Chapter 164 His Friends.
His <b>voice </b>sounded normal, but Tara could tell he was a little
annoyed.
“Oh,” she said tly, “I was just worried about you. Don’t act like you’ve got it all together. You talk about a big game, but honestly, you’re not that special.”
<b>“</b>I-”
“What?”
Tara finally had the upper hand, smirking. “If you’re so capable, why did it take you years to marry the girl you liked? And even after the wedding, you two haven’t spent the night together.”
She strutted off after that jab, not caring whether her son lost his temper.
Once she was out of sight, she slipped into the sunroom.
Tara pressed a hand to her chest and exhaled slowly. Dealing with a sharp–tongued son was exhausting.
<i>But </i>Dawn…
A flicker of worry and helplessness crossed her eyes.
She hoped Dawn never found out certain things.
Ethan waited for Dawn in the living room for about 20 minutes. When he heard footsteps on the stairs, he put away his phone and looked up.
She wore a dress with a light blue gradient skirt and a white coat. She had no extra essories. Her hair was braided to one side, making her look sharp and lively.
Dawn nced at the time, then at him on the couch. “Let’s go. I’m ready.”
Ethan walked over, his gaze briefly tracing her clean, fair corbone.
“Not cold?<b>” </b>
“I’m fine.”
Dawn looked herself over. The wool coat was thick enough to keep her warm.
<b>He </b>said nothing <b>else</b>, just took her hand, and led her out.
At the car, Tara appeared again. Her face mask was gone, and her perfectly maintained face showed almost no signs of age. Her smile made her look like a graceful older sister.
“Dawn, be careful out there. Have fun.”
Dawn waved<b>, </b>smiling. “Will do! See you!”
Once inside the car, Ethan’s tone carried a hint of jealousy. “Feels like you’re more my mom’s daughter than mine.”
Dawn grinned. “Well, of course. My best skill is getting along with the elders.”
“No.”
“Hmm?”
He sighed. “I mean, you’re nicer to her than you are to me. I’m jealous.”
Dawn was speechless. She’d never heard anything like that before. A son jealous that his wife treated his mother well? After a moment, she said softly, “Mrs. Jackson is an elder. Gotta be polite.”
Ethan smiled. “Well, thanks for being polite then.”
He’d never admit it, but he loved how she responded to kindness instead of force.
When she was gentle, she was adorable. <fneda4> Find the newest release on Find1Novel</fneda4>
When she got feisty and cursed at him, she was still adorable.
The sky darkened, the air crisp and clear. Thin clouds drifted across the fading sunset like soft veils.
When they reached the restaurant, Ethan parked, unbuckled his seatbelt, and looked at her. “People joke around a lot here. If anyone makes you ufortable, either snap back or quietly tell me, okay?”
Dawn found it funny, but it warmed her heart. “Got it.”
Getting out, Ethan naturally held her hand as they took the elevator upstairs.
This private ce belonged to the Langleys‘ business. Brogan had a whole floor for himself, where he hung out with friends or met important clients.
Inside the private room, a few people were already there.
Dawn spotted Alice by the pool table immediately, her eyes lighting up so much that she forgot to be nervous.
“Alice!”
“Hey.”
Alice put down the pool cue and opened her arms. “You made it, babe!”
Dawnughed as she hugged her. “When did you get to Northville?”
“Just today.”
Alice’s makeup was perfect, like she’d stepped out of a movie. “Everyone was making a fuss about meeting you, so of course I had toe. Otherwise, who’s gonna stop them from teasing you?”
“Hey, I don’t like how that sounds.”
Alex appeared from behind, casually resting an arm on Alice’s shoulder. He shed a smile he thought was charming. “Hi, I’m Alex Kinney. You can treat me like a big brother.”
Dawn smiled politely. “Nice to meet you.”
He was speechless.
She looked sweet, but she wasn’t falling for it.
Alice, enjoying the moment, shrugged off his arm and hugged Dawn again. “Trying to take advantage? Watch out, or Ethan’ll slice you up with a smile.”