Chapter 356
Pandora definitely understood, so she just said it in passing. She never really expected her granddaughter to handle everything on her own. Claire had already done enough just stopping the bleeding. If she’d needed to do an entire surgery after that, she probably would have collapsed from exhaustion. Honestly, being a doctor was tough physical work. Pandora still practiced her daily stretches and exercise routines to keep herself in shape. Claire had been doing them since she was a kid too. She slept in today and skipped her routine, but Pandora didn’t say a word about it. Claire was in her last year of high school, buried in schoolwork. Sleeping a little longer during winter break was hardly an issue.
“That person you mentioned, I know him too,” Pandora said. “We’ve met a couple of times. He’s really something… probably the best surgeon in the entire military p>
While the two of them chatted, Claire’s phone rang. She glanced at the screen, surprised to see it was Dane calling. They’d only seen each other over the New Year holiday for those first few days. After Claire went back to Apex, she just texted Dane to let him know she’d arrived safely, and that was the end of it. For an engaged couple, their lack of contact was a little awkward. At least Claire felt that way. Dane never seemed to mind.
“Already up?” Dane asked, his voice relaxed. He leaned back in his chair and loosened his tie. After a long day of playing host, his place was finally calm again. Baldrick had suggested he should visit The James Village to see Pandora. Now that he was technically her future grandson-in-law, not showing up over the holidays would get people talking. Still, the real worry was that Pandora might not approve of Claire marrying somebody from so far away, and might make things difficult for them later. Better to make a good impression now. Maybe his looks would even help a little.
“Yeah, I’m at my grandma’s house,” Claire replied.
“With Pandora?” Dane was quick to catch on. Claire’s tone had that softer, sweeter edge she only used around certain people. He knew her other grandmother wouldn’t inspire that, so it had to be Pandora.
“Mhm.” Claire gently ran her fingers through the cat’s fur in her lap. “Why are you calling me p>
“I’m thinking of coming to Apex soon. I want to visit both your grandmas and wish them a happy New Year p>
Dane had only meant to mention the other grandmother at first, but knowing Claire was staying with Pandora made it obvious Claire still cared a lot about her and there was no bad blood. So of course, he added Pandora to the list.
Claire blinked, taken off guard. “Isn’t that a bit much? Coming all the way out here takes a lot of time. Just call them, it’s not like it really matters p>
To her, it all seemed unnecessary and kind of a hassle.
“It’s proper for me to show up in
person, Dane replied. “That way et
nobody can complain. And anyway, I still haven’t even pret Pandora, have
Claire’s face changed a little. She hadn’t told Pandora yet about getting engaged again, and she wasn’t sure how Pandora would react.
“That’s your call, I guess. Even if I said no, you’d still come anyway, wouldn’t you p>
Dane fell quiet for a moment. “Are you mad at me p>
“No. You even asked how I felt about
it, so of course I don’t mind,” Claire said. She was so small-minded that she’d get upset about something like this. fo
“Alright, that’s a relief.” Dane actually had worried she might be annoyed.
After she hung up, Claire looked at Pandora, suddenly feeling guilty. “Grandma p>
She gazed up at Pandora with wide, innocent eyes.
Pandora didn’t fall for it. “Come on. What are you keeping from me p>
Claire hesitated, her fingers tightly holding the cat. “Well, you know how I broke off my engagement with York? When I went to Cabinda this time, hound out my mom’s side of the family had already arranged another fiancé for me p>