Chapter 254 He's A Total Freak!
The next day, Henry swung by to check on Neil, who wasn't looking too hot.
He parked his car under this old red-brick building, took a moment to finish his cigarette, grabbed some gifts, and headed upstairs.
Henry had bought this apartment; it was in a prime spot and a decent size, about 1,200 square feet.
He knocked on the door, and to his surprise, it was Riley, Aurora's sister, who answered instead of Neil.
Riley was in an apron, looking all homely and gentle. She seemed surprised to see Henry but quickly smiled. "Henry, what brings you here?"
Then she turned and called out, "Neil, Henry's here!"
Henry smiled, watching Riley's back, lost in thought.
Riley turned back, meeting Henry's eyes, which looked a lot like Neil's, and was momentarily stunned before smiling, "I made pizza; Henry, stay for dinner."
Henry didn't turn down the offer.
Just then, Neil came out of the bedroom, fully dressed. Seeing Henry, he was taken aback for a moment before explaining, "Hey, Henry. I wasn't feeling well, so Riley came over to check on me."
Compared to him, Riley was much calmer.
She busied herself in the kitchen, looking very much like the lady of the house, and said casually, "If you and Aurora got back together, I wouldn't have to worry! Look at you, how come you don't have a lady looking after you?"
Neil didn't know how to respond.
But Henry chimed in, "Riley's right! It's my bad! There are extra rooms here; I'll arrange for a housekeeper from the villa to take care of you."
Neil declined as it was too much trouble.
In the kitchen, Riley's face darkened.
The house was Henry's, and Neil was his dad. Henry acted like he owned the place.
Henry unbuttoned a couple of buttons on his shirt and plopped down on the couch to watch TV.
He lit a cigarette, took a slow drag, and said with a faint smile, "This show's pretty good. I've been watching it since I was a kid. I'll have Avery watch it too."
Neil was uneasy. He wanted to explain, but with Riley there, he couldn't say much because women always cared about their reputation.
Dinner was awkward.
After dinner, Riley tidied up and was about to leave. Neil quickly stood up to see her off.
Henry was busy with his phone and didn't say anything.
Neil escorted her downstairs.
When Riley got into the car, Neil hesitated for a long time before finally saying, "Riley, you probably shouldn't come over anymore! Even though there's nothing between us, it's not good for my son to see."
Riley stared at him, then asked, "Are you afraid Henry will be unhappy, or Aurora?"
After a long pause, Neil said, "Henry might be..."
Riley, who had always had deep feelings for him but never expressed them, decided to speak her mind, "Henry can tell I like you, can't he?"
Neil's face went pale. He was a straight-laced guy who'd never stepped out of line. Faced with Riley's bold move, he was at a loss. After a long pause, he finally said, "I'm a married man! Besides, Riley, I've never thought of you that way. I only see you as Aurora's sister."
Riley looked at him deeply, not ready to give up. "Neil, I don't believe you don't have feelings for me."
Neil lowered his voice, "No, I really don't! Stop coming here. I'll get my own medicine."
Riley wanted to say more, but Neil had already turned and walked away.
Even though he was separated from Aurora, they were still married, and Riley was Aurora's sister. He would never do anything inappropriate.
Neil returned home, and Henry was still there.
Henry was lounging on the couch, sipping a cup of coffee. Hearing the door open, he looked at Neil, who seemed a bit down, probably after arguing with Riley.
Henry asked calmly, "Did you argue with Riley?"
Neil stood at the door, his mouth opening and closing, instinctively defending himself, "There's nothing between us! Henry, don't overthink it."
Henry smiled faintly. "She's my aunt; why would I overthink it? I'm just surprised you two are in contact."
Neil felt embarrassed.
When he left years ago, Henry was just a kid, but now he had grown into a man with a commanding presence.
Finally, Neil sighed, "When I left home, I ran into her abroad when I was in trouble. After I lost my memory, we lost contact until recently. Henry, don't tell your mom; she tends to overthink."
Henry remained silent as he picked up his coat and stood. Glancing at the medicine on the table, he finally spoke, "If you're not feeling well, go to the hospital for a check-up. Don't just self-medicate."
Hearing that, Neil felt a warmth in his heart.
Henry didn't say anything more. After all, it was just the affairs between the elders. Riley's feelings for Neil were obvious.
He went downstairs, got into his car, and looked through the gift Aurora had given him. Then he called Grace.
After a few rings, Grace picked up. Henry's voice, though hoarse, held a trace of joy. "How about we go on a date? Just the two of us—let's go see a movie, okay?"
A few years ago, he had talked her out of it, and they never got to see that movie. It was a lingering regret in Henry's heart, and now he wanted to make it right.
Grace refused him. One reason was that it was snowing, and she didn't want to go out. Another reason was that there were kids at home, and Clara had trouble walking. Besides, Henry wasn't the right person to date.
Hearing her refusal, Henry wasn't angry. His voice lowered even more, "Then I'll come over! We can watch a movie at home; it's the same."
Grace thought, 'He's a total freak!'