She would visit the hospital daily every afternoon and would prepare a nutritious breakfast and lunch if she had extra time on her hands, which Ringo would deliver to Jefferson.
Jefferson once commented about how her outstanding culinary skills had ruined his desire to order takeout ever again since she began cooking for him.
“I’m willing to cook for you just because you’re a patient.” Rayna rolled her eyes. “Don’t get used to it. I look forward to you returning the favor when you’re back.”
Jefferson’s lips quirked as he nodded. “Of course. I’ll cook anything you want.”
Rayna brought Jefferson to see Linda the minute he’d recovered from his leg injury.
“Let’s eat with her later.”
“Are we heading over to your mom’s?” Jefferson felt surreal as he’d never expected Rayna to bring him to see her mother.
He fretted, “I would be remiss if I didn’t bring any gifts since it’s my first time visiting your house.”
“It’s all right.” Rayna was amused as she lay her hand on his before he opened the door. “You don’t have to. My mom doesn’t fuss over stuff like these. Besides, you have all the time in the world to do so in the future.”
“Well, if you say so.” An imperceptible smile graced Jefferson’s features as he held Rayna’s soft palm.
Ringo, their driver, darted a glance at them and shook his head.
He thought, “I can’t believe Mr. Hamilton is on cloud nine just because he got to visit Rayna’s parents.”
Rayna used her keys to unlock the door to Linda’s house.
She took a pair of slippers for Jefferson from the shoe rack and called out, “What soup are you preparing, Mom? It smells heavenly!”
“Belle, you’re here!”
Linda wiped her hands on her apron at the sound of Rayna’s voice and made her way out of the kitchen. “You like to eat beef stew with vegetables, don’t you? I made some for you…”
Her voice trailed off once she caught sight of an unfamiliar young man following Rayna.
“Belle, who is this?” Linda questioned dazedly.
She assumed Rayna had made up with Curtis when she mentioned bringing her boyfriend over for a meal over the phone this morning.
Why isn’t Curtis with her?
“Right, both of you haven’t been introduced.” Rayna beamed as she pulled Jefferson to her side. “This is my boyfriend, who took good care of me when I was studying abroad!”
“It’s a pleasure, Ms. Linda.” Jefferson greeted as he bowed politely.
His name was familiar to Linda.
She knew they’d broken up but did not pry because she respected Rayna’s privacy.
Little did she know Rayna would bring him here many years later.
“Hello.” Linda hid her surprise behind a smile and nodded at Jefferson. “Belle mentioned you in passing. I’m grateful you took care of her while she was studying abroad.”
Jefferson’s gaze at Rayna was full of mirth as he replied to Linda, “I should thank you instead for raising such a beautiful and bright daughter.”
Linda waved her hand in embarrassment. “I didn’t do much at all. Belle’s achievements are all due to her effort.”
“I can see that Belle’s personality and looks took after you. I feel threatened that she’s so popular!” Jefferson chuckled.
“Oh, is it?”
Rayna couldn’t stand their conversation any longer and interjected, “That’s enough flattery. Why don’t you focus on preparing food, Mom? We hadn’t eaten anything since the morning as we’ve been craving your food.”
Linda urged Jefferson to sit on the couch and made tea for him.
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