Chapter 1842: How to be a parent?
Chapter 1842: How to be a parent?
One week had passed, and it took a while—and consistent restaurant duty—for Allison and Jessa’s anger to subside. For the past week, Charles and Lester had been stationed in the dishwashing area. Atlas was behind the register, punching orders with a threatening look, as if daring customers to change their minds or make a mistake.
Worst of all, Slater was tasked with helping with the serving.
With Slater as a part-time server, the restaurant became a blockbuster. Lines would form hours before opening, and they even had to extend their operating hours, hoping to accommodate more customers. But they couldn’t.
In other words, Slater’s popularity just made everyone’s life hell. Zoren, Penny, and even Finn—who was dragged into all this because that was all he could do—also helped with the sanitation duties.
But even though the restaurant’s sales tripled with Slater as their five-day promotion, Jessa and Allison found it quite problematic. With so many customers, no one had time to breathe. They hadn’t started this business solely for profit, but because Jessa and Allison aspired to be something more than mothers and wives.
So, after almost a week, they kicked everyone out to regain peace in the restaurant.
—
“Even when those guys aren’t around anymore, the restaurant’s still packed,” Jessa leaned against the counter, her arm propped on it.
Allison smiled as she glanced at her. “Many of our new customers came here to get a glimpse of Slater, but they’re coming back for the food.”
“Can’t believe that’s what people meant by market value,” Jessa shook her head. “No wonder they called him the blue chip of advertisement.”
Her face soured as she recalled that Slater’s face was everywhere—even on buses. Jessa hadn’t thought much about it before because she knew Slater, and honestly, she was disappointed in the little brat.
Allison chuckled as she snapped her eyes at the occupied tables. None were vacant, and there were more people lined up outside. The line wasn’t as long as it had been, but it was still considerable.
“Say, Jessi…” Allison trailed off, deep in thought. “…do you remember Grandma Pierson’s offer some time ago?”
Jessa arched a brow at her. “The expansion of the restaurant?”
“Mhm.” Allison nodded. “Not long ago, Slater showed me the reviews of our restaurant, and I saw that many wanted to try it, but they were too far away. Isn’t it time for us to reconsider the offer? After all, our goal when we started the restaurant was for ourselves.”
She paused and smacked her lips. “But over time, it became a way to share the warmth of our homes with others through the dishes we serve. I’m just thinking… many others want to have a taste of a mother’s cooking but couldn’t due to distance.”
“Well.” Jessa shrugged as she pondered. “I guess we should start reconsidering.”
As their eyes met again, a smile formed on their faces at the thought. But then, the sound of a chime rang in the restaurant. The two of them intuitively turned their heads, about to tell the newcomer that there weren’t any available tables.
However, they stopped as their brows rose, catching a familiar figure standing at the entrance: Mrs. Davis.
Mrs. Davis quietly walked toward the counter, holding wrapped food containers in one hand. When she stopped in front of the counter, she darted her eyes between Jessa and Allison.
She pressed her lips into a thin line before a wry smile appeared on her face. “I know it’s a little late, and coming here takes a lot of pride and shame. But… I don’t know who else to go to anymore.”
Deep lines appeared between Jessa and Allison’s brows as they stared at Mrs. Davis in confusion. Mrs. Davis sighed faintly, appearing a little reluctant and ashamed just standing there before them. But she had a more important reason than her own pride.
“I did some cooking classes since I was last here, but somehow, I don’t think my food is good, even though everyone around me tells me otherwise,” she said, her eyes on Jessa and Allison. “Can you help me and give me some honest feedback?”
She swallowed the lump in her throat as another shallow breath escaped her. “And I know it’s a little too much, but… can I also ask you for some advice on how to become a parent? I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Hearing that, Jessa and Allison’s brows rose. They looked at each other in surprise before setting their eyes on the prideful Mrs. Davis. After a moment, the corners of Allison’s lips curled up into a gentle smile while Jessa smirked.
“Oh,” Jessa chuckled. “I am going to have so much fun, Allison.”
—
Meanwhile, in a golf club…
Charles, Haines, Lester, Wild, and Mr. Davis sat on the lodge seats. All of them chugged their bottled waters as if racing. After they had their fill, they hissed in satisfaction and slammed their bottles down.
“Well, damn,” Wild was the first to break the silence. He turned to Mr. Davis, his face twisting in disbelief. “And this is why I’m not married.”
“And divorced a few times,” Haines added in a knowing tone.
“Heh.” Charles, on the other hand, smirked. He pointed at where Mr. Davis was seated and said, “That’s your fault. A happy wife, a happy life. Obviously, you’ve got a lot to fix.”
Lester nodded. “Remember, the wife’s the law. They said women in marriage should submit to their husbands, but I’m sure whoever said that had no idea what marriage is.”
Mr. Davis let out a deep exhale, earning a different reaction from these men he had just started hanging out with.
“It’s too late for us now, isn’t it?” he asked with a sigh. “We’re too old for anything.”
“Too old?” Haines arched a brow, seemingly offended by that. “You’re never too old for anything.”
Quite an irony, as he used to use the same excuse.
“Haines, I’ll get back to you on that,” Charles raised a hand before he faced Mr. Davis. “You—you’re never too old for anything. Even at this age, there are many things to spice things up with your wife.”
Lester nodded, only to get slapped on the back by Charles. “Aw—what?”
“Stop nodding, brother,” Charles deadpanned. “I’m not comfortable with the thought of you and Jessa still being active. She’s officially my younger sister, so stop that.”
“We’ve been together for half our lives, though…”
“Anyway!” Charles clapped, done with their love coaching for Mr. Davis. He turned to Haines, his expression solemn. “Haines, when are you going to introduce her to us?”
Haines kept his mouth shut and cleared his throat. “Before the surgery, or maybe after.”
“Why are you still skeptical?” Charles frowned. “Aren’t you guys stable?”
But then, Wild squeezed his shoulder and shook his head.
“Haines isn’t stalling because of his own relationship, but he’s just making sure your heart’s in perfect condition,” Wild remarked. “You might get a heart attack.”
Confusion was written all over Charles’ face as he darted his eyes between Wild and Haines, while Lester and Mr. Davis also looked curiously.
Unlike Mrs. Davis, who had to muster plenty of courage to go to Allison and Jessa, these men easily got along. And it would continue to be this way… possibly forever.