Chapter 65 The Test
"Eula, Hugo is not dead. He was just messing with you."
Then, he dialed Hugo's number and Hugo picked up promptly
"Judson, did you miss me?"
The voice on the other end was unmistakable. Eula's face lit up with joy. "Hugo, you're alive? Oh, thank goodness!"
Hugo could tell Judson was soothing his lady, so he chuckled. "Eula, you've tortured me today, keeping me as stiff as a rock. So, I'd say we're even now."
"Rock hard?" she queried in confusion, "Did that medicine make your entire body stiff?"
Judson narrowed his eyes slightly and showed a playful smile.
Hugo stunned, "No, but Eula, you're so innocent, aren't you? How couldn’t you know?"
He laughed, "Looks like you've got some teaching to do, Judson."
Judson grew rigid. She had three kids—shouldn't be clueless about these things Was she pretending? She didn't seem to be.
"End of discussion. Don't you dare scare her again."
With that, Judson hung up.
"Are you reassured now?"
Eula finally relaxed. "I'm just glad it wasn't serious. I couldn't bear it otherwise."
From now on, she'd be more cautious, no matter how attractive the pay – it had to be within her abilities. Glancing at her modest home, she offered half-heartedly.
"Judson, would you like to come in for a bit?"
Honestly, she didn't expect Judson to accept, but before she knew it, he responded.
"Sure, I'm starved."
After all, dinner time had come and gone.
To her surprise, Judson wasn't shy about the invitation. And truly, having helped her out today, He guess a meal was a small token in return. Judson followed her in.
Her three kids came running out. "Mommy..."
Angie flung herself into her arms. "How was your first day at work? Are you tired, Mama?"
Her little face was filled with concern, and her brothers lingered behind, waiting for her response.
Eula mustered a weak smile, "Work was fine. I'm not tired. Let's go inside—it's chilly out here."
No matter what indignities she suffered outside, nor what experiences she had faced, once home, she'd leave all the unpleasantness at the doorstep, choosing only to share the good news, never the worries.
Judson watched her with the children, how she seemed to transform before his eyes, exuding a newfound maturity and composure. Perhaps this was the essence of a mother's love.
Angie caught sight of Judson and giggled. "Hey there, handsome uncle."
Then, shooting a glance at her mom. A date with the handsome uncle was the reason for her mom's late return.
Once inside, Eula poured Judson a glass of warm water. "Have a seat, Judson. Dinner will be ready in no time."
She instructed Mary to prepare a nice dinner—Judson had quite palate for good food. Then Eula excused herself to shower.
In the living room, Judson glanced at the glass of water. A plain white cup sat beside the water dispenser, which was flanked by four cups, each adorned with a photograph—one of her, and one for each of the three kids, clearly marked.
Dewitt and Rodolfo exchanged knowing looks, then brought out a bottle of liquor, pouring it sneakily into a pitcher of ice water. They understood that a man's true nature often emerges after a drink or two, and if this guy wanted to be their dad, he'd need to pass this test.
