Chapter 89: Taken Care of

“That bastard needs to eat,” Jack slurred as he turned around in a big arc, probably looking for his drinking partner. Stacy held his shoulders and turned him back to the counter. “Just eat. We’ll make sure he eats.”

Chad looked at her with wide eyes. “We were?” Stacy narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, you are. Judging from how he left, I don’t think he’s doing well. Would you bring some of these to him?” She nudged his arm while nodding towards the variety of food on the counter.

Chad hesitated a little. “Will you be alright?” He studied her with a worried expression. “Come on, I’m fine! The only condition I’m having now is hunger. This whole feast can fix it. Just go,” she assured. “Oh, and tell the men outside to grab their dinner here. I don’t think a few of us can finish it.”

With a heavy heart, Chad left with three plates he grabbed randomly. Stacy grabbed the utensils and settled beside Jack.

“You know, he really likes you,” Jack suddenly said as he chewed on his food. “Who?” Jack raised his hand and pointed in a random direction. “Him.”

“Chad? Yeah, I can tell,” Stacy replied with a small smile. “Yeah, him. And also him.”

“Which is the second him?” Stacy asked again but got no response. “This him?” She pointed at him. “As in you?”

Jack turned to face her. He waved his hand in front of her face. “No.. I like you, but not in that way.” Stacy exhaled a small laugh. “Yeah, you are into Nelly.”

“No,” he waved his hand again. “I like her too, but not in that way. Maybe in that way, but..” Ooh, it’s getting interesting. The conversation went in a way that really caught her interest. Stacy raised her brow. “Oh? But?”

“Will was waiting to meet you again all these years,” he said instead, completely ignoring her question. “Turns out both of you are relatives.” He made a sound that sounded very much like a mocking laugh.

Stacy sighed. She realized Will’s intention, but she had no feelings towards him. She had always thought of him as a friend. It was a relief when she found out that they were actually related by blood. At least, she didn’t have to go through with the process of rejection. From the stories she gathered, they must have already known each other back before she was sent away. She never knew that he had been waiting for her since then. He must be devastated.

“I understand if Will is feeling down. But what’s with you? Why do I feel that you have some unsettled business as well?” Stacy asked as she chewed on her food.

“At least he got his closure,” Jack mumbled as he pushed his food around the plate. “Is there a particular person in your heart?” Stacy looked over at him, trying to read his expression to guess the answer.

Only, his face was in his food. Stacy shrugged and continued eating.

Just then, a group of men walked into the kitchen. She recognized some of them. They were that group of men playing cards the night where Chad dented Matt’s face. It was awkward. Some of them averted their eyes while some of their faces dropped when they saw her. Surprisingly, it didn’t bother her anymore.

“There’s a lot of food. Help yourself!” She said. “Wow! Why’s there so much? Someone’s getting married?” A man said. His friend elbowed him.

“Our Jack thought he’s a chef in a big restaurant after taking a few shots,” she explained while nodding towards the man sleeping on his food.

Their attention finally shifted to Jack. Two men walked over and poked him. “Ayy, wake up and drink bro!” They were teasing him while the rest of the men started grabbing their own portion of food and laughing at the whole situation.

Quietly, she grabbed three plates and slipped out of the area. Jack was in good hands and Chad would make sure that Will lives. That leaves her with one.

She asked around and navigated her way to a secluded area of the clubhouse. She immediately knew that it was the room she was looking for. Two guards were placed in front of the room and a huge lock kept the door secure.

The guards eyed her warily as she approached. “Hey, can I enter?”

They exchanged looks. “You have permission?” One of them asked.

“Chad knows I’m here,” she said. “Don’t worry, I won’t do anything outrageous. You can check me for weapons.” Her calmness made her sound convincing.

The guards exchanged looks again, silently communicating and discussing the issue. Finally, one of them nodded. “Forget the body check. Chad might put a bullet through our heads for that. Just go.”

Stacy beamed at them. “Jack made a lot of food. Have some!” She handed the plate to them. Seeing that none of them moved to take it, she urged, “hurry up and take it. Three plates are heavy.”

They looked like they were having a dilemma. She practically shoved a plate at one of them. “Th.. thanks,” he stuttered.

She held the remaining dishes and stood in front of the door. “May I?”

Only then did the other man jump and reach for his keys. Stacy kept her face carefully expressionless as she watched him fumble with the lock. ‘If a real enemy was to enter, you will probably be dead before you find your key,’ she quietly judged his dullness. “He’s new,” the other man explained.

“Oh,” she was caught off guard. “Glad to know,” she smiled at him. ‘How did he know I was judging his partner?’

“Your face has subtitles,” he said with a blank face, as if replying to her thoughts. She laughed at that. “You’re good! What’s your name?”

He shrugged her off. “I don’t do pleasantries. We can skip the introductions.”

“Sure, Mr. I don’t do pleasantries,” she gave him a crooked smile. “Enjoy your meal!”

Saying that, she entered the room.