Chapter 194: They Eat Barbecue Together
After a moment, Zoey's reply came: [He hasn't contacted her these past few days, I think. I'm planning to go for my checkup tomorrow.]
Matilda quickly responded: [Make Charles go with you. He needs to share this responsibility.]
Zoey: [I know, Matilda. Don't worry about me. Are you settling in okay at the base?]
Matilda: [Yeah, the atmosphere here is great. Weather's nice too. You should come visit when you have time.]
Zoey: [Can I even get into a military housing complex?]
Matilda: [Just sign in at the gate.]
Zoey: [Sounds good. Once things are stable with the baby, I'll come see you guys.]
...
Phoenix City. After chatting with Matilda for a bit, Zoey felt hungry. She put down her phone and headed downstairs for food.
It was nine p.m., and Charles still wasn't home.
Mrs. Chubby saw her come down. "Zoey, still up this late?"
Zoey shook her head. "I'm hungry. Want barbecue."
"Should I... go buy some for you, or..."
"I'll go myself," Zoey said.
Her appetite had improved—she wasn't nauseous all the time anymore. But her cravings were weird. Whatever she wanted, she had to have immediately. Wait even an hour and she wouldn't want it anymore.
To Charles and Mrs. Chubby, this seemed a bit demanding. Whatever. Let them think she was high-maintenance.
The family had a driver. She had him cruise around the streets.
"Mrs. Gonzaga, interested in this place?"
A trendy new spot—owned by some celebrity's father. Super popular, people lining up outside.
Zoey shook her head.
The driver pulled up to another place. An established barbecue chain, also packed. Their grilled beef was legendary. Zoey used to come here all the time before getting married.
She still shook her head. Her mouth wanted it, but her stomach felt queasy. Pregnancy was so strange.
The driver opened a review site, listing the hottest barbecue spots, taking Zoey to each one.
Finally, across from Phoenix City University's main gate, Zoey was drawn to a street vendor.
Nothing fancy about this barbecue stand. A married couple ran it—husband grilling, wife adding seasonings and packing orders.
Zoey felt strangely envious. They showed no affection, yet somehow embodied the phrase "growing old together."
"Stop here," Zoey told the driver.
But as soon as she got out, she saw two people sitting at the stand eating barbecue.
They looked completely out of place—one in a suit, the other in an expensive designer dress. Precisely because they were so out of place, it created a romantic effect.
The two people were none other than Charles and Janice.
After eating a while, Charles got warm. He took off his jacket, revealing a blue dress shirt underneath. Rolling up his sleeves, he kept eating.
Zoey watched for a moment, then turned back to the car.
"Mrs. Gonzaga, not eating anymore?" the driver asked.
"Suddenly don't want it. Take me home," Zoey said.
The driver could only open the door for her.
Once the door closed, Zoey said, "Let's go to that first place."
The driver felt like she was jerking him around.
...
At the barbecue stand.
Janice placed a grilled eggplant on Charles's plate. "Try the eggplant. I remember you used to love this."
Charles glanced at it. "You eat it. I've got my own."
"Too much; I can't finish. I'm treating—if you don't eat, you're not giving me any face."
"Don't be so polite. I just helped you rent a place and find temporary work.. The rest is up to you."
"I know."
Janice tucked her hair back. "Remember in college? We loved late-night barbecue. You always said the simpler the stand, the better it tastes. True enough—eaten at plenty of places over the years, but none match these mom-and-pop spots."
Charles wiped his mouth with a napkin. "I'm full. Take your time."
Janice ate very slowly,whether actually full or deliberately stalling. Between bites, she asked, "Need to rush home to your little wife?"
Charles nodded. "It's the right thing to do."
"You're a good husband. It's a pity I made mistakes back then and lost you."
"Don't bring up the past. No point."
Janice smiled at him. "But this time coming back, you were still willing to help me. I'm really grateful."
She pulled a tissue from her purse and wiped her mouth. "Let's go."
They hadbeen sitting on low stools. When standing, Janice stumbled slightly.
Instinctively, she grabbed Charles. He instinctively steadied her.
Brief physical contact.
Their eyes met. Both froze.
They'd been intimate before. Facing a familiar body stirred long-dormant memories.
Charles released her first. "You okay?"
"I'm fine. Thank you."
"Get in. I'll take you home." His car was parked nearby.
Janice opened the passenger door. "Can I sit here?"
That seat was usually reserved for wives. But she'd already opened the door, and if she sat in back, it would make Charles look like a chauffeur.
"Go ahead."
Janice got in and smiled at Charles. "Don't know if it's from not working so long, but I've been exhausted lately. You drive—I'll close my eyes for a bit."
Charles nodded. He knew where she lived—he'd rented the place for her.
Half an hour away. After getting in, she seemed to actually fall asleep, her headresting against the seat, eyes closed.
She'd always fallen asleep in cars. All these years later, the habit hadn't changed.
Driving, memories flooded back. That age of first love—feelings sweet yet tinged with bitterness. All his firsts went to her.
First crush. First time searching for someone in a crowd. First time eating street food with someone. First time...
Too bad they could never go back.
Arriving at her building, Charles parked and glanced at Janice beside him.
Aside from faint crow's feet, she looked unchanged.
After a moment of silence, he shook her arm. "Janice, we're here."
Janice opened her eyes, looking around in confusion. "Already? Didn't sleep nearly enough."
"Go up. Your daughter's probably waiting."
"Her..." Mentioning her daughter, Janice smiled awkwardly. "The nanny's there. Nothing to worry about."
"Still, keep an eye on things. Nannies aren't family."
"Right. I'll... head up then."
Charles's car drove away. Janice remained standing there.
She hadn't actually been asleep. When he parked, she knew he was watching her.
She'd hoped he might lean over and hold her. But he didn't.
Maybe they really couldn't go back.