Chapter66 The Test
Holding an empty glass, Rodolfo watched as DeWitt filled it halfway. "Here, uncle,
have some water," he said, offering it to Judson, who responded with an amiable
smile.
Judson eyed the proffered glass—didn't he already have one? What were they up
to? Though puzzled, he looked at the two charming children, finding them oddly
familiar as if he'd seen them somewhere, but couldn't place them right then.
DeWitt spoke with a cool clarity, "Uncle, please drink. It's our family custom."
Angie's eyes twinkled from the side. "What custom, big brother? I've never heard
of it."
Was this a prank on the handsome uncle? But her brothers weren't the type to
play tricks.
DeWitt nodded slightly, "You'll understand when it's your turn."
Suddenly, it all clicked for Judson. These kids were testing him, likely having
pegged him as Eula's boyfriend. Angie's 'you too, eventually' meant she'd get the
same treatment when she grew up and introduced her significant other to the
family. Indeed, this was a Lowe family tradition; he could see it in the clever shine
of these young boys' eyes—it was clear why Eula had managed just fine over the
years with sons like these.
Raising his glass, Judson downed the contents in one gulp, feeling the burning
spice of alcohol—high-proof vodka, no less. Having navigated the business world
from a young age, he was no stranger to such situations and handled his liquor
with finesse.
He flashed a knowing smile, showing them the empty glass, acknowledging their
clever test without a word.
Dewitt silently refilled his glass as he observed the three kids intently watching
him.
As he continued to knock back one drink after another, the strong vodka hit his
empty stomach hard, stirring a ripple of discomfort.
He wasn't completely drunk, just a tad lightheaded, a hint of amusement glinting
in his bleary eyes.
"Another round?" asked one of the kids, their expressions neither servile nor
haughty, exuding a sense of decisiveness.
"No, I'm good," Dewitt replied.
The two boys quickly cleared away any incriminating evidence, while Angie sidled
up to him.
Judson tenderly stroked her cheek.
"Go play, sweetheart. I've got some grown-up stuff to discuss with your
brothers."
Angie pursed her lips and said, "Okay! I'll go watch TV."
With a spring in her step, she scampered off to the television, plopped down on
the carpet, and became engrossed in a cartoon.
Soon enough, the two boys sat down beside him, their eyes fixed on him.
"What's your name? How old are you, and are you married?" Dewitt queried.
Judson, with a small, knowing smile, responded, "Judson, 25, single."
Hearing this, the boys exchanged glances. He was a year older than their mom
but his bachelor status gave them pause.
The man was attractive—tall, handsome, and young.
But would he accept their mom with her three kids in tow? It seemed doubtful.
Rodolfo cut to the chase, "Does it bother you if a woman has kids?"
Angie liked this man and they hoped he could be their dad, so the brothers
wanted to check if he was up to snuff.
Judson's grin deepened, his easygoing nature amplified by the buzz from the
alcohol. These two had timing down to an art.
"As long as she's someone I'm into, the kids don't bother me."
Dewitt followed up, "What if she's not that smart, would you still be into her?"
