Chapter 89
The Harris family's luncheon was a modest affair, comprised of only four members, devoid of any grandeur.
Ethan and Clarence occupied seats opposite each other, while the two women sat on either side. The meal was simple, consisting of six dishes and a soup, nothing overly lavish or gourmet.
It was evident that Clarence was a man of frugality in his everyday life.
"Think of it as a humble family feast. This is our usual fare. I hope you don't mind, Ethan," Clarence addressed Ethan, his smile warm and welcoming.
"Simple is good. It's the simplicity that brings the feeling of home," Ethan responded,ladling a spoonful of soup for Chloe. The gesture caused an involuntary blush to creep up her cheeks in front of the Harris family.
"Chloe,would you mind if I borrowed Ethan for a few days? I'd like him to accompany Sarah to Seattle. Would that be alright?" Clarence inquired,his smile still intact.
"Mr. Harris, you should be asking Ethan, not me. Besides, Ethan isn't an object to be borrowed," Chloe retorted, her cheeks flushing deeper.
"I'm asking you because I don't want you to accuse me later of running off with your sweetheart," Clarence jested, causing Chloe to become so flustered that she nearly dropped her utensils and fled the table!
"Enough, Grandpa. Chloe is a bit shy, so please stop teasing her! When are you planning to send us to Seattle?" Sarah interjected, coming to her friend's aid and steering the conversation back to the matter at hand. "I've already arranged for your plane tickets. You'll depart tomorrow morning at ten," Clarence informed Ethan. "That works for me!" Ethan readily agreed, oblivious to the reluctance flickering in Chloe's eyes. Following the meal, Grandpa retired to his room for a nap. Ethan took Chloe for a leisurely walk around the villa's yard. Chloe clung to Ethan's arm,leaning into him, her reliance on him almost total. Their impending separation hung in the air, and Chloe's affection for Ethan was palpable.
"You seem a bit off today. Are you unhappy about my trip to Seattle?"Ethan asked, noticing Chloe's preoccupied demeanor.
"Yes, especially since you're going with my beautiful best friend, Sarah. If you were to fall for her, I'd be devastated," Chloe confessed, her lips forming a pout.
Ethan chuckled, "Don't you trust me? Even if you don't trust me,shouldn't you trust your best friend?"
"Have you not heard that women need to be cautious?" Chloe retorted,feigning seriousness.
"So,you two have been talking about me behind my back? Why are you being cautious of me? Do you think I'm going to steal your man?" Sarah suddenly materialized behind them, her gaze fixed on Chloe with feigned suspicion.
"Yes, my man is quite a catch. Who knows if you've set your sights on him?" Chloe replied, her tone serious.
"Well, I hadn't considered it before, but now that you mention it, Ethan is quite attractive. Since neither of you are married, why not let me have a shot?" Sarah teased, her expression playful.
"How dare you, Sarah! I thought you were my best friend!" Chloe retorted,chasing after Sarah. Their playful scuffle filled the yard withlaughter and vitality. Ethan settled onto a bench in the yard, watching the two women frolicking before him. He couldn't help but think that this was the kind of life he yearned for. Ethan watched as Sarah fearlessly tickled Chloe, an inexplicable pang of jealousy gnawing at him. He yearned to cry out, "Release her and let her come to me!"
"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore! Your man can't take his eyes off you!" Sarah, seemingly fatigued, was the first to capitulate, playfully winking at Chloe.
Chloe huffed in response, "Well, let him look. I don't mind my man looking at me. But seriously, since you two are leaving together, please take good care of him!" Her playful demeanor quickly shifted to a more serious tone.