Chapter 266 The Strawberries He Planted
"Why are you here?" Pearl asked, still cautious. She'd only met Jeffery once before, for Haley's medical record.
His sudden appearance made her suspicious, thinking he might be stalking her or had some hidden agenda.
Jeffery looked a bit surprised but stayed calm. "It's you."
Pearl stared, not quite getting it.
Seeing her confusion, Jeffery pointed to the side. "I moved in next door. I'm your new neighbor."
Pearl glanced at the open door next to hers and it clicked. The empty room was now occupied.
"When did you move in?" she asked.
"This morning."
"I thought you lived at your workplace," Pearl said, remembering her previous visit.
"No, I just rest there when I'm busy. I still need a private space."
Pearl thought about their few encounters, which seemed too coincidental.
To ease her mind, Jeffery added, "It's just a coincidence. You don't need to be so guarded. I won't harm you."
Jeffery had helped her before. Without his quick assistance, she wouldn't have found evidence of Haley's hearing loss so fast.
"I didn't mean that," she said, not forgetting his kindness. "I just don't know why you're knocking on my door?"
Jeffery held up a bowl of strawberries. "I just moved in and brought a gift. These are strawberries I grew. Try them."
Pearl looked at the large, almost black strawberries. "What kind are these? I've never seen them before. Are they new?"
She loved fruit, especially strawberries, but had never seen these.
"They're called Black Pearl," Jeffery said.
"Did all the neighbors get some?" she asked.
"Yes, this is the last bowl," he replied.
Since everyone got some, it seemed polite to accept. "Thanks. Hope you enjoy living here."
Jeffery's blue eyes sparkled with a smile. "I will."
As she took the bowl, the strawberry fragrance hit her. They smelled more fragrant than usual.
"Did you really grow these?" Pearl asked.
"Yes," Jeffery nodded.
"Didn't know you had that skill."
"It's nothing. My farm had some unused land, so I decided to grow strawberries."
"All strawberries?" she asked.
"Mostly. There are many varieties. If you're interested, I can take you to pick some," Jeffery offered.
Pearl was surprised by his offer. He seemed very attentive, remembering and helping with whatever she mentioned.
She wondered if it was just her imagination.
Her first impression of Jeffery wasn't great. Her instinct was to stay away.
The smell of disinfectant on him made her uncomfortable. Maybe it was because she didn't like hospitals.
It wasn't about disliking the profession; she just had a natural fear of doctors and hospitals.
But Jeffery had helped her, and she couldn't ignore that.
Even though she paid for it, Pearl still remembered his help.
"Maybe another time," Pearl said, not completely refusing. "Wait a sec. You gave me strawberries, so I should give you something in return."
She hurried back into her house.
Jeffery stayed at the door, waiting quietly.
Pearl hadn't planned on what to give him.
She spotted a few bottles of fresh milk and decided to take them.
Jeffery watched her go, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes gentle. When she returned, he masked his emotions.
"I don't have much at home. This is milk I like. Hope you like it too," Pearl said.
Jeffery took the two bottles. "Thanks."
"It's nothing. You helped me, and I won't forget it."
"Paying for information is just business," Jeffery said.
"Haley's info isn't just ordinary," Pearl replied. "You got it for me, and I remember that."
Jeffery rubbed the milk bottle, saying meaningfully, "How do you know I'm not just trying to get close to you?"
His words made Pearl pause. She had thought about it but never said it out loud.
Since he brought it up, she asked, "Honestly, I do suspect it. Why did you help me? What's in it for you?"
She thought for a moment. "I'm just an ordinary person. I can't figure it out."
Jeffery saw her wariness. "I gain nothing."
Pearl stared at him, realizing he meant helping her brought him no benefit.
Yet he still helped.
"Your name is Jeffery," she said.
Jeffery's lips curved slightly, his blue eyes brightening. "Yes!"
"Have we really never met before?" Pearl asked again.
Jeffery's fingers tightened for a moment.
Before he could answer, someone called out, "Pearl!"
Pearl turned to see Janetta waving. A smile spread across her face. "Janetta!"
Janetta walked over and hugged Pearl. "It's been so long. I think your face looks rounder."
"Really?" Pearl touched her face, not noticing any change.
Janetta noticed Jeffery standing nearby. She looked him over, noting his gold-rimmed glasses and long fingers. His face was strikingly handsome, and her eyes showed surprise. She blurted out, "Your romantic luck is pretty good. Oscar left, and now there's another man, and he's so good-looking."
"Don't be silly. This is my neighbor, Jeffery," Pearl quickly introduced.
Jeffery nodded at Janetta. "Hello."
"Hi, I'm Janetta, Pearl's friend," Janetta said boldly. "Let's not stand at the door. Come on and talk inside."
"Pearl, I'm exhausted. I just got off the plane. Got anything tasty to eat?"
"Yes," Pearl knew she had just gotten off the plane, likely busy with work. She looked at Jeffery and asked, "Have you had breakfast? Want to join us?"
Jeffery didn't refuse. "Sure."
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