“I brought my own car. No sense troubling him—he should get an early night too.”
“Fair enough.” Since she insisted, Ernest didn’t press further.
“Drive safe. Let me know when you get home.”
“I will.”
Eric approached just in time to hear the last of their exchange. He watched silently as Hadley turned, got into her car, closed the door, and drove off toward the gates. A frown creased his brow. She left… just like that?
Ernest pulled his gaze back and glanced sideways at Eric, his voice calm.
“Let’s go see Grandma.”
Eric had come over specifically to visit Nyla.
Leading the way, Ernest said as they walked, “She’s already resting. Just take a quick look, and then head out. She’ll be home for a while, so once things settle down, you should drop by often—for meals, for chats.”
Eric followed beside him, his frown deepening. Ernest noticed the shift in his demeanor and came to a halt. He looked over at Eric, puzzled.
“What’s with that face?”
“Ernest…” Eric hesitated, shadows darkening his expression. But finally, he spoke.
“It’s not right… letting her drive home, alone with a child—especially this late at night.”
Ernest glanced at his watch. It wasn’t even eight yet.
“She said she could manage. She doesn’t live far away, anyway. It’s fine,” he replied evenly.
“Ernest, that’s not the point.” Eric’s voice carried a trace of exasperation.
“Then what is?” Ernest asked, more confused than annoyed.
Eric faltered, regretting he’d spoken at all. After all, this wasn’t his problem, and he had no right to meddle in Ernest and Hadley’s relationship.
“I… misspoke,” he murmured, his face pale.
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Was he backtracking now?
“Come on,” Ernest pressed, half-amused, half-incredulous.
“Out with it. Don’t mumble.”
Eric’s heart was pounding. It was too late to back down. He drew in a slow breath and blurted out, “She’s your girlfriend. She’s been running around all day for Grandma. It’s late. Shouldn’t you, as her boyfriend, at least take her home?”
Ernest listened quietly—clearly caught off guard.
Interesting.
Ernest no longer felt any urgency to check on Nyla. She was already resting anyway—and besides, in this moment, Eric was far more entertaining. He folded his arms and gave a slight nod, signaling Eric to continue.
“Go on. I’m listening.”
Eric blinked, caught off guard by Ernest’s unexpected reaction. Why was he being so calm about this? There wasn’t a hint of anger—his expression unreadable, almost… intrigued.
The heat surged to Eric’s head again. Flustered but determined, he pressed on.
“I know you’re still thinking about Locke’s mom, but… if you’re with Hadley now, shouldn’t you treat her with more care?”
His words spilled out awkwardly, tangled with anxiety.
“I—I don’t mean financially. I mean in your everyday life…”
.
.
.