Chapter 747

chapter747

Madge had asked Roseanne to get in touch with Corley because the two siblings had known him for quite some time.

It all started at the train station when Norris had his wallet stolen. Roseanne had introduced Corley to Norris, mentioning that "Mr. Sullivan" was a friend of hers. Corley had kindly offered to give them a ride to their place, leaving a favorable impression on Madge.

Yesterday, when Madge learned about Corley's background, she couldn't help but marvel at the serendipity of it all.

Roseanne nodded, "Okay."

...

Corley slept in until nine in the morning. The hangover was brutal.

He'd been off cigarettes and booze for over six months-not that he was completely teetotal, but he hadn't gotten plastered like he did yesterday in a long time.

After dragging himself out of bed and taking a shower, he called down to

reception for breakfast. Once he finished eating, he got to work. Before he knew it, two hours had flown by.

Just as he was about to stretch his legs, his phone rang. Seeing "Roseanne" flash across the screen made his heart skip a beat. He quickly picked it up.

"Hey-"

"Bro, come over for lunch."

The word "Bro" left him a bit choked up.

After a pause, Corley replied, "...Alright."

"Twelve sharp. Don't be late."

"Got it."

...

Roseanne ended the call and headed into the kitchen to help out.

Norris was the head chef, with her assisting by his side.

Madge, catching a whiff of something delicious from the living room, couldn't help but dash into the kitchen.

When she saw Norris with her favorite fish, her eyes lit up.

"Smells amazing... You didn't put soy sauce, right?"

Norris reassured her, "Nope. Made it just how you like it. Go take a seat, lunch is almost ready."

After confirming there was nothing more she could help with, Madge returned to the living room to join Neely and Geneva.

Kathleen sat nearby, occasionally chiming in, but the elders were more interested in chatting with Madge.

Realizing her efforts were futile, Kathleen stopped trying to engage, her nails digging into her palm, seemingly oblivious to any discomfort.

At twelve noon, Corley arrived right on time.

"Corley's here," Madge announced, standing to greet him.

The elderly lady smiled warmly.

Corley entered, greeting everyone, "Grandma, Aunt..."

Then he spotted Kathleen sitting expressionlessly on the couch. He paused for a

moment before saying, "Mom."

"Yeah," Kathleen replied tersely, clearly in no mood for pleasantries.

Corley frowned but chose to say nothing.

Soon, the table was laden with a feast.

There were dishes for Madge and Roseanne's tastes, as well as what Madge had mentioned the elders enjoyed.

Mindful of Geneva's health, Norris

kept things low in oil and salt, opting for milder flavors. Yet, the spread was colorful and aromatic, making everyone's mouth water.

"With the time I had, this is the best I could do. Hope it's alright," Norris said, removing his apron and setting it aside.

Seeing him sweaty from cooking, Madge felt a pang of sympathy, quickly fetching him a bowl and utensils, along with a bowl of soup.

Watching from the side, Kathleen felt a sudden pang of envy.

Teague never cooked, nor did he ever bother to learn what she liked or disliked.

Unlike Norris...

Kathleen snapped out of it, feeling absurd. How could she have such thoughts? How could an ordinary high school teacher like Norris compare to someone like Teague?

What kind of man would willingly step into a kitchen anyway?

Ridiculous!

"Sis, try these ribs. They're Norris's specialty," Madge encouraged.

Kathleen nodded with a smile, "Delicious. Your husband's quite the chef."

Madge beamed with happiness, "When we first got married, neither of us could cook. I didn't want to learn, so he decided he would. And he's been doing it ever since all these years."