Joseph’s quick thinking saved the day. The lunch session went by smoothly without more awkward episodes. Everyone ate their fill and dispersed to continue with their respective chores.
Nora arrived as we were about to send Channing home.
“Grandpa!” We could hear her shouting as she ran in from a distance away.
Channing looked up and was elated to see his granddaughter. “What is my little girl doing here?”
“I am here to meet my friends.” Nora held on to Channing’s arms and teased, “Are you here to meet your old friends?”
Channing looked at Ashton and smiled, “My old friend is no longer around. This is the grandson of the old Mr. Fuller. Let me introduce them to you. This is Ashton, and next to him is his wife, Rachel.”
Nora was baffled. She looked at me and mouthed, “Wife?”
I just smiled and did not elaborate.
She scowled at Ashton and spoke sarcastically. “Hi Ashton, when did you get a new wife?”
“You little imp! Mind your manners and stop spouting nonsense.” Channing knocked her on her head and chided.
Nora flinched but did not pursue the matter as she wasn’t sure what transpired. She chatted with Mr. Oberick for a while then arranged for a driver to send him home.
After Mr. Oberick left, she turned back to Ashton and Rachel. “I did not know it is okay for a married boss to have an affair with his subordinate, let alone doing it openly right in the face of the wife! Well done, you two!”
She then turned to chastise me. “Knowing my grandpa is not aware of the situation, why did you not explain to him?”
“It doesn’t matter. Let it go.” I gave her a reassuring smile as I reminded her of the group of friends waiting in the car. “Have all of you eaten?”
She shook her head. “We just arrived and are about to have our late lunch here.”
I nodded and urged them to go for their meal. In the meantime, I headed back to finish off my work. We were all happily looking forward to camping.
It was almost eight at night when we finally set off to the field where we planned to camp. We were a little worried as it was getting late and it would be difficult to set up the tents in darkness. Luckily, the field was not far away.
When we reached the field, someone had already set up a tentage. Nora glanced at me and queried, “Did you invite any guests?”
“Nope. Why did you ask?” I was puzzled.
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