diffuse the situation a little bit, I touched Dale. "Hey, you are being addressed."

He raised his head, stared at me for a second, stared at Justin, and without a word, walked out of the restaurant.

Shock went through everyone seated there. My mouth hung in surprise, shocked that Dale would do such a thing. Justin had not done anything out of the ordinary, so why was he mad?

"I will go and talk to him," I said, getting up to my feet, but my aunt stopped me.

"No dear. Let me go and talk to him." And with that, she left me at the table with Mr. Rice and his son.