Chapter 234 Accommodation
At that moment, Camilla was already on the train back to Starlight City.
For Zoey's 80th birthday, the three brothers of the Learmond family decided to throw a lively birthday party for her.
Naturally, the younger generation, including Camilla, were also required to return.
The date was set long ago, spanning three days, and since it wasn't a holiday, Camilla had to take time off.
Aurora was still abroad attending an academic conference, and this time she had been away for quite a while. Due to the time difference, Camilla didn't call but instead sent a leave request email in advance.
Fortunately, Aurora was very understanding. Not only did she agree, but she also asked Camilla to convey a few birthday wishes.
At 2 PM, the train arrived at the station.
Bella drove to pick her up.
"Where's Dad?" Camilla asked as soon as she got in the car, looking around but not seeing him, feeling a bit strange.
Bella had a driver's license but didn't like driving, so usually, Alistair handled these things.
Bella looked helpless. "Your dad is busy."
"It's Sunday, and he doesn't have classes."
At this point, Bella couldn't help but sigh.
Camilla felt even more puzzled.
"This is a long story..."
Because it was a birthday party and Zoey loved lively events, although the official birthday party was the day after tomorrow, the relatives from hometown had arrived two days early.
With a dozen people, arranging accommodation became a problem.
Ryan and Zoey now lived in a villa with Maurice, but the villa wasn't very large, with two floors above ground and one below, totaling only four suites.
Moreover, Maurice occasionally entertained friends at home, so a bunch of relatives staying over was too much for them.
Zoey said, "You all figure it out. Maurice's place is definitely not an option!"
Zoey was used to being assertive at family meetings.
Then her old eyes swept over Jared and Alistair.
Since Maurice's place was out, it naturally fell to Jared and Alistair to take on this burden.
Laura was the first to speak, "Mom, I can accommodate two people at my place."
"Don't bother. Your two-bedroom apartment, who knows what those relatives will do to it after one night. You might not care, but I do!"
After her divorce, Laura had taken the route of a refined, strong woman. Whether in her daily attire or social media posts, she was very particular.
Her home was decorated with a lot of taste.
To say Laura was eager to let those unfamiliar relatives stay over would be a stretch.
But since Zoey had spoken, as a good daughter, Laura had to step up and show her stance immediately.
After all, Zoey wouldn't let her suffer.
Sure enough, with one sentence, Laura was off the hook.
Now the pressure was squarely on Alistair and Jared.
Just as Alistair was about to say something.
Jared's wife, Heather, smiled and spoke, "The arrangement is quite good, taking care of both Maurice and Laura. Jared and I would love to help, but the reality is we can't."
She continued, "You see, my parents just let us have the house in Stardust Enclave, and they moved back to our old place. Although we didn't have to spend money on renovations, we still have to buy furniture and appliances ourselves, right? My parents mean well, helping their daughter at their age. Maybe you could help us out a bit too?"
Zoey's face darkened slightly.
Heather quickly changed her tone. "But I said no! You're relying on Maurice and Donna now; how could you have money to help us?"
Zoey's expression softened a bit.
Heather said, "So I didn't come to you with this. No matter how hard it is, Jared and I will handle the expenses for furniture and appliances ourselves. Right now, we haven't even fully furnished the place, and we have to host relatives and friends. It's really not presentable."
"I don't mind being embarrassed, but I'm worried those relatives will ask, 'You live in such a nice neighborhood, how come you don't even have a washing machine?' I can't say we don't have money, that my parents supported us with the house and have no extra money, and you didn't help much either."
"When these relatives leave after the birthday party and go back talking, Jared and I don't care since we rarely go back anyway. But I'm worried about your reputation. Of course, if you think it's no big deal, then I certainly welcome the relatives to stay at our place. I love lively gatherings!"
Heather smiled brightly, waiting for Zoey to speak.
In her heart, she was already cursing.
Heather thought, 'Are you kidding me? I just moved into a new house and haven't even enjoyed it myself, and you want those country bumpkins to stay over? Only a fool would agree!'
Zoey's eyes flickered. "Since your place is newly moved into and not fully furnished, forget it. I can't have relatives and friends without a washing machine for my birthday, can I?"
"Exactly," Heather sighed, but couldn't hide the smile, "If my parents could support us a bit more, life wouldn't be so tight."
Zoey was speechless, but she didn't intend to give Heather money.
Heather thought, 'So stingy!'
Heather indeed was good at reading people. At least, she understood Zoey's thoughts very well.
Maurice, sitting at the head of the table, hadn't spoken the entire time.
He was very busy, and if his schedule hadn't changed, he would have been at the office by now.
Donna stepped in to mediate, "Actually, we can still accommodate some people at home. How about we arrange it here?"
Zoey waved her hand. "I just said, Maurice's place is not an option."
Donna smiled and wisely kept quiet.
Maurice stood up and spoke directly. "No need to argue. We'll book a few rooms at the hotel where the birthday party is being held. Everyone can stay there; it's convenient and easy."
Heather immediately chimed in. "Maurice has thought it through. I agree!"
"Stay at a hotel?" Zoey's face darkened, "How much will that cost?"
Maurice sighed. "Mom, I'll cover the cost. You don't need to worry."
"That's not right! You already take care of the daily needs of Ryan and me, and you're paying for the birthday party too. We didn't just have you! And it's not right to have relatives and friends stay outside when they come for a celebration."
Zoey continued, "In any case, I don't agree with staying outside! Hosting guests at home is the proper way; otherwise, people will gossip about us when they go back to the village! I'm too old to be embarrassed like that!"
Heather's eyes lit up, "I have an idea."
Everyone looked at her.
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