Before I could reject the offer, Hunter said after faltering, “Well, at first I could, but the economics scholars in K City are organizing an interactive seminar. Hence, I’ll have to attend that every day starting tomorrow.”
Upon that, Emery was rather displeased. She mocked, “Why didn’t I hear this from you before?”
“The memo was released yesterday,” Hunter answered. “It’s held in K City for a month, so I contemplated. But seeing how hard Mr. Fuller works motivates me to follow in his footsteps. Thus, I’ve just sent a message on my phone to notify them I’ll be there.”
“You only have two months of holiday in a year. Now, you plan to spend a month interacting with scholars? Have you forgotten about your wife and son?” Emery’s expression turned sour.
“Haha…” Hunter leaned over and hugged her shoulders. He said carefully, “I’ve registered on your behalf too, so we can go together. My parents will take care of Xavier. In this case, I’m still spending time with you.”
“Save it.” Emery avoided him and moved away to the opposite side. “I’m not up for any sophisticated interaction during the festive season. You have a good time while I accompany Scarlett to the hospital.”
“Haha…” Hunter gazed at her lovingly. He’s indeed a very patient man.
Though they seem to always pick on each other, the fact was, none of them could live without the other. It did not take long for Emery to come up with an excuse to take an early leave and spend quality time with Hunter at home.
I went straight to bed since I woke up early that day.
When I got up, it was already seven in the evening.
Summer was playing building blocks in the living room. As soon as she saw me, she darted toward me and commented, “Mommy, you napped for so long. You’re a lazy pig!”
“Haha… If I’m a lazy pig, then you’re a lazy piglet.” I picked her up and played with her as we headed to the dining area. “Mrs. Eriksen, did Ashton come home?”
Mrs. Eriksen walked out from the kitchen while wiping her hands on her apron. “No. Madam, could you call Mr. Fuller and ask? Dinner is ready. I’ll serve them once he’s home.”
“All right.”
I put Summer down and called Ashton.
He answered the phone immediately, “What’s wrong?”
“Will you be home soon?” I asked.
“I’m still here at the office. You don’t need to wait for me. I probably won’t be able to return in time to have dinner with you all,” he said over the phone.
“Are the matters with GW not settled yet?”
“They gave in, but I have my own bottom line. I’m not working on that right now. Since it will be my first day back to work tomorrow, I’m trying to complete some of the pending projects. Or else, I won’t have time to go to the hospital with you tomorrow.”
I knew Ashton would be very busy when he got back to work. However, I did not expect him to be so overloaded with projects. Hence, I felt so sorry for him. “Emery said she can accompany me, so you don’t need to show up every day. The company can’t do without you during this critical period of growth, so don’t push yourself too hard.”
“I know what to do. You just need to take care of your health and leave the rest to me. Oh, remember to consume the pills after a meal. Also, don’t take those medications given by Aunt Sally.”
He was quite long-winded. Sulking unknowingly, I nodded. “Okay, I will. Anyway, you should get back to your work.”
After hanging up, I faced the kitchen and announced, “Mrs. Ericksen, Ashton won’t be back for dinner, so we can go ahead without him.”
Shortly after, Mrs. Eriksen plated all the dishes on the table.
Surprisingly, Summer had a very good appetite that day and licked her plate clean. She even insisted on shelling the shrimps and ended up with her hands full of roes.
