Tiffany broke out into a sly giggle. “Shh, I’m out here without permission! He’s busy in his office right now, so he doesn’t know that I’m outside. Seriously though, I’m a perfectly normal, functional adult! Why can’t I go out shopping sometimes, huh?” she moaned, before adding, “Anyway, do you know how naughty Lil’ P has become the older he gets? He’s doling out migraines to Jackson’s poor mom non-stop through his shenanigans. We’re all starting to think that maybe he was better when he was still a little bean. Sure, that kid rarely stopped bawling, but at least he wasn’t running around like he is right now! God, trying to catch him alone could take a few years away from your life!”
“’Sup?” Sylvain suddenly greeted as he approached the women.
Tiffany pouted. “Hey, this is a girls’ only, no-man-allowed conversation, mister! Anyway, have some roasted almonds. Freshly-made; it’s so good.”
Sylvain took a single almond from the pile and examined it, his eyes belying doubt. “Really? This small little thing? I don’t know, sis, I’ve never had one before. Sometimes, I have caught the smell of people roasting almonds, and yea, they smell palatable.”
Arianne popped some almonds into her mouth and said, “If it’s not as good as we claim, flick me. Go ahead.”
Popping one into his mouth, Sylvain savored it—and promptly fell in love with roasted almonds. He was so thoroughly delighted by his culinary discovery that he declared his intention to buy a few packets of them for Robin after work.
Mentioning Robin commanded Arianne’s curiosity. “So, how’re the two of you? Don’t tell me y’all still can’t live together despite being married.”
Smelling gossip, Tiffany perked up on full alert and waited for Sylvain’s answer.
Sylvain nodded helplessly. “Well, you nailed it. The way her mother sees me is still… I mean, it’s neither here nor there. She doesn’t seem to like me, but she also doesn’t seem to hate me to the core or something, either. Well, at least her dad’s alright. But don’t think I’m worried; I’m not. I know we’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel—just gotta hold on and be patient.”
‘Just gotta hold on and be patient.’ Truer words had rarely been spoken, Arianne thought.
Arianne grabbed a handful of roasted almonds and rose to her feet. She intended to share them with Mark, too.
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