"Sounds good. | was worried that you'd mind." Everett's main concern was that Dorothy might think he was playing favorites with his buddies.
But Dorothy knew Karen's temperament. She wasn't one to hold grudges, especially not if the guy in question was easy on the eyes like Jeffrey. Karen's tolerance certainly shot up when it came to handsome men! And if Jeffrey had really done something outrageous, Karen would've stormed the hospital by now instead of sitting quietly.
Calling it a hospital was a bit of a stretch; it was more like the Lopez family's own private mansion.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtNot only were the medical facilities top-notch, but they had even flown in a chef from back home! For Karen, it was her first time seeing a hospital spread a feast like this, each dish a delightful assault on the senses. She couldn't help but marvel, "Rich folks live in a different world, huh? Way beyond my simple mind!" Dorothy chuckled at her friend's awe, "You're drooling all over the table." Karen squinted her eyes and grinned from ear to ear, "This is quite the eye-opener. Next time if someone calls me plain, I'l tell them I've dined with Mr. Lopez himself!" "Quit your yapping and eat up," Dorothy said as she pulled out a chair for Karen, just as the last of the dishes were served.
As soon as Karen reached for her cutlery, the door burst open.
They all looked up.
"Everett, you could've invited me, man! Why you didn’t tell me about such a feast?" Without a second glance at Karen, he plopped down in the chair closest to Everett.
The atmosphere turned a tad awkward.
Jeffrey ignored Karen but turned to Dorothy instead, "Langston is your kid?" Suddenly caught off guard, Dorothy offered a nervous smile, "Yeah." She felt a bit uneasy. She and Jeffrey weren't exactly chummy, and their previous encounters had always been tense. Now, to be sharing a peaceful meal with him felt a bit surreal.
"He's sharp as a tack!" Jeffrey had none of those reservations. He lit up at the mention of Langston, "Not only did he inherit Everett's looks but his brains too. And let me tell you, Langston's way more fun than his old man. Not stuck with a poker face all the time!" Everett frowned slightly and shot him a look.
Dorothy knew what Langston was like. The boy who was always one step ahead was certainly a better match for Jeffrey's energy.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"He's into computers. He has been since he was a tot." "Smart and adorable!" Jeffrey exclaimed, slapping his thigh in excitement, "Dorothy, | want one too. Have one for me, will you?" Before Dorothy could respond, Everett glared at him, "Are you out of your mind?" Jeffrey caught the warning in his tone and realized he'd spoken way out of line.
"No, no, | mean... why don't you and Everett have another, and then you can give Langston to me! The kid's practically my bro.
We get along great!" Zipping her mouth, Dorothy glanced at Karen, who seemed unfazed by the conversation and calmly enjoying her meal.
"If you like kids that much, have your own," Everett quipped, nipping Jeffrey's idea in the bud.
Jeffrey pouted, "Me? I'm a bachelor for life! Who am | supposed to have kids with?" Karen chimed in without missing a beat, "You think you'd have trouble finding a woman willing to have your kids?"