Lydia froze for a moment, clearly caught off guard. Brian's left side was occupied by Maryanne, which meant the seat on his right should have been hers. She had already discussed it thoroughly with Estelle. Tonight was supposed to be her chance to sit beside Brian and show the best version of herself.
After all, this dinner had replaced what was originally meant to be a birthday banquet for Wayne. The real purpose behind the intimate dinner was to quietly bring up the marriage between her and Brian. Given the setting and the family pressure, she was certain he would not refuse.
Everything had been arranged perfectly. But in the end, Kayden had swooped in and ruined the plan.
Lydia kept smiling, though it did little to hide her frustration. "Kayden, your seat is over there next to your grandmother. They even brought over a special chair just for you."
Kayden ignored her completely. "I don't need it. I'm already a big boy and can sit in a regular chair. Besides, I'm here to take care of my daddy tonight. A children's seat will only get in the way."
Lydia's smile stiffened. She tried to reason with him and softened her voice. "Kayden, you're still so small. You need someone to look after you. How could you possibly take care of your father? Why don't you be a good boy?"
Kayden's expression immediately darkened. "Are you saying I'm not capable? I've been taking care of Daddy these past few days. I'm the one who helps him with his meals."
The seriousness in his tone and the determination in his gaze left no room for argument.
Lydia hurried to explain, "That's not what I meant…"
Trying to ease the tension, Estelle stepped in, her voice gentle but firm. "Kayden, why don't you come sit with me? Let Lydia help your father tonight."
Kayden was on the verge of losing his temper. He could hardly stand how his grandmother kept pushing this woman onto his father.
Just as he was about to voice his refusal, Brian spoke calmly from his seat. "There's no need. Let Kayden handle it. It's a small task, and he can manage."
With Brian's words so clear, even if Lydia was fuming on the inside, she had no choice but to swallow it. The rest of the Perry family dared not argue either.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Mr. Norman, She's Out of Your League Now