Chapter 959 I Just Want to Hug You
Phoebe woke up late in the afternoon at Cindy's place, her stomach growling.
She stepped out of the guest room and heard the sound of running water from the kitchen.
Heading over, she saw Cindy bustling around, wearing an apron.
Cindy looked up and smiled. "Hey, you're up! Hungry? I just whipped up some dessert. Have a bite to hold you over."
Phoebe noticed a bowl of yogurt on the counter. She walked over, sat on a barstool, and took a spoonful.
The yogurt had the perfect tang, with a rich, creamy flavor that instantly awakened her taste buds.
"Your cooking skills are getting better and better," Phoebe said, genuinely impressed.
Cindy laughed as she continued working. "I just mess around when I'm alone. You're the only one who appreciates it. How about Mexican food for dinner? My mom's meat dishes are amazing. I usually don't bother cooking for myself."
Phoebe glanced at the pot bubbling on the stove. "I was wondering what smelled so good. Speaking of your parents, I haven't seen them in years. How are they doing?"
"They're great. They leased out the land, so my mom has plenty of free time to experiment with recipes. My dad has put on some weight since you last saw him. He's always talking about going on a diet," Cindy said.
Phoebe couldn't help but laugh. "Mr. Croix needed to gain some weight. He was too skinny."
Cindy chuckled too. "Yeah, he used to look like an old man in his seventies. Now that he's put on some weight, he looks much younger. I'll show you their recent photos in a bit."
"Sure."
Phoebe finished her yogurt, washed the bowl, and put it back in the dishwasher.
She stood next to Cindy, rolling up her sleeves. "Need any help?"
"No, just keep me company," Cindy said, drying her hands and unlocking her phone. She handed it to Phoebe after finding the photo album.
Phoebe looked down at the screen. It showed Cindy's parents smiling in the morning sun.
Cindy's father had changed a lot.
His once gaunt cheeks were now fuller, giving him a youthful appearance.
Phoebe almost didn't recognize him.
"You and Mr. Croix look so much alike. People might think you're siblings," Phoebe teased.
Cindy laughed. "Right? My mom says he's so vain. He uses the skincare products I send him religiously and even asks me to buy clothes that make him look younger."
Phoebe shook her head, smiling. "Mr. Croix is quite adorable."
As the sky outside darkened, the two chatted away, not noticing the time until the doorbell rang. Phoebe looked surprised. "Are you expecting someone?"
Cindy nodded, busy setting the table. "Phoebe, can you get the door for me?"
"Sure."
Phoebe walked to the door and opened it to find Patrick and Theodore standing there.
Patrick held a bottle of wine, looking like he had just picked it up from a winery, while Theodore stood behind him.
Seeing Theodore unexpectedly, Phoebe was momentarily stunned. "You guys..."
Patrick, acting like he owned the place, stepped inside. "You two chat. I'll go decant the wine."
With that, he left Phoebe and Theodore at the door, changed his shoes, and headed straight to the dining room.
Phoebe and Theodore exchanged glances for a few seconds before she looked away. "Come in. We don't want all the heat to escape."
Theodore stepped inside, making the spacious foyer feel suddenly cramped.
He closed the door behind him, and Phoebe bent down to place a pair of disposable slippers at his feet.
As she turned to leave, Theodore quickly grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms.
His clothes still carried the chill from outside, making Phoebe shiver.
"What are you doing?" Phoebe struggled, but he held her tightly around the waist. "Don't move. I just want to hold you."
Phoebe, worried that Cindy and the others might notice, froze in place.
Theodore hugged her tightly, as if trying to merge her into his very being. He lowered his voice and asked, "Do you hate me now?"
They both knew why he was asking, but this wasn't the time to discuss it.
She whispered, "Let go of me. If Cindy and the others see us, they'll laugh at us."
Seeing her evasive attitude, Theodore sighed and slowly released her.
When the door had first opened and he saw Phoebe standing there, he finally understood why Patrick had insisted on bringing him along today.
Patrick had claimed they were going to crash a dinner party, but Theodore had been uninterested, thinking Patrick was just being cowardly.
Now he realized Patrick had known Phoebe would be here and had brought him along for his sake.
"How old are you, sneaking snacks like a kid? Phoebe, did you get lost opening the door? Come on, dinner's ready," Cindy called from the dining room.
Phoebe responded and glanced back at Theodore before heading inside.
Cindy's dining room and kitchen were connected, separated only by an island counter, making the space feel large and open.
The aroma of braised ribs filled the air.
Phoebe walked to the table and saw Patrick already seated. She wisely took a seat on the opposite side, and Theodore followed her in.
Cindy turned and saw Theodore, looking surprised. She hadn't known he was coming.
She glared at Patrick. "You didn't tell me Mr. Reynolds, the busy man himself, was coming. I didn't prepare a place for him."
Theodore, sensing the slight, didn't mind. He sat next to Phoebe. "It's fine. I'll share with Phoebe. She won't mind."
Cindy gave a polite but insincere smile. "Mr. Reynolds, are you here just to annoy Phoebe?"
She wasn't trying to be mean, but she felt frustrated that Theodore often upset Phoebe and now wanted to eat at her house.
Under the table, she pinched Patrick's leg hard, expressing her displeasure.
Patrick winced and grabbed her hand, laughing. "Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Croix. Let me pour you a drink to show my appreciation."
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