I Quit Being a Stepmother (Cypress Gem) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Rhea knew that George was asking when she planned to return to Draventh.

She had known George since they were kids. Since he didn’t usually stick his nose in other people’s business, she figured that he was asking for Nathan.

“Soon.”

George nodded. “I’ll note that down.”

She gave him a bright smile and said, “Okay.”

1701

To Rhea, George was a lot like Nathan. She never had to fake it around him.

In fact, George had always been more easygoing than most of Nathan’s other friends, with a playful sense of humor and far less rigidity. It was only with age that he had grown more reserved and carried the seriousness of someone in a position of power.

Once seated, George didn’t wait for Rhea. He started ordering.

While they waited, he asked, “Mind if I smoke?”

Rhea shook her head. “Go ahead.”

Carter smoked too. So, she was used to it.

But George didn’t light the cigarette. He just looked at her for a moment and said, “You’ve lost weight.”

Just three words, but Rhea’s chest ached at the sound of them. That dull ache almost tipped her over.

She forced a soft laugh. “It’s normal. I’m 28 now. My metabolism is slowing down.”

George raised a brow. “Are you calling me old?”

Rhea blinked, startled. Then it hit her–he was only a year older than her.

“No, no! I meant me. You look younger than I do,” she rushed to explain.

George only smiled in response.

The food arrived soon after. They ate quietly, only occasionally chatting about Nathan’s life. Rhea loved hearing it all.

By the end of the meal, she reached for the bill, but George had already paid it without her noticing.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, Edward was already waiting. It had started to rain.

When the umbrella was handed over, George naturally held it over Rhea’s head.

His gaze was deep and unreadable as he said, “Once you’ve settled into the job, find a time to visit Draventh.”

“Even if I go back, I’ll be on my own. No one will pick me up.” There was a hint of sadness in her eyes,

George said, “I will.”

Rhea paused, then let out a soft laugh. “Oh, please. You’re even busier than Nathan.”

He didn’t argue with her about that. He held the umbrella steady and walked her to her car.

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Chapter 21

+25 BONUS

Just before she closed the door, George said, “You’re coming home. No matter how busy I am, I’ll be there to pick you up.”

He turned slightly. “Drive safe.”

With that, he walked away toward his own car.

Rhea watched him go. George had always been that way. Everything he said and did carried a quiet sense of reassurance. It was no wonder Nathan loved hanging out with him.

And those parting words made Rhea start missing Draventh all over again.

Perhaps it was time to go back.

In the clinical laboratory of a private hospital, Louie had just stopped by to pick up his grandfather’s medical report. He hadn’t expected to run into Carter here. “Mr. Jamison?”

Carter looked indifferent, but his tone wasn’t warm. “Mr. Scott.”

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