She Just Can't Handle It
Alison froze.
Jack leaned lazily against the elevator door, his gaze resting on her petite face.
"You done?" he sneered.
"Done?" Alison furrowed her brow.
"Done with what?" she asked, puzzled.
Ignoring her, Jack instead turned to Caden. "Caden, let's talk."
Alison froze. "Jack, he's my friend. What are you trying to do?"
"Can’t I talk with him?" Jack smiled.
"I don't mind if you talk to Caden, but not today," she insisted, worried Jack would beat Caden to a pulp.
"Why not?" Jack countered.
"Aidan's about to arrive at our house. Don't you think you should go home and host him?"
"Aidan and I see each other all the time — no need to make a fuss over him. We can entertain anytime."
"He's going to take Tyler away." Alison's voice turned cold.
"When did he say he was going to take Tyler away?" Jack asked, his expression growing serious.
"This afternoon."
"What exactly happened?" Jack strode toward her.
"Emily wanted to take Tyler with her, and Aidan said that he was going to take Tyler back."
Jack narrowed his eyes, thought for a moment, and then said in a low voice, "He's Tyler's father. If he wants to take him, let him. You go home first and pack Tyler's things. Caden and I need to talk."
"Aidan doesn't even know how to hold a baby properly. Asking him to take care of Tyler's daily needs is a joke, isn't it? I don't agree." Alison was furious.
"Well, that's up to Aidan."
"All right, I get it. I'll head back first, and you can come with me. Tomorrow, I'll go with you to talk to Mr. Whitaker. Is that okay?"
"No, we have to talk today," Jack insisted.
"Jack…" Alison growled under her breath.
Jack's face darkened. "Alison, I have serious business to discuss."
Just as the couple was about to start arguing, Caden chuckled.
"What are you laughing at?" Alison turned her head, her face still flushed with anger.
"I was wondering. They say marriage is the tomb of love. How long have you two been together? I hear married couples get the seven-year itch. What about you?" Caden sneered.
Alison's anger flared even more. "Caden, this is none of your business."
"I'm really sorry, but it seems your marital spat has dragged me into it." Caden turned to look at Jack, his tone growing even more mocking. "Besides, Mr. Winston, did I ever agree to talk to you? I have plans tonight. I'm leaving now."
He strode toward his car.
"Caden…"
"Is there anything else you need, ma'am?" Caden stopped in his tracks.
"No... never mind. Go ahead," Alison said.
"Then let's head home." Jack took her hand, walking toward his car.
Alison yanked her hand away. "Mr. Winston, are you asking me to ride in your car again? Is that appropriate?"
Jack froze.
Recalling how he'd left her alone on the road that morning, he said, "It won't happen this time."
"I don't want to ride in your car anymore." Alison headed toward her own car.
"Achoo…" She'd barely taken two steps when she started sneezing.
"Fine." Jack paused only briefly before turning and striding after her.
When she reached her car and opened the door to get in, she found Jack already sitting in the passenger seat. "What are you—"
"If you won't ride in my car, I'll just ride in yours." Jack grinned.
"You..." Alison gritted her teeth.
Just as she was about to scold him, another sneeze burst out. "Achoo..."
She snapped, "Get out of the car!"
"Honey, I'm begging you." Jack smiled.
"That's not sincere."
"What should I do?"Jack asked.
"Kneel on a durian tonight—no knee pads allowed," Alison growled.
Jack's eyes shifted slightly as he smiled. "All right, I'll kneel myself."
Only then did Alison start the car and head home.
After dinner, rush hour had passed, and traffic was smooth.
She glanced at the time.
It was almost 8:00 p.m.
She pressed the Bluetooth button and called him.
The call was answered quickly.
"Where are you?" she asked.
"I'm just about to head out," Aidan replied.
"Okay, see you in a bit," Alison said before hanging up.
She sighed in relief.
It was good that Aidan hadn't arrived.
She still had time to get ready.