Chapter 32
At that moment, I realized that perhaps what I needed most was to focus on taking care of Jason. As for new relationships? Maybe that could wait. Right now, I just wanted to be a good
father.
“Alright. Let’s go grab some food at the buffet!”
“Yay!” Jonas cheered, and we chatted happily all the way to the restaurant.
Just as we were about to start eating, I spotted a familiar face. Lorraine had just walked in with
a young man. She noticed me almost immediately and came over with a friendly smile.
“Mr. Joplin, what a coincidence!”
I nodded politely. “Indeed, it is.”
Lorraine turned to Jonas and said, “This must be your son. He’s adorable.”
Jonas shyly lowered his head and mumbled, “Nice to meet you.”
Lorraine gestured to the man beside her and introduced, “This is my brother, Ian Sommerton.
Ian extended his hand. “Hello, Mr. Joplin. Lorraine’s told me a lot about you and how knowledgeable you are about investments.”
1 shook Ian’s hand, feeling slightly puzzled that Lorraine talked about me often. After some small talk, Lorraine and Ian went to their table.
I noticed Jonas watching Lorraine curiously. He asked, “Daddy, who is that lady?”
I chuckled lightly. “She’s just a friend of mine.”
Jonas nodded thoughtfully before saying, “She seems really nice.”
I did not respond and focused on helping Jonas with his food.
After dinner, as we headed out, Lorraine caught up with us at the entrance. She looked slightly unsure as she said, “Mr. Joplin, Ian is really interested in investment and would love your advice. Would you be free to have dinner together sometime?”
I hesitated, but before I could answer, Jonas chimed in, “Daddy, can we invite them to our house for dinner? I want Blossom to meet new friends!”
Looking between my son’s eager face and Lorraine’s hopeful expression, I finally nodded. Alright, how about this weekend? Are you free Saturday night?”
Lorraine’s eyes lit up. “Yes, we are! It’s settled, then.”
On the drive home, I felt conflicted. While I was not sure if this was the right decision, seeing Jonas‘ excitement made me think that maybe giving myself a chance would not be so bad.
Saturday arrived in the blink of an eye, and Jonas and I spent the morning preparing. We went grocery shopping together and cleaned the house, while Blossom, sensing our excitement, darted around the house playfully.
In the afternoon, I started preparing dinner. I decided to make some home–cooked favorites- brisket, grilled salmon, roasted vegetables, and homemade soup. Jonas helped wash and prep the vegetables, and we worked together in perfect sync.
At exactly 7:00 pm, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to find Lorraine and lan standing there with gifts in their hands.
“Please come in,” I said. “You really didn’t have to bring anything.
Lorraine stepped inside, looking around admiringly. “Your home feels so cozy.”
Jonas came running from the kitchen, exclaiming excitedly, “Hi, Ms. Sommerton! Hi, Mr. Sommerton!”
Chapter 33
