Chapter 517
“Are there other people who just finished their exams coming in to eat?” Latham asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
He glanced at the menu, eyeing the Crystal Valedictorian Cake. That was usually something families with graduating seniors would order, right?
“Yeah, it’s for good luck, you know p>
“We didn’t even have this dessert here before.” Jennifer smiled. She’d actually made it today just for Claire’s celebration.
“Oh, can we order one too?” Latham couldn’t help but be drawn to the idea. The Crystal Valedictorian Cake just sounded so cheerful, like maybe he’d catch some of those happy vibes too.
Cindy looked interested as well, but hearing the name put her in a strange mood. It was hard to say why, but it suddenly didn’t taste as sweet in her mind.
“I only made one batch,” Jennifer told them, shaking her head gently.
“But if you really want some, I can ask the kitchen to make more for you.” Jennifer figured today was the perfect chance to introduce the new dessert. If she waited any longer, the timing would be off. She might as well just say yes.
“Thanks, Jennifer.” Latham smiled in relief. He wasn’t picky about who made it, either. The kitchen staff here always did a decent job.
Jennifer’s cooking was usually more expensive anyway, and honestly, this was just a family meal. Nothing fancy or formal. In moments like this, Latham could be surprisingly thrifty.
Jennifer gave a nod, left their order with a staff member, and made her way over to Claire’s private room.
If Latham knew Claire and her friends were just next door, he definitely wouldn’t have missed the chance to barge in and chat them up.
“Pandora, here’s the last dish, and it’s to celebrate Claire finishing her exams.” Jennifer placed the plate on the table with a light flourish. “It’s something new I’ve been working on: Crystal Valedictorian Cake p>
“That’s such a perfect name!” Pandora lit up, instantly charmed by the thought.
“You’ve worked so hard, Jennifer. Come and sit with us for a bit p>
Jennifer smiled but kept her distance. “You’ve got guests today, Pandora. I don’t want to intrude p>
“Oh, I should introduce you two,” Pandora insisted. “She’s not just any guest-she knew your father years ago p>
Pandora quickly made the introductions. Jennifer couldn’t really place Queenie, but Queenie clearly recognized her.
“I never would’ve guessed the little chubby boy’s daughter would grow up to be so beautiful. And the fact that you’ve picked up his cooking skills, too, is just amazing p>
Queenie definitely knew Daniel.
Jennifer’s dad had always followed Pandora around when he was young which made everyone think
Buthe
he hada crush on Pandora. But he
was just loyal like that-no hidden agenda, just a real sidekick.
“Thank you, Queenie.” Jennifer grinned, a little resigned. Her dad’s chubby-kid image was legendary at this point. He’d never really been skinny, even now.
When Queenie found out about Daniel’s illness, she promised to visit him after their meal. Jennifer welcomed the idea. Her dad would probably love seeing an old friend, especially since his health wasn’t great.
Listening to Queenie talk, Jennifer could easily tell they’d had a close bond when they were young. But then she wondered about her mom. Did she ever get jealous seeing her husband surrounded by aththese beautiful women?
If only Jennifer knew. Her mom always said she never worried. All those women Daniel hung around with none of them ever looked at him that way That’s the only reason Jennifer’s mom felt okay marrying him. Marrying some sort of heartbreaker? She never would’ve gone for it.
“Oh, by the way, I saw Claire’s adoptive parents outside earlier,” Jennifer mentioned, almost in passing. “They’re here with Cindy, celebrating her exams as well p>
Jennifer didn’t know exactly where the families stood now. She was just saying what she saw.
Pandora’s smile faded a little. The James family again. They seemed impossible to avoid.
Claire just shrugged it off. “Let them celebrate if they want. It doesn’t involve us p>