Chapter 76 Favoritism
"Not coming up?" Brad called out.
I stared at Zoe's empty seat, arms crossed, refusing to get in.
Brad chuckled, teasing eyes making me fume.
'I'm not getting in. What can you do?' I thought.
Brad sighed, got out, shook the seat cushion outside, and put it back. He grabbed a clean blue blanket from the trunk, folded it, placed it on the seat, and extended his hand. "Please get in."
I tried to stay cool, but his gesture made me smile. I took a step forward, still pretending. "Brad, I can go back myself. It's out of the way now."
During our senior year's winter break, our families moved, ending over twenty years of being neighbors with the Pitt family. Helen kept the old house's garden and stayed there occasionally.
Ronan joked it was like traveling between two homes.
Brad said, "Helen's cleaning up there. Your dad's making barbecue for lunch, and you need to help."
"Great. Barbecue near National Capital University isn't as good as Northern Institute of the Arts. Brad, you should make the sauce; I miss it."
I got in, buckled up, and Brad ruffled my hair. "I brought the usual ingredients to satisfy your craving."
"Thanks, Brad." I sat proudly, glancing at Zoe's frustrated face in the mirror.
Brad always had everything covered. If it weren't for the setting, I'd kiss him as a reward.
"Brad," Zoe said sweetly, "What kind of barbecue is it? Can I try it too? Brad, please?"
In the mirror, Zoe's shy smile made me want to puke.
Flirting with Brad in front of Daniel? And Daniel just put up with that?
I glanced at Daniel, looking stiff and ashen.
"No," Brad said flatly, no room for argument.
Zoe's fake shyness froze, and she looked awkward.
Brad focused on driving, face unreadable.
I laughed out loud.
To deal with Zoe, I had to be as blunt as Brad.
The car stopped in front of the house. Four elderly folks stood at the entrance, two shading their eyes.
"Dad, Mom, Hugh, Emma, we're back." I jumped out first. Brad grabbed my backpack and followed.
"Oh, my daughter is back! Come in quick. I've been up since early making food for you," Ronan said, waving and smiling.
Emma, beaming, took my hand and pinched my cheek. "We heard you were coming back, and we were thrilled. Jane, you're getting more beautiful. Look at this skin, so tender!"
"You're just flattering me, Emma," I replied.
We were catching up when Daniel showed up, looking disheveled with a huge travel bag, a suitcase, and another bag, while Zoe trailed behind with a small bag.
Daniel, usually clean and elegant, now looked like a mess. Watching him struggle with the luggage, I had to stifle my laughter.
Emma's smile faded when she saw Zoe. Zoe greeted her, but Emma responded politely and didn't engage further. Despite the awkwardness, Zoe persisted.
If it were me, I'd have left long ago, but Zoe seemed oblivious.
"Alright, stop chatting at the door. Jane, come in; the barbecue is ready," Helen said, pushing me and Brad inside.
Daniel, prompted by Zoe, tried to follow. Brad frowned. "Everyone to their own homes, don't go to the wrong house."
Brad followed Ronan into my house. As the door closed, I saw Emma and Hugh looking puzzled, probably thinking Brad had lost it.
"Brad, why are you in my house? Didn't you say everyone to their own homes?" I asked, tossing my coat into the laundry basket.
Brad washed his hands, went to the kitchen, and started setting up for the sauce. "Didn't you want my sauce?"
"Oh, right. So, are you going back after making the sauce? Your brother brought his girlfriend; it's a big family reunion."
I leaned against the kitchen door, watching Brad. Even making sauce, he looked good.
Brad kept working but glanced at me. "Jane, you're still so ungrateful."
Helen tapped my forehead. "What nonsense! Brad's been busy all morning, buying things, making the sauce, and picking you up. How can you be so ungrateful?"
"Ouch, that hurts! Who's responsible if I get hurt?" I rubbed my forehead.
Brad put down what he was holding, wiped his hands, and came over to rub my forehead. "Mrs. Hanks, you really went for it; it's all red."
I slapped his hand away and glared. "Don't pretend to be nice. It's your fault I got hit and scolded."
Brad said, "Yes, it's all my fault. I busted my ass and stressed out, not even sure why. Alright, don't be upset. If you get hurt, I'll take responsibility, okay? I'll take care of everything for you, from meals to bedtime, the whole deal. I won't let you end up on the streets."
I couldn't respond to that, so I swallowed and went to watch TV with Ronan.
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