Chapter 585 Help Me Fasten My Seatbelt
"You won't," Richard said, dead certain.
Richard knew Brian too well; the guy wasn't the type to off himself.
"I will," Brian shot back, running up to him, all serious. "You have no idea how close I was to losing it. If my heart dies, I'm just a zombie."
"Shut up," Richard snapped, finding him annoying.
Brian clammed up right away. "Okay!"
Elara watched the whole thing, totally puzzled. Were these guys really pushing forty? They acted like kids.
"Are you really going?" Richard asked, eyeing the suitcase in Elara's hand.
Elara nodded. "Yep!"
"Leave the suitcase, just take your usual bag," Richard said, not stopping her anymore. "And if he pops the question, don't say yes right away. Don't just go along with everything he says."
"Got it," Elara replied quickly. She changed into a stunning outfit, makeup on point. Clearly, she was going on a date.
"You don't need to go all out," Brian chimed in, "If you look too good, he'll get cocky."
"No, he's pretty clueless," Elara said, knowing Jesse well. After putting on lipstick, she added, "I'm dressing up to make him think I had a date this morning."
Brian looked confused. Could that really work?
"Richard, Brian, I'm heading out," Elara said, slinging a small bag over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling with a smile. "Have fun."
Brian watched the door close and asked Richard, "Who does Elara like?"
"Jesse," Richard didn't hold back.
"Who?" Brian froze, looking dazed.
Richard gave him a look, knowing he heard right.
"Jesse Thornfield, the president of HorizonTech Group?" Brian asked, though he hadn't met Jesse, he knew a bit about him. "And Daphne trusts him a lot?"
Richard nodded.
Brian slumped on the sofa. What a small world, everything seemed to loop back to Daphne.
"How's Daphne doing now?" Brian asked, curious.
Richard glanced at him and simply said, "She's doing well."
"Well, you know, I'm not doing well," Brian suddenly changed the topic, focusing on Richard. "I have nowhere to go. Can you let me crash here for a bit?"
Richard ignored him.
Elara was driven by a driver Richard arranged. When she got to the coffee shop, Jesse wasn't there yet. She didn't rush, sitting by the window, waiting. She was early anyway.
Time ticked by.
About half an hour later, Jesse finally showed up.
Seeing Jesse was twenty minutes late, Elara remarked, "You must be really busy, being this late for a first meeting."
"I got here as fast as I could," Jesse explained seriously. "It takes about an hour from where I was."
Elara felt a bit guilty but didn't show it. "Fine."
"I'll treat you to dinner later to make up for it," Jesse offered.
"No need," Elara said, keeping her distance and looking him straight in the eye. "Let's cut to the chase. I have other plans after this."
"What do you have going on?" Jesse asked.
Elara replied coolly, "That's my business."
"If you're in a rush, you can go. I have a lot to say, and it won't be quick." Jesse sensed her distance and frustration but got it, considering his past screw-ups.
Elara thought he was clueless. Didn't he know he should be fighting for her right now?
Seeing Elara just staring at him, Jesse asked, "What's wrong?"
"If I'm busy, it won't be quick either," Elara shot back.
Jesse, still clueless, asked, "Do you need my help?"
"I'm meeting someone else. Do you think I need your help?" Elara retorted.
After a moment, Jesse nodded. "If you need it, I can help."
Elara was baffled. "Help with what?"
"Help you get his medical report," Jesse said, thinking simply. Elara always mentioned that dates between adults involved hotels and nights. It was hard for him not to think that way. If she was really hooking up, health had to be ensured.
"No need," Elara was annoyed by Jesse's response and didn't tease him further. "What do you want to say?"
"Do you still like me?" Jesse asked, cutting to the chase. If she liked him, he'd tell her the truth. If not, no need to burden her.
Elara stood up abruptly, grabbing her bag and snapping, "No!"
What was Jesse thinking? She had liked him for over ten years; could she just let it go in a few days? Infuriating.
Jesse immediately chased after her.
Seeing Jesse following her, Elara angrily asked, "Why are you following me?"
"You still like me," Jesse concluded from her previous anger and actions. "If you're up for it, I'd like to invite you to my place so we can talk more."
Elara stared at him.
Jesse asked again, "Is that okay?"
"Aren't we driving to your place?" Elara deliberately provoked him.
Jesse immediately led her to the car.
As the car was about to start, Elara coughed lightly, "Help me fasten my seatbelt."
"Do it yourself," Jesse replied.
Elara looked at Jesse with doubt. Did he know what he was saying?
"You're married now. Fastening a seatbelt is a bit intimate," Jesse said seriously. "It's not appropriate for me to do it."
"Really? And taking me to your place is totally fine?" Elara fastened up herself, feeling both angry and amused.
"I told Willie and your parents," Jesse's serious face showed no hint of joking. "They all agreed to let me talk to you alone."
Elara looked at Jesse and asked, "If they didn't agree, you wouldn't talk to me?"
"They would agree," Jesse said confidently. If he asked, he was sure. After he finished speaking, he started the car and drove Elara to his place.
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