You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 857

“What are you thinking about?”

It was late, and the drive home felt endless. Patricia was fighting off sleep, but the hum of the car and the unfamiliar seat made it impossible to really drift off. She leaned her head against the window and just stared out at the blur of city lights, not really seeing anything.

Mr. Padilla kept glancing over at her, worry written all over his face. He could tell something was off, that she seemed tired and out of sorts.

“I was just wondering why you didn’t go out for drinks with everyone,” Patricia finally said, her voice soft.

He let out a tiny laugh. “You think I’d leave my pregnant wife at home while I go drink with my friends? I’d be risking my life. Someone would definitely give me hell when I got back.”

Patricia smiled a little, teasing, “Who would actually dare to do that?”

He grinned. “My parents, my brother, his wife… anyone, really. The Padilla family doesn’t mess around with house rules.”

He shook his head, remembering. “Once, my brother did exactly that. His wife was so furious, she packed up and stormed back to her parents’ place. My mom actually went out to the yard, cut a thorny branch, marched down to the bar, and dragged him home with it.”

Patricia’s eyes widened. “She really did that?”

“She did. And she didn’t hold back. He was so sore he couldn’t get out of bed for a month. Had to stay home and keep his wife company, whether he liked it or not.”

Patricia blinked, not sure whether to laugh or be shocked. The idea of something like that happening to Jaxon was just… unreal. It was the kind of story you’d only believe if you knew the Padillas.

“You haven’t seen your friends in ages though,” she said. “It’s totally fine if you want to go out once in a while. Derek and the others seem chill. As long as it’s not every weekend, I’m okay with it.”

Oliver let out a low chuckle. “Aren’t you generous.”

She lifted her brows. “Have I ever not been?”

His tone shifted, almost a little grumpy. “Honestly, I’d rather you weren’t so generous.”

Patricia rolled her eyes. Most guys wanted their wives to just let them do whatever. Trust Oliver to be the opposite.

He reached for her, pulling her gently onto his lap. One arm wrapped around her waist, the other resting on her stomach. “Has the baby kicked yet?” he asked, almost whispering.

Patricia wandered into the dining room for a glass of water, only to bump into Katie, who was coming down the stairs.

“You’re finally home,” Katie said, pulling open the fridge for some ice cream. “Mom was worried sick all night. She kept saying she handled things badly yesterday, that Pattie might be mad, or worse, you’d both just pack up and go back to Riverdale without saying a word.”

Patricia took a sip of water, looking down at the glass. She didn’t say anything. Lydia’s concern was real, and it was hard to be upset about that.

“We just had some things to take care of, that’s all,” she said quietly.

Katie raised an eyebrow. “You mean about Nick?”

Patricia nodded. “Yeah.”

Katie snorted. “About time. If Grandpa hadn’t stepped in… well, Jimmy would’ve sorted him out ages ago.”

She lowered her voice, glancing around to make sure they were alone before continuing. “Last time, Nick sent some guys to hit on Sara at a bar. Roger found out and got into a fight with him. Jimmy wanted to talk about it, but with the promotion coming up, he didn’t want to make trouble, so he just sucked it up.”