“Yes, Mommy.” The two kids nodded their heads.
Natalie gave them a kiss on each of their cheeks, put on a pair of shoes, and left.
After she reached the bar, she was guided by the waiter to the booth that Joyce had reserved.
At the sight of her, Joyce waved her hands. “Nat. You’re finally here. We’ve been waiting.”
“Sorry, the traffic was bad.” Natalie put her bag down and put her palms together as she muttered her apology.
“As your punishment, you have to finish one drink right now!” Joyce said as she passed her friend a drink.
Natalie smiled and was about to take the glass before she was stopped by Stanley. “What’s the matter with your hand?”
Stanley who was usually amiable looked stern as he noticed the cooling pad wrapped around Natalie’s hand.
Joyce noticed the cooling pad as well, and her smile faltered. “Yeah, what’s wrong with your hand, Nat?”
Natalie merely shrugged and replied nonchalantly, “It’s nothing. I got scalded from spilling hot tea.”
“Let me have a look.” Stanley took her hand and examined it. He had only let her go after making sure that she was being truthful. Sighing, he said, “Why are you so careless!”
Natalie gave him an awkward smile.
“Okay, let’s not talk about this anymore. Let’s toast to this big day, the day that Jasmine gets locked behind the bars!” Joyce held her glass high and exclaimed.
Natalie and Stanley got up and clinked glasses with her.
The three of them sat back down after finishing their drinks.
Joyce took the bottle and poured another glass for herself and Natalie respectively.
She did not pour a glass for Stanley since he was just having juice.
He sat right there and watched Natalie and Joyce downed one glass after another. An enigmatic glint fleeted across his face.
After what seemed like an eternity, Joyce burped and slumped against the booth as she lost her consciousness.
Noticing her friend’s odd demeanor, Natalie put down her drink and checked on her. “Joyce.”
“Don’t worry, she’s just drunk.” Stanley swirled the glass of juice in his hands and said.
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