Stuart shot off another message, but Josephine left him hanging. He fired off a few more, but still, nothing from her.
After a few more minutes of radio silence, his phone buzzed. It was Jair. Stuart picked up, "Hey, what's up?"
Jair chuckled, "I'm in the hospital, and you didn't even bother to check on me? I call you, and you hit me with 'what's up?'"
Stuart replied, "Didn't I call a couple of days ago? It's just a minor injury. When did you get so touchy? I'm waiting for Josephine's call, so make it quick."
"Josephine?" Jair glanced sideways and laughed. "She's on the phone with my Claudia right now, so she's probably too busy for you."
"Your Claudia?" Stuart caught the key word. "Since when was Claudia yours?"
Jair said, "Can't a guy dream a little?"
"Oh, so it's still just a fantasy. You need to step up your game, man."
"Talking about me?" Jair laughed, "What about you? What stage are you at? At least Claudia's willing to take care of me when I'm hurt. What about you?"
Stuart said, "Stop saying things that make me feel bad. How's your injury? When are you coming back?"
"I called to tell you I'll be back tomorrow," Jair said. "I'll still be on leave, so aren't you gonna treat me to a meal?"
"You're injured, just got stitches, and can't drink. What's the point of a meal?"
Jair said, "We can invite Josephine and Claudia and have a little get-together."
"Are you using me as an excuse because you can't find a reason to ask Claudia out after you get back?"
"Don't blow my cover, we're still good buddies," Jair said. "Besides, we might be able to help each other out."
Stuart thought about it and agreed. Josephine would definitely come too. He said, "I'll set it up."
Jair said, "Good."
"By the way, if you're on leave, come by my place. My parents are home, and you should see them."
Stuart had already told Jair about Elbert and Carol.
Jair was quite moved and said, "Of course, I'll definitely visit."
Stuart asked, "Are Josephine and Claudia still on the phone?"
Jair said, "At least another half hour, so just wait."
"Why do they have so much to talk about?" Stuart felt a bit jealous, "What are they talking about?"
"How would I know? I can't eavesdrop."
"Tell your Claudia to hang up, say your wound hurts."
Jair laughed, "Why are you so petty? You can't even let them have a phone call. I'm telling you, with that attitude, you'll never win Josephine over."
"Now you're giving me advice? At least I'm better than you, someone who's never been in a relationship."
"Alright," Jair said, "Let's make a bet and see who succeeds first."
Stuart wasn't afraid, "Bet it is!"
They hung up, and Stuart saw that Josephine still hadn't replied to his messages.
Josephine intended to reply to Stuart after her call, but as it was late, she decided they would meet the next day and didn't respond.
As a result, early the next morning, Stuart sent another message. He asked if she was up, what she had for breakfast, and when he should come to pick her up.
Josephine had some things to do in the morning and planned to go over after lunch. Claudia would be back in the evening, and Josephine wanted to pick her up.
Just as she was about to reply to Stuart, she got another message.
Stuart: [I'm downstairs.]
Josephine looked out the window and saw his car. Stuart was standing by the car, looking down at his phone. Josephine smiled and typed back: [Come on up.]
Within two minutes, there was a knock on the door. She opened it and was immediately wrapped in a warm hug.
Stuart hugged her and kissed the top of her head, "Good morning, Josephine."
Josephine replied, "Good morning."
He let her go and pulled out a food box, "I brought breakfast."
Josephine said, "You should have told me you were coming. What if I wasn't home?"
Stuart shrugged, "No big deal. If you weren't home, I'd bring breakfast to your lab."
Josephine felt a bit warm inside but didn't say anything more. They went to the dining room, and Josephine asked, "How's Jeffery?"
"Speaking of Jeffery," Stuart opened the food box and started laying out breakfast items, "I heard that grandmas favor grandsons. I never believed my mom would be that way."
"And then?"
"Then I was shocked," Stuart said. "I've never seen my mom smile like that, and her voice was so gentle when she was coaxing Jeffery."
"That's how grandparents are."
Stuart wanted to say it wasn't just that. Because Jeffery had their blood, that kind of familial bond was undeniable.
But since Josephine didn't mention it, Stuart wouldn't either.
Josephine had planned to go to Haustia Manor after lunch, but with Stuart tagging along, she hurriedly finished her tasks and went to Haustia Manor with him.
They arrived just in time for lunch. Upon entering, Josephine noticed Carol serving food to Jeffery while Elbert attended to Carol. Andrew, at the head of the table, watched them with a loving gaze.
Hearing the commotion at the door, they all looked over. Jeffery slid off his chair and ran over with his short legs, "Mommy!"
Though he was sensible, he was still a child. After not seeing Josephine for a couple of days, he naturally clung to her.
Josephine had to carry him as she walked in and greeted the elders.
Seeing Josephine, Carol's attitude was very kind, "Josephine, come sit and eat."
Josephine had met Carol a few times, and each time, always finding herexpressionless. But today, she was smiling, and her tone and expression were very kind.
Stuart walked beside her, leaned close to her ear, and whispered, "Not used to it? It's all thanks to Jeffery."
Jeffery, in Josephine's arms, heard it too and whispered, "You're welcome."
Josephine couldn't help but laugh.
She looked at Carol and asked, "How are you feeling now? Is there any discomfort?"
Carol said, "I'm fine."
Elbert said, "But you shouldn't be too relaxed. If there's anything, you must tell me."
Carol glanced at him, "I know."
Elbert served her more food, "Eat more."
"That's enough," Carol said with a hint of helplessness but didn't stop him, "I can't finish it."
"No problem, I'll eat the rest."
Their eyes met, and the affection was evident.
Josephine couldn't help but glance at Stuart. 'Seeing them like this every day, you must have it tough.'
Andrew coughed twice, "Sit down, everyone, let's eat."
Elbert felt a bit awkward and got up to serve Andrew a bowl of soup, "Dad, have some soup."
He then looked at Stuart, "What are you waiting for? Don't you know to serve Josephine some soup?"