Chapter 931 The Strange Call from Patricia
Hannah crammed their schedule full.
After work, they hit up dinner first, then caught a flick at 8:30. When the movie wrapped up at 10, they grabbed a snack before finally crashing at home.
Charles was a total trooper; whatever she said, he did, sticking to her plan like glue.
Luckily, the walking wasn't too bad, and Hannah offered to drive.
All he had to do was chill in the passenger seat, then stroll with her to the restaurant, the theater, or the BBQ joint once they parked.
Once they got there, they could plop down and relax right away, so his legs didn't bother him.
Even though it was almost late fall, the BBQ spot was still hopping, just as busy as in the summer.
Hannah was in high spirits and ordered a ton of skewers all at once.
Since they drove, they skipped the booze and got a few cold drinks instead.
They were munching and sipping happily.
Out of nowhere, Charles's phone buzzed on the table.
It was Patricia calling.
He picked up and put the phone to his ear, "Mom, it's super late. Why aren't you in bed?"
Patricia sighed, "Isn't that my line? I should be asking you why you're not asleep! It's daytime in Sunset Bay now! It's night where you are! Ever since you started dating, your brain's been all over the place."
"I just forgot for a sec." Normally, Charles would snap back a bit, but he was in a good mood, so he just laughed it off.
Seeing him so cheerful, Patricia hesitated, unsure what to say next.
Charles, being sharp, sensed something was off, and his smile started to fade. "Mom, did something happen?"
Patricia paused and asked softly, "Are you and Hannah still good? Are you happy together?"
Charles glanced at Hannah, who was chowing down on BBQ, with a tender look. "We're great! Just like when you last visited!"
When he woke up, he was in a rush and didn't have time to visit Patricia and Martin; he went straight back with Stella.
Later, when his family found out he was awake, they all rushed over to see him and planned to stay for a bit.
At that time, he and Hannah had just made things official and were super close.
He didn't have time to focus on them.
So, his family, who originally planned to stay longer, left after three days.
They kept saying he was putting love over family.
No matter what they said, Charles didn't deny it.
When he was in a good mood, even teasing words sounded sweet.
Even though a couple of months had passed, his feelings for Hannah had only grown stronger.
After hearing Charles's answer, Patricia went quiet again.
Charles furrowed his brow and asked, "Mom, did something happen? Why are you hesitating? Do you have something to tell me?"
Patricia seemed startled and quickly said, "No, nothing's wrong! As long as you and Hannah are good, that's all that matters! I just want to see you happy."
It was the first time Charles had heard such mushy words from Patricia, and he couldn't help but get goosebumps, feeling that Patricia was acting weird.
Charles said, "Mom, you know I don't want you to hide anything from me! What's going on? You must have a reason for calling me today. If you don't want me to worry, just spill it."
Patricia forced a smile and said, "I'm just feeling a bit jealous! Feels like you don't care about me as much anymore! You used to call me every day, and if not, you'd at least text. The longest you ever went without contacting me was three days. But now? Think about it, how long has it been since you last reached out? Of course, I've got stuff on my mind. I'm always thinking about you, and you're always thinking about Hannah. How could I not have something on my mind?"
Patricia finally seemed back to her usual self.
Charles felt relieved and said, "Then go hang out with your husband; you two are the real deal! If you keep thinking about me like this, your husband's gonna get jealous."
Seeing she had managed to cover it up, Patricia sighed in relief. "Yeah! So you two should just get along and not let outside stuff mess with you! Remember what I said, don't let outside stuff mess with you, and follow your heart. Be with whoever you like, and don't worry about all those messy responsibilities or old feelings."
Charles felt like Patricia's words had a deeper meaning, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Charles said, "Aren't you worried about me? I know what I want and don't want, and what's most important to me."
"That's good!" Patricia kept repeating that.
She was really worried about Charles.
Charles was too sentimental. Because of Violet, he had been single for seven years and felt guilty for seven years.
Now he had finally found Hannah, but...
Thinking about this made her very anxious.
Afraid that continuing the conversation would reveal more, Patricia said, "You two should go home and rest early! Don't stay out too late."
She could hear that Charles wasn't at home on the other end of the phone.
It was pretty noisy around him.
He was probably out somewhere.
Charles nodded. "Okay! When Hannah's winter break starts, I'll bring her back to see you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Patricia said excitedly, "No need!"
Charles was really puzzled.
In the past, Patricia always looked forward to his visits every year.
Why didn't she want him to come back this time?
Realizing she had overreacted, Patricia quickly explained, "You just recovered, and I'm afraid your body can't handle the long trip! We'll come to see you then! If nothing unexpected happens, we'll spend this year's New Year with your grandpa in Country D."
Charles didn't doubt her and smiled. "That works too! I'll formally introduce Hannah to you then."
"Great!"
Patricia reluctantly hung up the phone.
Charles put his phone back on the table, looking a bit heavy-hearted.
Hannah, while munching on BBQ, asked, "What's up? Why do you look like that?"
Charles shook his head and picked up a skewer. "I just feel like my mom was acting a bit weird today."
Hannah put down her skewer and asked worriedly, "Did something happen at home?"
Charles shook his head. "It shouldn't be! With the Langley family's status in Sunset Bay, no one can mess with them, and no one dares to offend them." Except for Hunter back then. But Hunter had been dead for many years.
Hannah handed him a skewer and comforted him, "If that's the case, then don't overthink it! Let's eat first."
Charles thought she was right.
Since Patricia didn't want to say, she must have her reasons. In that case, he shouldn't overthink it.
He originally thought it was just a small matter that Patricia could handle on her own.
Little did he know, a few days later, he would find out why Patricia was so hesitant and said those strange things that night.
It turned out...
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