Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 512

Her demeanor caught me off guard. Wasn't she always playing it cool, seemingly aloof and just a tad haughty? Could it be she was actually interested?

When she saw me hesitate, she pressed, "Is it inconvenient?"

"No trouble at all." I quickly replied. I couldn't dismiss a guest, after all. She was Janetta's daughter. Besides, she'd come all the way to Silverdale City, so it was only right to indulge her a bit.

I gave Irving a heads up, "Mr. Bradlee, why don't you catch up with my dad for a bit? I'll show Nettie around."

Irving readily agreed, "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Allie."

I winced at his informal use of my name. We weren't that close, to begin with. But they were guests, so I just smiled and let it slide.

I took Nettie around the yard, explaining a little about each spot we visited.

She seemed genuinely interested, inspecting everything with care, and even remarked sincerely, "Your family estate is truly beautiful."

"Flattered you think so," I said, though my words lacked sincerity.

She shot me a look, one laden with meaning, perhaps noticing my half-heartedness. But surprisingly, she didn't seem to mind and continued to be quite enthusiastic.

Honestly, I found it hard to find common ground with her. It wasn't an age thing, and we just didn't click.

After a while, I couldn't hold back, "I mean, you've lived abroad since you were young. This old-timey stuff shouldn't interest you."

She smiled, warming up considerably, no longer icy.

"I only visited my grandma's once. It was an old house and an old yard, and I was too young to remember it well. But that kind of memory sticks with me. That longing for the old, the rustic, even the smell. It's not about where you live."

"That's rare," I commented.

"When I was abroad, I always thought if I got the chance to see a yard like this again, to feel that atmosphere, that would be lovely," she said, circling a rock garden before gently touching an ancient-looking plum tree, her affection unmistakable.

Her words made me take a serious look at her, reconsidering my impression of her as cold and detached.

She pointed out a giant banana tree through a moon-shaped gate, a soft smile on her lips, "My grandma's yard had a big one of these. I never thought I'd fulfill that dream at the Wilburn residence."

Her tone carried a hint of melancholy.