You're Out Daddy

By the time Anthony woke up, there was already a delectable spread of food on the dining table.

Thalia sat at the table, happily eating away. There were lobsters, crabs, and a wide variety of food from some of the best restaurants in town.

Anthony got up from the couch and walked to the dining table. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“The food only just arrived and I was wondering whether to wake you up or not!”

For some reason, Anthony no longer felt that hungry. However, he got his appetite back once he saw the delicious food and began tucking into it.

“When I went to collect the food earlier, I bumped into your great-grandfather downstairs,” Thalia said as she looked at the boy.

Anthony froze momentarily and gazed up at her. “And?”

“I thought he wouldn’t remember me, but he did! He even came up to say hello,” Thalia said with a smirk. “I guess beautiful women do leave a stronger impression…”

“You didn’t shoot your mouth off, did you?” Anthony asked sternly.

Thalia tossed him a glance. “Don’t worry. Do you think I’m that ignorant?”

Anthony flinched at that. Ha. Who knows?

“So, what did he say?” Anthony asked as he slowly reached for a piece of lobster meat. He might be young, but he carried himself with poise and elegance even when it came to eating.

“He said to drop by your house for a meal when I’m free,” Thalia replied with a chuckle. “Say, is your great-grandfather good at cooking?”

Seeing the glint in her eyes, Anthony instantly shot daggers back at her. “Don’t even think about it.”

“Why not?”

“How am I supposed to explain to Mommy?”

“I’m your martial arts instructor, aren’t I? We can always go with that.”

“Mommy’s not that easily fooled.”

“Does that mean Kenneth is?”

we don’t live together,” Anthony explained. Mommy, however, can detect even the slightest change in me! There’s no way I can fool

know that I live here?”

Anthony froze.

Oh, no! She’s right!

got home, he found Natasha and

happy they were, he smiled in relief. Zachary’s a grounded and dependable man. If they get together,

had returned and immediately rolled up his sleeves to

you, Old Mr.

two of you can

hospital, so I think we should let her rest. Besides, it’d be faster if I helped you with the preparation,” Zachary said

and more satisfied with Zachary, Terence eventually gave in

younger man. “Zach, what do you think

at Natasha, who seemed to be relaxing on

but I know being around

raised an eyebrow. “Do you not

too beautiful! However, I know she’s more than just a pretty face. In my opinion, Nat’s best feature is

that case, do you like her? I hope you don’t mind me being so direct, Zach. As her grandfather, all I wish is to find her someone who can treat her with love and respect. If that’s not

for Nat since I first laid eyes on her. I’d never joke about something

was, yet he couldn’t shrug off the nagging worry at

your relationship? You know

that, an unfathomable glint flashed across

they feel about it, but please be assured that I stand firm on my decision. That is, as long as

stunned, his smile

for any family to accept Nat’s situation, and it’d be even trickier

so how could they ever see Natasha, a divorcee with kids, in a

such is life. No matter how much I think Natasha’s a gem, she’d always be subject to brutal social expectations. Sadly, there’s nothing I can do about

smiled and patted Zachary’s shoulder. “It’s okay.

no amount of promises would work, and the only way to prove himself was

a

sure was that Zachary was a good man.

know that lunch

nodded and walked toward the