Henry felt a surge of joy: Could it be Ruby calling?
He took out his phone and saw it was Avery.
Avery had been his target, but an unexpected interlude had occurred. Seeing that it was almost 9 PM, he wondered...
Henry answered the phone, "Hello?" and suddenly heard Avery's voice next to him, "Thank you. Erick hasn't called since."
Indeed, Henry confirmed that Avery's voice was coming from nearby.
He turned around and saw Avery holding a child's hand and calling him on her phone.
Henry immediately hung up and walked towards Avery.
Avery was puzzled: Why did he hang up?
She thought it was a signal issue and was about to redial when she heard Henry's voice, "Hello, big sister!"
Avery turned her head, "It's you! What a coincidence. What are you doing here?"
Avery was holding her son Miles' hand. Miles was in first grade at Harbor Springs University Primary School.
Miles peeked at Henry, looking mischievous with his big, lively eyes, and was quite handsome.
"Yes," Henry smiled, "I was having a bite at the stall and happened to hear your voice."
Avery smiled sweetly, "Thank you. He hasn't called since."
"No problem, it was a small matter."
Thinking of Avery's professional dance moves in the office made Henry's heart itch. What would it be like to hold Avery in bed?
"By the way, don't you live in the development zone? Why are you here for a late-night snack?" Avery asked, curious about the distance.
"Oh," Henry explained, "I've been staying at my brother's house for a long time, which is inconvenient. So, I temporarily rented an apartment in Rosewood Estates."
Avery's eyes lit up, thinking: Did he move near the school because of me?
Avery already had some feelings for Henry, as evidenced by her dance performance in the office. If Henry didn't get the hint or seemed clueless, she would take a gradual approach, slowly opening his heart. Knowing Henry lived nearby, Avery felt no rush. As a person of some status, she didn't want to seem too eager, fearing Henry wouldn't appreciate it. So, she just smiled faintly and said nothing more.
Avery's reaction left Henry a bit confused. Based on the afternoon in her office, Henry believed Victoria's words that all women had a bit of a coquettish side, and Avery was no exception. At that moment, Henry felt that if he reached out, Avery would melt in his arms. But that was in her office, and she had a favor to ask. Making a move then might have seemed opportunistic.
Henry still lacked experience. He didn't realize that pursuing a mature woman was different from pursuing a young girl. Chasing a young girl involved ideals and romance, slowly building a relationship. Chasing a mature woman required simplicity and directness because their needs were different. Mature women had their own lives and sought only sexual fulfillment or excitement. Henry had it backward. He thought he could be bold with young girls, believing he could handle any consequences. But with mature women, he hesitated, feeling he was deceiving them.
He thought that by mentioning his new residence, Avery would follow up, asking for details and perhaps visiting his place. If Avery came to his home, even with her son Miles, Henry felt there would be hope. He could even invite her over the next evening. But Avery's reaction left Henry disappointed, thinking her actions in the afternoon were merely to use him against Erick. Erick's issue was resolved, and she was just calling to thank him.
Just then, Miles asked Henry, "Uncle, do you have toys at home?"
Avery understood her son's intention and pulled him closer, giving him a stern look.
Henry was determined not to let Avery slip away. Besides her charm, he also wanted to get back at Jason. He realized Miles could be his way in.
"Of course, I do. Do you want to buy some toys?"
Avery said, "Don't listen to him. He's in first grade. What toys does he need?"
Henry took Miles' hand from Avery and said, "First graders are still kids! Let's go to the supermarket."
In the process, Henry deliberately touched Avery's hand before sliding to Miles' hand to gauge her reaction. Fortunately, Avery didn't pull away and showed no signs of displeasure, making Henry excited. He thought: Avery is a leader and has to maintain a certain demeanor, but she doesn't dislike me.
Feeling hopeful, Henry was energized. After walking a few steps with Miles, he lifted him onto his shoulders. Miles was thrilled but looked back at Avery, worried she might scold him. Avery just smiled. She had always been annoyed that Jason, concerned about his image, never let Miles ride on his shoulders. Seeing Henry do it made her feel like they were a real family, enjoying happiness.