Jay’s Lee POV
I got out of the car and said goodbye to Ken.
“Call me if you need anything. Oh, here’s some money for you. Buy whatever you like,” I said as I gave Ken some money.
“Ok, I’ll wait for you in the lobby. Have fun, don’t think about me,” Ken said as he drove the car to the parking lot.
Now I was in the elevator. I leaned against the wall as I continued to calm myself down. Breathing in and out regularly. I had to admit I was nervous because this was the first time I was going to see my son and Piper on a cold and rainy night.
I knew Piper lived on the seventh floor. But I didn’t know her unit number. Shit! My original plan was to surprise her with a surprise visit. But now that plan had to be canceled because I’d forgotten her apartment unit number. Reluctantly, I sent her a message.
That night my face was full of smiles. It didn’t take long for me to receive a message back from Piper. Unit 707. After the elevator doors opened, I walked straight to the hallway on the right. According to the sign, unit 707 was on the right side of the building.
If I notice, this apartment is quite luxurious with a pretty excellent security system. This apartment has a garden in the center of the building and they equipped the garden with a fishpond, so the air around here feels cool.
I finally arrived at the door of Piper’s apartment unit. I pressed the doorbell a few times.
“Yes, wait a minute,” a woman said from inside. It seemed to be Piper’s voice.
After the door opened, I saw Piper standing in front of me wearing pajamas and house slippers. She left her hair down with a plain face with no makeup. Without makeup and wearing only pajamas, she still looks cute.
“Please come in, sir,” she said as she opened the door wider and let me in.
We sat in the living room and I didn’t see Jensen for a while. Not long after, I saw a middle-aged woman come toward us with two glasses of tea for us, then she left after introducing herself.
“Excuse me, did I disturb you?” I asked, looking at her smooth face.
“Not really. I was just reading a book in my bedroom,” she replied nervously. Yes, I knew she was nervous, and I was too.
“Thank you for having me here.”
“Oh, don’t say that. You’re my boss, and it’s not nice to turn someone away. I already know you anyway. Please drink the tea,” she replied.
“Let’s drink the tea together,” I invited. She nodded.
After finishing the tea, I asked again, “Where’s Jensen?”
“He’s in his bedroom, doing schoolwork. Would you like to see him?” she asked.
Piper, I’m sorry, I can’t tell you yet if I was the man that night and Jensen was our son. Just wait and I’ll tell you the whole truth.
“I don’t think it’s necessary. I don’t want to disturb him. Piper, I have something to tell you,” I said. It seemed like my voice was a little hoarse. This must be because I was nervous.
“Go ahead. What did you want to tell me, sir?” she asked. Our eyes locked and there was a strange thump in my chest that I’d never felt before.
“Jessie and I have a plan to take you on vacation somewhere. Of course, you’re not alone. I want to take Jensen and your mom too. Let’s enjoy some downtime for Jensen and Jessie. Do you want to? Jessie was thrilled when discussing this with me, so I hope you’ll accept,” I said. I saw her face didn’t change significantly. Her eyebrows were furrowed, meaning she was thinking hard.
“You don’t have to answer now if you’re confused. I’ll wait for your answer until tomorrow,” I replied.
She cleared her throat twice. “Thank you for the invitation. But I need to ask Mom and Jensen about this. I’ll let you know the results tomorrow afternoon. I hope you understand.”
“Ok, I hope I will receive good news,” I replied. Unfortunately, when I answered, my stomach suddenly made a noise, and I saw Piper smiling.
“Are you hungry? Want me to make you something?” she asked.
To be honest, that night Piper looked even more beautiful than usual. Her eyes were sparkling and her red lips looked sexy. And one more thing, her voice was so soft.
I felt so embarrassed. Usually, my stomach rarely makes noise even when I’m hungry. I didn’t know why my stomach couldn’t compromise that night. Besides, trying the food cooked by Piper wasn’t bad either.
I nodded, “Yes, please.”
“Ok, wait here for a while. I think my mom still has our dinner in the freezer. Oh, or do you want me to make something else? Something newer, for example,” she asked.
“No, no, no need. I’ll eat whatever you serve,” I replied.
“Oh, ok. I’ll heat dinner then. Just a moment,” she replied as she walked away.
“Wait. Can I come with you? So you don’t have to bother calling me.” I asked.
“Ok, let’s go,” she invited.
Long story short, we sat facing each other at the dining table. She just watched me enjoying the food while I enjoyed the food seriously, as if it was like a person who had not enjoyed food for days. And the food she served was superb comparing the food made by Lily, even though Lily is a culinary school graduate. I should come here more often.
“How do you like the food? Sorry, there’s only this food. Maybe it’s all too simple for you,” she said.
I stopped putting food in my mouth. Yes, everything I ate that night was too simple for me and everything in that apartment was too simple for me too when compared to everything I had and was used to. But something was different. The apartment and the food Piper served me had a warmth to it I hadn’t found since I was a child.
“I like this meal you made. Your mom or you made this meal? And one more thing, it’s more than worth it to me. It can’t be compared,” I replied.
“Oh, yes, you’re right. My mom made that meal,” she replied.
“Can I ask her to cook for me more often?” I asked with a big smile. I missed moments like this. Moments that bring me warmth and happiness after a long day’s work.
“Of course, I’ll persuade her,” she replied. Then, we laughed together. Her laughter sent warm energy into me like a bonfire in the middle of a snowy field.
Maybe I miss the warmth of a family that I never had as a child. And maybe it’s time for me to build a happy little family.
Someone unexpectedly came into the dining room, “Mom, who is he? Do I know him?”
I turned around and found a boy standing behind me. Our eyes met each other in silence and surprise.