Chapter 201 Dinner Gathering Part 1
After lunch, Willow and Patrick promptly took charge of cleaning the table and washing the dishes, moving swiftly. Meanwhile, Matthew sat with Madison in the living room, watching TV.
Feeling embarrassed, Madison wanted to help.
"You cooked for them. It's only fair they clean up," Matthew said coldly, observing Patrick wiping the table.
"Exactly. You take a break, and I'll finish up here with Willow," Patrick agreed swiftly, keeping his focus on the task at hand. He privately acknowledged Willow's observation that Matthew seemed even more intimidating since his memory loss.
Once Patrick finished cleaning, he received a call from Mitchell. "Little Five, where are you? Why weren't you at the meeting this morning?"
"Oh, Jonah, I... Willow and I came to see Matthew," Patrick explained, feeling a twinge of guilt for using Willow and Matthew as an excuse.
"You and Willow are there? We might stop by later, too."
After hanging up, Patrick cautiously approached the living room. "Matthew, Jonah... they might come over in a bit."
"Oh, that's fine. We should get some groceries later. Not sure what everyone wants. Maybe more soup? What do you think?" Madison asked Patrick.
Patrick glanced at Madison and then at the sullen Matthew beside her. Summoning his courage, he replied, "Sure, soup sounds great."
Willow finished washing the dishes and hurried out of the kitchen, eagerly agreeing. She seemed anxious that Matthew's mood might drive them away.
Removing her apron, Willow pulled Patrick out to go grocery shopping.
Madison turned to Matthew, noticing his gloomy expression. "Matthew, are you okay? They're your old friends and family. They care about you a lot."
"I don't remember," Matthew said petulantly.
"It's okay not to remember, but can you try not to look so unhappy?" Madison felt he was being overly childish.
"I served them water," Matthew continued, implying he wasn't entirely neglecting them.
"You're the best," Madison said, kissing his forehead. Matthew softened slightly.
"I just don't like seeing you work so hard. We could have taken them out to eat," Matthew admitted, revealing his true feelings.
"I enjoy it. It shows I'm a good cook," Madison replied, genuinely enjoying cooking.
Matthew stayed silent and gloomy.
"Okay. Later, you can go pick up Quentin and Hannah, and I'll help get everything ready, okay?" Madison handed him an assignment.
"Alright," Matthew said, knowing his wife's advice was always sound.
The pair relaxed on the couch to watch an old romantic comedy. The film was pleasant, sweet, and peaceful. They both appreciated the snug feeling it provided.
Before the film concluded, Patrick and Willow returned with groceries and refreshments. Madison told them to put the ingredients in the kitchen first, then take a break.
Despite their pleas that she shouldn't move a finger, Madison walked into the kitchen to begin arranging. Willow eagerly followed, demanding, "Let me take care of it. "You should rest today."
Madison took command, providing orders as Willow completed the duties. Patrick automatically joined in, but he was concerned that he was exacerbating the situation. Nevertheless, he insisted on remaining in the kitchen, maybe to escape Matthew's overbearing presence in the living room. Willow, on the other hand, did an excellent job of cutting and preparing.
Madison glanced at the clock and realized it was time for Matthew to depart to pick up the kids, as school ended early on Friday. Matthew put on his jacket and opened the door to see Mitchell, Victor, and Liam standing outside. They had left their office together and ducked out before the end of the workday.
The three guys all greeted, "Matthew."
Matthew had only seen Victor previously, and this was his first time meeting Mitchell and Liam since losing his memories. Unable to recollect them, he nodded slightly in agreement. However, everyone was used to his chilly manner and didn't notice anything strange.
Mitchell inquired, "Matthew, where are you headed?"
"To pick up the kids," Matthew answered.
Liam glanced at his watch, noticing the early finish to the school day.
Matthew eventually remarked, "You guys go on in," before leaving to walk downstairs.
As they walked into the home, the three guys mumbled together.
"Does Matthew really... not remember us?" Liam inquired, unable to let it go.
Victor nodded in agreement.
"Well, he's quite adaptable, isn't he, Jonah?" Liam reflected about Matthew's aloofness toward them.
Mitchell looked at Liam but did not engage more.
Upon entering, they discovered Patrick wearing an apron and washing vegetables. Liam chuckled in amusement, while Mitchell and Victor were visibly surprised.
"What's with the stares? Anyone who wants soup better pitch in," Patrick commanded.
Madison raised an eyebrow, curious to see the trio inside. How had they entered? She hadn't heard any knocks.
"You look quite dashing in that getup. Let me snap a photo for memories," Liam commented, pulling out his phone. However, Patrick swiftly took the phone from him.
"Why didn't you guys announce yourselves before barging in?" Patrick asked, clearly annoyed.
"We bumped into Matthew on his way out, so we followed him in," Mitchell explained.
Madison nodded in understanding. She had thought they hadn't shut the door properly, but it seemed they had coincided with Matthew leaving.
With the guys gathered in the living room, Patrick removed his apron and offered to give them a tour of the house. They explored each room, pausing at a wall adorned with photographs. They critiqued each picture, discussing which ones were well-captured and which ones lacked emotion.
Meanwhile, Madison returned to the kitchen to assist Willow.
Shortly after, Daniel arrived and headed straight to the kitchen. Seeing Willow wearing a pink apron and a high ponytail, he chuckled, "Willow, are you the head chef today?"
Willow laughed confidently, "Just doing my thing." She hadn't expected to be so skilled in the kitchen.
Upon seeing Daniel, Madison praised him, "Here comes Daniel. Willow's leading the kitchen today."
Daniel also pitched in to help, as Madison was worried there might not be enough soup for everyone.
Unable to cook, Daniel ended up slicing a variety of fruits and assembling a fruit salad.
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