Chapter 134 Undercurrents Surging
Thea waved her hand, trying to catch her breath. "I ran all the way here from the bus stop. I'm beat. Got any water?"
Maria handed her own cup to Thea, who downed it in one go. After finishing, she exhaled and slumped over the table, weakly saying, "I'm starving."
"You didn't have lunch?" Maria asked, surprised. Wasn't Thea supposed to have lunch with someone?
Thea hesitated. How could she explain? She had no appetite facing her father, and Ryder had taken her to her least favorite restaurant. She'd rather starve than eat there. "Maria, got any food?"
Thea looked at Maria pitifully, her eyes lighting up when she saw the cookies in Maria's hand. "Maria, you're the best."
Maria watched Thea quickly devour the cookies, feeling a bit resigned. "By the way, Thea, we have to give a speech at school tomorrow. Have you finished yours?"
Thea, her mouth full, could only nod and look at Maria questioningly. Maria pointed to a drawer. "It's done. I put it in the drawer. Mr. Watson said we can go straight to the school tomorrow morning without coming to the office first."
As they chatted, they didn't notice Laura glancing at Maria's drawer with a flicker in her eyes.
After work, Maria gathered her things and left the office. Just as she stepped outside, her phone rang. It was her mom calling. Maria answered, and Kelly's voice came through immediately. "Maria, Dr. Adams came to see me. Are you off work yet?"
Maria was taken aback. Since Kelly left the hospital, she hadn't seen Frank. With her new job at Luminex Innovations keeping her busy, she hadn't thought to contact him. Hearing Kelly mention Frank reminded Maria of her promise to take him out for dinner.
"I just got off work," Maria began, but Kelly interrupted, "Then come home quickly. Dr. Adams is waiting for you."
The call ended abruptly. Maria took a deep breath and hailed a cab home. As soon as she got in, her phone rang again. This time it was Henry.
"Are you off work?" Henry's voice was brief and to the point.
Maria pressed her lips together. "Yes, but I need to go to my mom's place. I won't be home for dinner."
Henry sounded a bit surprised and resigned. "Alright. Do you need a ride?"
"No, it's fine," Maria quickly declined. If Henry knew she was going to see Frank, he'd definitely be upset. "I'm already in a cab. Just let Grandpa and the others know."
After Henry agreed, Maria hung up and hurried home. When she arrived, she saw Frank sitting on the living room sofa. Kelly came out of the kitchen, smiling brightly. "Maria, you're back. Sit down and chat with Dr. Adams. I'll finish up in the kitchen."
The aroma of food filled the room. Maria glanced at the dining table, already set with five or six dishes. The scene made her nostalgic, reminding her of the times Kelly would cook a feast to celebrate her scholarship or Molly's good grades.
"I'll help you," Maria said, putting down her things and heading to the kitchen. Kelly waved her off. "No need. It's almost done. You've had a long day. Just keep Dr. Adams company."
"Kelly, you really didn't have to make so many dishes," Frank said, standing up with a hint of resignation.
Kelly smiled and motioned for him to sit back down. "I wanted you to try my cooking."
With that, she hurried back to the kitchen. Frank sat down, smiling at Maria. "Congrats on joining Luminex Innovations."
Maria was surprised. "How did you know?" She hadn't told Kelly but had mentioned it to Molly. Did Molly tell Kelly? Before she could ponder further, Frank answered, "Molly told me."
"You and Molly are in touch?" Maria asked, astonished.
Frank smiled. "Yeah, she checks in about your mom."
His words made Maria pause, feeling a pang of guilt. Since being hurt by Kelly, she hadn't paid much attention to her health. She realized she hadn't been a very dutiful daughter.
"Maria, how's work at Luminex Innovations?" Frank asked, bringing her back to the present. She nodded. "It's going well."
"That's good," Frank said, thinking about the man he saw that night. Did Maria know who he was?
"Maria, come help with the dishes," Kelly called from the kitchen. Maria got up to help, with Frank following. Kelly's smile widened. "Dr. Adams, you don't need to help. Just two more dishes. Maria can handle it."
"Kelly, just call me Frank. I don't mind helping. You should take a break." Frank's words pleased Kelly even more. The atmosphere between them was harmonious.
At the dinner table, Kelly enthusiastically urged Maria to serve Frank. Maria, feeling a bit overwhelmed, interrupted, "Mom, let's just eat."
Kelly was slightly displeased with Maria's attitude but didn't say anything in front of Frank. As they ate, Kelly suddenly got up and brought out two bottles of wine. Before Maria could protest, Kelly had already opened one. "I almost forgot the wine. Frank, you must try this. It's expensive."
"Mom, it's just dinner. We don't need wine. Besides, Frank has to drive home," Maria interjected.
Kelly frowned, clearly unhappy. "If he gets drunk, he can stay here. We have plenty of room."
"Mom, what are you talking about?" Maria took a deep breath, trying to suppress her frustration. Kelly was being unreasonable.
"Kelly," Frank said, smiling to defuse the tension. "I have to work a night shift at the hospital. I can't drink tonight. But I'd love to come back another time to enjoy your cooking."
His words made Kelly smile, though her expression remained a bit sour. Maria pressed her lips together, saying nothing. Frank poured a glass of wine for Maria. "Maria, you can drink with Kelly. Red wine is good for you."
Maria knew Frank was trying to ease the tension between her and Kelly. She could drink the wine, but she couldn't give Kelly what she wanted.
After dinner, it was late. Frank got up to leave, and Kelly asked Maria to see him out. Maria, feeling tipsy from the wine, was sitting on the sofa trying to sober up. She had drunk more than half of the two bottles.
Maria forced herself to stand and walked out with Frank. He noticed the flush on her cheeks and asked, "Maria, are you okay?"
Maria nodded, her reactions slowed by the alcohol. Her dazed look made Frank smile.