Chapter 458 I Don't Want to Be a Jerk
Carol handed a list to Kathy, who took it with a sigh and shot Susan a look that screamed, "Sorry, can't help you."
Susan, being her stubborn self, told Kathy, "You go grab the stuff. I got these curtains covered!"
Carol, nodding like she was all satisfied, chimed in, "Take breaks if you need 'em. Worst case, no curtains tonight."
"I'll get 'em done by tonight," Susan said, already hunting for a ladder to start the job.
As Susan walked away, Carol's lips twisted into a mocking grin.
Susan climbed up and down, yanking down curtains from both floors, huffing and puffing 'cause those things were heavy.
Good thing the house had a bunch of bathrooms. She dunked the curtains in four or five tubs and started stomping on them, singing a tune just to keep herself entertained.
Carol might've wanted to mess with her, but Susan wasn't having it. 'It's just some hard work, no biggie. Let's see what else she tries,' Susan thought.
By lunchtime, Susan had only managed to wash about half the curtains.
Kathy came to fetch her for lunch. Susan smiled and said, "I'll be there once I finish this one."
Kathy leaned in and whispered, "What's Mrs. Carol Anderson's beef with you? Why's she got it out for you?"
Susan chuckled. "She thinks I'm not good enough for her son 'cause I come from a humble background."
"But Ms. Anderson's husband isn't from a fancy family either, and she treats him like gold," Kathy pouted.
"Are you talking about Seb's sister, Rylee?" Susan had heard about her but never met her.
Word was, Rylee fell for some regular guy and went abroad with him right after they tied the knot. They were supposed to come back soon, just in time for their wedding.
"Yeah, Mrs. Carol Anderson spoils Ms. Anderson the most. But Mr. Seb Anderson isn't so much. Mr. Todd Anderson is closer to Seb," Kathy said.
"Daughters are often their mom's pride and joy," Susan thought of her own daughter, Spring.
"Alright, food's getting cold. Let's eat. You'll need the energy. I can help you with the curtains later," Kathy offered.
"Forget it. She won't let you help," Susan had Carol's game figured out. Otherwise, she wouldn't have sent Kathy on a wild goose chase for useless stuff.
At the table, Susan kept her head down, munching away.
First, she had nothing to say to Carol, and second, she was starving after working all morning.
Carol glanced at Susan and asked, "How's the curtain washing going?"
"Got about half done," Susan replied.
Carol nodded. "Eat up and keep at it this afternoon."
Todd frowned and said, "She's been at it all morning. If she keeps going, she'll be wiped out. Just hire some part-timers to help!"
Carol's eyebrows shot up. "That fabric's top-notch. No way part-timers can handle it right."
"Mrs. Carol Anderson, maybe I can help Mrs. Susan Anderson with the curtains this afternoon?" Kathy suggested, treading carefully.
Carol shot Kathy a glare. "I'm not feeling well. You need to come with me to the doctor."
Todd looked like he wanted to argue, but Susan jumped in, "Dad, I can finish the curtains myself."
Todd gave Carol a helpless look, then turned to Susan with a kind smile. "It's okay if you can't finish. Don't push yourself too hard."
"I know, Dad," Susan smiled and nodded.
Carol gave them both a disdainful look. "I'm full. Kathy, let's go to the doctor."
"Yes, Mrs. Carol Anderson," Kathy quickly followed, not daring to object.
After lunch, Susan got right back to work, no slacking off. She finally finished washing and hanging all the curtains before it got dark.
Completely wiped out, Susan collapsed on the bed.
After a while, the bedroom door creaked open, and Seb walked in.
Seeing him, Susan closed her eyes again, too tired to even lift her eyelids.
In the darkness, a large hand found hers, bringing a touch of warmth.
Then, his voice whispered in her ear. "I know you've had it rough. I'll hire someone to help with the housework."
"Your mom won't let you," Susan said weakly.
"I make the decisions here," Seb said firmly.
Too exhausted to say more, Susan stayed silent.
She quickly fell asleep and didn't know when he left.
After a long nap, Susan opened her eyes to see Seb leaning against the headboard, reading by the light of a bedside lamp.
"Awake?" Seb put down his book and asked gently.
"Yeah," Susan stretched, still feeling weak and tired.
"Are you hungry?" Seb asked, looking at her.
"What time is it?" Susan dodged the question.
"Past midnight," Seb glanced at the wall clock.
Susan frowned. "Of course I'm hungry! I haven't eaten all day and did so much work!"
Seeing her tearful expression, Seb smiled. "Sit up!"
"I don't want to. I'm so tired!" Susan half-joked, half-serious.
"Come on, sit up," Seb said, pulling her up and then carrying her to a nearby chaise lounge.
Susan wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm really exhausted. Not tonight!"
Seb rolled his eyes. "You've overworked yourself. I'm not that kind of guy!"
Susan laughed. "You're worse than that."
"Your mind's still sharp. Guess you're not that worn out," Seb teased.
"Who says? I'm really worn out!" Susan pouted.
Seb pulled out a large thermos from somewhere and placed it on the coffee table.
Under Susan's puzzled gaze, Seb unscrewed the lid, revealing two flower-shaped pastries, a bowl of steaming cream of mushroom soup, and two plates of delicious-looking side dishes.
"What is this?" Susan asked, dumbfounded by the sight of the food.
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