Chapter 300: The Familiar
“Mind your own business,” Gabriel snorted coldly. “Is that all?”
“Yes,” Alison replied, noticing gazes in the car.
“Then get off.” He ordered coldly.
“I…” She felt her feet were too heavy to move.
“Miss Fairchild, this is my motorcycle. I don’t owe you anything—and you’re the one holding me up.” His voice cut through the wind, sharp enough to sting.
She reluctantly stepped off.
Before her feet were even steady, Gabriel revved the engine.
Just as he was about to pull away, though, Ethan’s urgent voice rang out from inside the car.
“Uncle, I wanna ride your motorcycle!”
That voice made Gabriel slam on the brakes.
He turned and asked, “Little guy, how old are you?”
“Almost five,” Ethan replied, blinking as he stared at the motorcycle, clearly fascinated by it.
“Oh.” For once, Gabriel looked uncertain—awkward, even. Alison caught the flicker of unease; it was the first time she’d seen his cold mask slip.
“Ethan, it’s too cold to sit out there. We’ll be at Logan Mountain soon,” Alison said, trying to dissuade him.
“You’re going to Logan Mountain?” Gabriel asked in surprise.
“Yes!” Sophia piped up eagerly from the car.
Gabriel glanced at Ethan, then at Alison.
After a moment, he said, “I’m heading to Logan Mountain, too. I may give this kid a ride. But just for a bit. If you get cold, tell me, then you can go back to the car, okay?”
“Yes!” Ethan exclaimed, excitedly getting out of the car.
Before Alison stopped him, he had already nimbly climbed onto the motorcycle.
“Ethan…” Aidan opened his mouth.
Ethan interrupted him, “Godfather, if I get cold, I’ll go back to ride in your car.”
This made it hard for Aidan to dissuade him further.
“Then be careful. Don’t wiggle around or you might fall off.”
“Got it, Godfather,” Ethan replied, eager for the motorcycle to start.
Seeing Ethan’s wide-eyed excitement, Alison sighed and turned to Gabriel. “Thank you. He’s a handful—please ride slowly, make sure he doesn’t fall.”
“Got it. I like this boy. Don’t worry.” Gabriel said as he started the cycle. He rode very slowly, soothing her mind.
The moment the car pulled into the parking lot, Aidan’s face turned gloomy.
He asked Alison, “Did you call Lucia?”
“Yes, I also invited Colton and Erin. The more people, the more fun.”
Aidan’s smile vanished. He slammed the car door, the sound echoing like a warning.
Ignoring him, Alison turned to Ethan.
Ethan tugged at Gabriel’s sleeve, chattering excitedly.
Watching the two of them, she was momentarily transfixed—father and son… If not for Gabriel’s face, she might have truly believed they were her Jack and Ethan.
A woman’s voice called out, “Gabriel, I’m late!”
The sound made Alison tremble. It was so familiar… Emily!
Gabriel immediately let go of Ethan’s hand and hurried toward the woman.
“Emily, I just got here too. Let’s go,” he said, naturally slipping his arm around her.
Alison watched them go, her chest tightening with an ache she couldn’t explain.
What a coincidence! Why would Emily be here too?
Alison was confused. If Gabriel and Emily were close, he should have been surprised to see her. Yet, he hadn’t shown the slightest astonishment when they first met.
“Gabriel, stop right there!” she blurted out.
“What is it?” Gabriel didn’t turn around.
“Why are you walking with Emily?” Alison asked.
“Mommy, that lady looks just like you!” Ethan shook her arm. “Is she your sister?”
“Yeah! I’ll get her over here. You two stand together and see how alike you are!” Sophia chimed in excitedly.
The children had no idea about the turmoil churning inside Alison.
The image of Jack falling into the sea kept flashing through her mind.
“Sophia, Ethan, stop it!” Alison’s anger flared.
Sophia burst into tears at the sudden shout. “Waaah… Mommy…”
Alison regretted her shout. She bent down to pick Sophia up and comfort her.
However, Emily had already lifted her into her arms before Alison could.