John was evidently in a foul mood. I couldn’t tell whether he was jealous of the liking that Audrey had taken to Ashton or if other matters were weighing on his mind.
The car rounded a corner. A gray van appeared bearing the Fullers’ license plate, which I recognized as the van which had sent Gregory to and fro. I hurriedly wound down the car window, and in that split second in which our vehicles crossed, I caught sight of Gregory’s round face.
Accompanying him on both sides were Tiffany and Thora.
As the distance grew between us, I felt a deepening sense of despair. I hadn’t gotten to interact with Gregory much but felt an attachment to him nonetheless from our brief meetings. Now that we were leaving without a word of goodbye, I wondered if Gregory would miss me.
As if she could perceive my desolation, Audrey leaned against me, mewling. She was as soft and forlorn as a newborn kitten.
My heart melted. Casting Gregory to the back of my mind, I reached out and gave Audrey a tight hug.
…
We soon arrived at the VIP lounge in the airport.
The Stovall private jet was estimated to land in two hours. Concerned that Audrey would be hungry, John regarded the fast-food restaurants that lined the hallway with disapproval. He disappeared, then soon returned with a portion of fish and chips that looked entirely superior to the rest of the meager fare offered there.
Taking a leaf out of Gregory’s book, Audrey sulked, insisting on being fed before she would be willing to eat.
I was indefensible in the face of Audrey’s adorable self. I took extreme pains to coax and flatter her to eat. Fortunately, Audrey was easily won over. As John had promised, she was a lovely, innocent girl who had been pampered but was not yet spoilt.
As Audrey and I took bites in turn, John sat facing us, smiling. It was as if he derived gratification just from watching us.
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