Chapter 114 Don't Think It's a Hassle
When Leopold appeared in front of Caroline, her face lit up with surprise. "What are you doing here? Are you done already?"
Leopold walked over to her desk, his eyes scanning the stacks of approval documents covering its surface. "All wrapped up. I sent you a message on WhatsApp, but you didn't reply, so I came to grab you for lunch."
"Is it that time already?" Caroline glanced at her watch. "I've been buried all morning, I completely lost track."
As she started to tidy her papers, Leopold stepped behind her and began kneading her shoulders. "This is a lot of work. You must be exhausted."
"It's fine," she said, shrugging slightly, a little worried someone might walk in. She gently removed his hands. "You don't have to do that. What if someone sees?"
"Everyone went down for lunch when I was coming up. There's no one around," Leopold said, helping her gather the files. "What are you in the mood for?"
She remembered her afternoon meeting. "Let's just get a quick bite nearby. I have a meeting in the city at two, so I need to leave by one."
"Sounds good. We'll stick close," he said, recalling a decent spot in the alley behind the power company. "How about that fast-food joint?"
"The one behind the office?"
"That's the one."
"Sure, I haven't been there in ages." Once her desk was clear, Caroline grabbed her phone. "Let's go."
She locked her office door, and they walked side-by-side toward the stairwell. As they descended, Leopold playfully tugged on the back of her jacket.
"So, did everything really go smoothly?" Caroline asked, watching her feet.
"Nothing major," Leopold replied. "Otherwise, do you think I'd be back this fast?"
"And this afternoon? Are you heading back to Solstice Mountain?"
She suspected a major shake-up was coming at the company; even if he went back to Solstice Mountain, he'd likely be called back at a moment's notice.
"No rush. I'm staying home to keep you company."
Caroline slowed her pace, her eyes widening in pleasant surprise. "You're not leaving today?"
A wicked grin played on Leopold's lips. "Happy about that?"
She lowered her gaze, a shy smile spreading across her face as she nodded.
The fast-food place was tucked deep in an alley. Despite its distance from the main street, the parking area was always packed. Its reputation for delicious, affordable food had earned it a loyal following of regulars.
Leopold ordered two burgers while Caroline found an empty table inside. She pulled a napkin from the dispenser and was wiping down the surface when Leopold returned, holding two drinks.
"Orange juice or Coke?" He asked.
Caroline reached for the orange juice.
As they waited for their number to be called, Leopold took a sip of his Coke and set it down. "Since I'm free this afternoon, I was thinking of stopping by to see your mom. Is there anything you need me to bring her?"
"Actually, yes," Caroline said. "If you pass by Willow Street, could you pick up some salmon for her?"
"Done. Anything else she likes?"
"That's it for her. But you could grab a carton of cigarettes for my dad."
Leopold had already stopped at the convenience store by their apartment complex that morning and stashed two cartons in the trunk.
"Already got them this morning. They're in the back of the car."
His thoroughness was one of the things Caroline appreciated most; it put her at ease.
A server brought over their burgers. Caroline, keeping a close eye on the time, began eating quickly. Leopold watched her, amused by how her cheeks puffed out like a little chipmunk's. He grabbed a napkin and gently dabbed the corner of her mouth. "Slow down. You have plenty of time."
Caroline gulped orange juice to wash down her bite. "I have no idea when this meeting will end. What are you going to do for dinner?"
Leopold chuckled. "I'm a big boy, I think I can manage not to starve. I'll just grab something wherever."
His plan was simple: if she was going to be late, he'd just find a restaurant.
Caroline took another large bite of her burger, chewing thoughtfully. "You should have dinner at my mom's tonight."
"I don't know, is that a good idea?"
The thought hadn't even crossed Leopold's mind. He'd never even had a home-cooked meal from his own mother-in-law, Quinlan, back in Silverpeak City. The idea of imposing on Caroline's mom felt presumptuous.
"What's not good about it? It's not like you're eating there every day." Caroline pulled out her phone, opened Elysia's chat, and typed: [Mom, we're coming over for dinner tonight. Make something good!]
Before Leopold could protest, she'd hit send. Elysia's reply was almost instantaneous. Caroline played the voice message aloud.
[What time will you get here? Ask Leopold what he likes to eat. I'm heading to the market now.]
"See?" Caroline said, a soft smile on her face. "My mom's even asking what you want." She knew what was holding him back and offered a reassuring look. "Don't feel like you're being a bother. My mom loves it when we come over. It makes the house feel lively."
Leopold had never experienced that kind of warm, bustling family atmosphere. Going with Caroline was one thing, but showing up alone felt awkward.
Her hand gently patted his. "It's okay, really. Just relax and enjoy it. What's there to be embarrassed about at my mom's place? Don't worry."
A small smile touched Leopold's lips. "We'll see. You might not even be back late."
Caroline pressed the voice record button and replied to Elysia. "Leopold is heading over soon. If you need to go grocery shopping, have him drive you and help carry the bags."
"I'm on it," Leopold promised immediately. "Tell her to wait for me."
They parted ways outside her office building. Leopold first stopped to buy the salmon, then picked up some fresh fruit from a nearby stand. He arrived at the door, arms laden with bags, to find Elysia ready and waiting.
"You shouldn't have brought anything! Next time, just come empty-handed."
"Caroline mentioned you love the salmon from Willow Street, and I was passing by anyway," Leopold said, carrying the groceries into the kitchen. "The fruit stand was right next door, and everything looked so fresh."
"And I suppose the cigarettes were 'on the way' too?" Elysia laughed. "Leopold, we're family. Coming here is like coming home to your own parents. Do you bring gifts every time you visit them? I didn't think so. Listen to me, next time, bring nothing."
Leopold nodded. "I understand, Mom."
"Just leave that stuff here. Let's go get our groceries."
"Okay."
Elysia grabbed two reusable shopping bags from the entryway. Having Leopold with her was a genuine treat. She would pick out the produce, and he would trail patiently behind, holding the bags.
She handed him a head of broccoli. "You're already so much more helpful than your father. I can't count on him for anything around the house. You're actually willing to come shopping with me. I can't even remember the last time he came to the market with me—it must have been years ago."
"Mom, anytime I'm in Seaside City, and you need to go shopping, just give me a call," Leopold said.
Elysia beamed. "You're even more thoughtful than Caroline."
Leopold felt a surge of energy, as if he could lift the entire market, not just a few grocery bags.
They were familiar faces at the market, and Elysia had a friendly rapport with many of the vendors.
The seafood monger spotted her and called out, "Elysia! The shrimp just came off the boat. Want some?"
Elysia walked into the stall. "Let me see. Oh, they are fresh, and so big! Yes, I'll take some."
As the vendor scooped the shrimp, his eyes landed on the man behind her. "Who's this young man? Your son? He's incredibly handsome."
"He's my daughter's husband," Elysia announced, her face alight with pride.
"So handsome," the vendor repeated, showering Leopold with compliments before giving them a discount.
By the time they left the market, Leopold's hands were full of shopping bags. They had visited nearly every stall Elysia frequented, and by the end of it, everyone knew she had a strikingly handsome son-in-law.
"You must be tired," Elysia said as she closed the car door.
Leopold started the engine, a smile on his face. "Not at all."
He truly didn't mind grocery shopping with Elysia. On the contrary, he relished the simple, fulfilling routine. It made life feel rich and flavorful.
This was what a life was built on—the hustle and bustle of small, everyday moments.