Henry lifted Avery and spun her around a few times before putting her down and heading upstairs. Avery's face was flushed, not from the alcohol this time, but from the nostalgic feeling of her girlhood. Even when they were dating, Jason had never spun her around like this. She never expected this scene to happen between her and Henry.
Henry spent some time with Miles and left the school before it got too late. On his way out, he even greeted the security guard.
From the school to his apartment, Henry was very cautious, always ready for Tristan's men to appear from any corner. Fortunately, the journey was uneventful.
Henry initially planned to check on the bar but worried about bringing trouble there. He had a principle to avoid letting outside issues affect the bar’s operations.
Back home, he took a shower, then turned on the TV to watch some news. He saw both Kevin and Ruby on different news segments.
Having been aroused at Avery's place, Henry's desire was now fully awakened. Lying in bed after his shower, he yearned for a woman. He hugged his pillow, imagining it was Emily. Seeing Ruby on TV made him think: Why not call her?
Though Ruby was a few years older than Avery, their figures were similar. In terms of demeanor, Ruby was even more proud and intimidating. Given Ruby's previous hints, Henry wanted to know if she was serious or just teasing him.
Henry immediately sent Ruby a message: "Big sister, can I call you?"
To his surprise, Ruby called back right away.
"Little brother, what's up?"
Henry felt a surge of excitement, swallowed hard, and said, "I miss you."
"Miss me? Miss what about me?"
Playing dumb?
Henry gathered his courage and said, "I don't know, I just miss you!"
Ruby chuckled, "Little brother, grow up a bit. With so many young girls outside, why are you after an old woman like me?"
Henry said, "Who says you’re old?"
"If I’m not old, why were you indifferent at the Harbor Springs Hotel?"
Henry laughed, "I regret it now."
"Really?" Ruby sighed, "I've been out of town for research these days, exhausted!"
Henry said, "Come to Harbor Springs, I'll give you a massage!"
Ruby laughed, "It's over a thousand kilometers away!"
Henry said, "I can come to you."
"Forget it," Ruby explained, "I'm here for research, constantly accompanied by local leaders. It's not convenient."
Henry asked, "What should I do if I miss you?"
"Wait a while," Ruby said, "I'll call you after this federal research tour."
Damn, another appointment? First Avery, now Ruby. But I need a woman now!
"Why didn't you start your research in Harbor Springs?"
Ruby laughed, "Do you think the entire federation is just Harbor Springs? It's vast. Besides, we're focusing on rural development, and Harbor Springs isn't a key agricultural area."
Henry sighed in disappointment.
Ruby laughed, "You're 24, haven't touched a woman in 24 years, what's a few more days?"
Henry liked that. Ruby acknowledging their relationship meant the ice was broken. Next time they met, they wouldn't need to beat around the bush.
"Okay, darling, I’ll wait for you!"
Hearing Henry call her "darling," Ruby, in her forties, blushed.
"You little rascal, don't call me that! If someone hears, they'll be scared to death!"
Henry said, "No worries, darling, it's just for when we’re alone."
To be honest, Henry calling her "leader" or "big sister" never stirred Ruby. But "darling" made her feel nervous, excited, and a bit shy.
"Alright, alright, call me whatever you want," Ruby said, "I have a meeting tonight, gotta go."
Henry replied, "Okay."
After hanging up, Henry's excitement quickly faded. Watching TV, he felt a deep loneliness. He hesitated but decided not to call Emily. With other women, he was just having fun. Rejection didn't matter; he could move on. But Emily was different. His greatest wish was to marry her. Now, with her happy with Andrew, he had already disrupted her life. Wouldn't bothering her now be wrong?
Moreover, he believed Emily was a virtuous wife and mother, unlikely to cheat. If she rejected him, he wouldn't even have his dreams.
Even if they couldn't be together in reality, as long as he didn't break the ice, he could continue dreaming.
Just as Henry was about to change the channel, his phone rang.
No way, did Emily call?
Henry excitedly checked his phone, but it was Victoria.
"Hello, Victoria," Henry asked cautiously, "Is there a problem at the bar?"
Victoria laughed, "No. I wanted to ask where you are."
"At home."
"Been there all evening?"
Henry checked the time, "Yes, unless something happens at the bar."
"Wait, you'll have a surprise tonight!" Victoria hung up.
A surprise? What surprise? Did she misunderstand my actions today and think I’m interested in her, planning to come over?
Honestly, Henry didn't want to touch her. It wasn't because she was marrying Bryan. Bryan had told Henry he never touched Victoria and never would. Henry saw Victoria as too promiscuous. He had been treating her better lately because she was competent and useful. Now, if she misunderstood, what should he do?
After all, it's just like using a public restroom.
Thinking this, Henry got up, dressed, and went to the supermarket to buy condoms. He wasn't worried about Victoria getting pregnant but about cleanliness.