บท 27: Familiar ice cream shop
Abigail and Jasper left the restaurant and decided to walk to the ice cream shop that was close by.
It was the same parlor where Abigail and Elsa used to come often. The pistachio ice cream there was quite good, and Abigail liked to eat it very much. Unfortunately, she was not allowed to eat ice cream often because of her health issues.
Her condition had improved now, and she was eager to enjoy her favorite dessert. So, she couldn't say no when Jasper invited her to join him for ice cream.
They walked silently beside each other.
Jasper was ecstatic. This silence seemed so peaceful, and it was possible because Abigail was with him. Otherwise, the silence left him feeling lonely.
He caught a glimpse of her and noticed a faint smile on her face. Her eyes were filled with glee.
He was quite familiar with it. He remembered how excited she used to get whenever an ice cream truck passed through their neighborhood.
Abigail would run out of her house toward the van, only to be chastised by her mother.
Jasper would buy ice cream and have his sister deliver it to her.
Abigail would express gratitude to Elsa, and Jasper would smile contentedly.
As he reflected on the past, the corners of his lips curled. He was, however, unaware of it.
Meanwhile, he noticed a young boy on a bicycle riding quickly toward them. He assumed the boy would hit Abigail. So, he moved over to the right, guarding her.
His visage became icy cold as he glared at the boy. It was as if he was going to yank him off his bike and thrash him.
The young man swiftly turned the bicycle slightly to avoid colliding with Jasper and scowled at him. His expression showed his displeasure. He appeared to want to say something, but nothing came out of his mouth. When he met his cold stare, he lowered his head and drove away.
Abigail was unaware of their heated exchange of stares. She entered the ice cream shop, intending to buy a large box and share it with Christopher.
Abigail remembered he hadn't returned home as soon as his name came to mind. She wasn't sure if he would return tonight or not. She eventually decided to take a small cup and eat it sitting there.
At the very least, she would have Jasper with her. Eating alone was tedious.
When Jasper arrived, she had already placed her order for the pistachio ice cream and found a table to sit at.
Jasper took his seat and was about to ask her what flavor of ice cream she had ordered when he heard her say, "I miss Elsa. This place is very close to my heart. We often came here when we were in college."
She took a look around. "Nothing much has changed. Thank you for bringing me here."
She rested her wandering eyes on him.
"I understand how special this place is to both of you," Jasper said. "Whenever Elsa is in town, she likes to come here. You might also come here often."
Abigail drew her chin down. She hadn't been to this side of town since she got married. Besides, Christopher was very particular about what she ate. He would not allow her to consume anything that would make her sick.
After the surgery, she had become weaker and more susceptible to illness. There was no doubt in his mind that he would allow her to eat ice cream.
He bought her a container of ice cream after her condition improved in the last few months. That only happened once... six months ago. He hadn't brought any ice cream since then, and she hadn't asked for it either.
"I haven't been here in two years," she said. "Christopher buys me ice cream whenever I want to eat."
She didn't tell him the truth.
"Okay." Jasper nodded.
He didn't like it when she talked about her husband, even though he knew she was married. He simply looked at the ice cream in front of him instead of eating it while Abigail was enjoying it.
She licked her lips, relishing the flavor. She looked up and noticed him staring at the bowl in a daze.
"Your ice cream has started to melt."
"Yes, I... will eat." He took up the spoon. "What is your decision? Are you willing to join my company?"
"Yes," Abigail replied without hesitation. "I am willing to take the training."
Jasper was relieved. It was only then that he started eating the ice cream.
"Tomorrow at 10 a.m.," he murmured.
"I'll be there on time," she promised.
On the other hand, Christopher became agitated when he couldn't find Abigail. He wasn't even sure if he had seen her or if it was all in his head.
Christopher, who had refused to return home, finally decided to go back. He wanted to be certain that the woman he had seen in the restaurant was not her. He thought Abigail couldn't come here to meet a man.
However, what he had witnessed appeared to be so real. It couldn't be a figment of his imagination.
Christopher was disturbed. He was curious to know whom she was meeting with.
He was eager to get home after the luncheon.
Brad was delighted to hear it, but he was also taken aback. "You are leaving! Why? Do you dislike the food that my maid prepares?"
He pretended to be disappointed, only to earn a scowl from him.
"Didn't you ask me to go back?" Christopher shot back. "I am now going back. Aren't you happy?"
"Me? Huh…" Brad sighed exaggeratedly. "You are my buddy. I enjoy it when you stay at my place. Now that you are leaving, I will miss having dinner, watching football, and going to work with you. But I can't ask you to stay another few days at my house. Abigail must be wondering what spell I cast on you to keep you from returning to her."
He chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Go home. She will be delighted to see you."
Christopher snorted. Based on the way she smiled at that man, she seemed to be enjoying her days.
She didn't seem to miss him at all.
Christopher felt insecure for the first time. He had a feeling that she had been ignoring him. Instead of checking on him to see when he would get home, she was having fun with another man.
He needed the answer. He would ask her what she was up to.
"I may not come tomorrow. Deal with the meetings."
"Don't worry. Have fun with your wife."
Brad waved to his friend as the Bentley sped away.
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