Chapter 131 Heading to the Auction
Just as they ordered and were leaving their private booth, two guys emerged from one another, chatting about what drink to order next. Willow recognized the voice and looked up in surprise.
It was Jackson!
He wore a loose white hoodie with drawstrings and gray sweatpants, dressing casually. He laughed and chatted with his classmates as they walked toward the cashier. His dimples showed slightly as he smiled.
The epitome of youthful vitality and effortless charm – that was him all right.
Daniel spotted someone in the crowd and pointed, exclaiming, "Isn't that our little—" But before he could finish, Willow Nelson stood up and covered her mouth.
"Keep it down, we're drawing attention."
Daniel teased with a smirk. "Why not going to say hi to our junior from school? Aren't you two chatting on Skype? He even asked you to a basketball game."
"It's all because of you. Otherwise, how would he have added me on Skype."
"I just thought the kid's got the looks. Seriously, I'm in show business, and he's definitely got that fresh face for a debut. Seriously, he could break into the scene just like that. You should ask him if he's interested and get him in touch with Brotherhood Records. Who knows? He might become an overnight sensation, with crowds of young girls falling over themselves. You're just getting ahead of the game."
Ignoring Daniel's skewed logic, Willow Nelson turned her attention away. Thankfully, the broth and drinks had arrived. It was better to focus on the drinks.
"I was just worried you might be down after everything with my brother. That's why I suggested brightening your mood with some fresh talent," Daniel continued to justify why she used Willow's phone to add someone on Skype.
"All right, all right, thank you so much," Willow said, her patience running thin, desperately trying to change the subject to their meal.
Meanwhile, the guy Daniel had pointed out ordered drinks with his classmates and entered a private room without noticing them. Willow caught a glimpse of the scene inside as the door swung open—a full house, around a dozen people, a mix of guys and girls, looked like a typical college gathering.
This little episode didn't interfere with their meal. Willow and Daniel chatted away, diving into some juicy showbiz gossip that Willow found utterly fascinating.
"So, is it true what they're saying about that actress being kept?" Willow asked curiously.
"Let me tell you, if it makes headlines, it's probably true. Those paparazzi wouldn't dare publish without solid proof," Daniel responded calmly, unfazed by the scandal.
"And that young actor from the variety show, he's got a girlfriend, right?"
Taking a sip of her lime juice, Daniel nodded. "For sure. I saw his girlfriend visiting the set once. She's not from the industry. He's quite private. If it weren't for those sneaky photos, no one would have known, although it's common knowledge among insiders."
"Tsk tsk, I'm heartbroken. I used to be such a fan of his, and to think he's got a girlfriend now."
"You're kidding yourself. When have you looked at anyone else other than my brother all these years?" Daniel brutally exposed her.
"Who says I haven't? I'm going to find myself a young hunk tomorrow," Willow Nelson declared with a hint of defiance. Unexpectedly, a familiar voice came from behind her.
"Senior, what do you think about this young hunk?"
Willow Nelson was mid-sip of her drink and nearly sprayed it out.
‘How long had he been standing there?!
Had he heard everything? How utterly embarrassing.’
Daniel saw the newcomer and greeted him without any reservation, "Hey, junior. Is this a class reunion?"
He didn't even try to conceal that they had just seen him.
"How did you know?" the newcomer asked.
"Just saw you," Daniel replied with a smile.
The guy took a seat right next to Willow Nelson.
"Senior, you saw me just now? Why didn't you call me over?" he turned to Willow.
Willow Nelson, who had just picked up a duck intestine to eat, scrambled for an excuse upon being called out, "Oh, I saw you were with classmates. Didn't want to interrupt."
"You're so considerate, senior. We don't mind the interruption at all. If you'd called me, I would've ditched them in a heartbeat to come over," he said earnestly.
A baffled Willow Nelson asked, "Why?"
"Because it's hard to get an appointment with you, senior. It's been so long, and we haven't even managed to grab a meal together. I can eat with classmates anytime. Missing one meal with them is no big deal."
Daniel sat across from them, listening in and thinking to himself that this young guy was very smooth. Willow might not stand a chance against him; he could be a real heartbreaker. She decided she'd better remind her later not to be taken advantage of.
Caught off guard by his forwardness, Willow Nelson was momentarily petrified.
"Senior, come to our basketball game at A-State next week," he invited Daniel.
Daniel seemed hesitant and didn't commit right away, saying she'd see if she had the time.
The three chatted idly for a bit longer until the guy's classmates called him over. He stood up to leave but didn't forget to remind them about the time of the basketball game.
*
Madison was in the studio discussing next quarter's new product line with Rachel when her phone on the desk started ringing. She glanced at it and saw it was a call from Matthew.
"All right, Maddie, you better catch that call from big shot CEO Todd before he rings all of us. I'll take the draft out, tweak it according to our chat just now, and we'll pick this up in the afternoon," Rachel said with the no-nonsense competence that always impressed Madison. Without Rachel, she feared their design agency might have tanked long ago—it certainly wouldn't be thriving as it is now.
"Sounds good. I'll take the call, and let's all go out for lunch—my treat," Madison replied.
"You're the best! They'll be thrilled. I'll let everyone know," Rachel chuckled, picking up her binder and stepping out of the office.
Once Rachel was gone, Madison answered the phone, "Hey, Matthew."
The gentleness in Madison's voice over the phone warmed Matthew's heart, softening his tone almost unconsciously.
"Hey, babe, are you busy?"
"Just finished strategizing next season's releases with Rachel. Taking a breather now."
"Don't overdo it, okay?"
"I'm not," Madison never found her work strenuous. Design was her passion, and turning what she loved into a career was a dream come true.
"I got it. I mean, take some breaks." Matthew smiled softly, well aware of how much his wife cherished her career.
"Will do," she responded, smiling in kind.
Their conversation continued with the usual sweet nothings until Matthew said, "There's a charity auction dinner tonight. Join me?"
***
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