Chapter 274

Garrett’s question hit Lucinda like a spotlight at the world’s most awkward talent show. She was so mortified she could practically feel the ground opening up beneath her.
Cameron and Kylie both paused, thinking it over. Wait, that was true. Lydia had been home for a while now, and Lucinda still hadn’t given her big sister a single welcome present.
Lucinda stammered, “It’s just… Grandpa got sick as soon as Lydia came back. I’ve been so worried about him, I haven’t had time to get her anything. Once Grandpa is feeling better, I’ll pick something out for her.”
The way she said it, you’d almost think Grandpa’s illness was Lydia’s fault.
Garrett picked up on that right away. “Lucinda, wasn’t it the soup you made that landed Grandpa in the hospital?”
Lucinda felt like Garrett was aiming directly for her weakest spot. Her face crumpled with hurt. “Garrett, I already know I messed up. I swear I’ll never give Grandpa any more supplements.”
Garrett nodded. “Good. You’re not a doctor, Lucinda. Grandpa’s health isn’t great, so you really can’t just experiment with what he eats.”
“I understand,” Lucinda sniffled, on the verge of tears.
Garrett’s tone softened. “Alright, don’t forget about that. And you don’t have to stress about Lydia’s gift. I was just asking. Besides, our other brothers haven’t even come home yet. No matter what, you’ll still have a chance to beat them to it.”
Lucinda forced a smile. “I know, Garrett.”
Under the table, her hands balled up tight. She was furious. Not only did Garrett not bring her a gift when he got back, now he was pushing her to get something for Lydia? Wasn’t Lydia her sister? Lydia had just come home, so why hadn’t she brought her anything? It was so unfair. Her parents were always playing favorites, and now Garrett was doing it too.
Everyone headed inside to the dining room. Over at the Jefferson family dinner, Grandpa Samuel got so excited he nearly dropped his bowl.
He stared at his phone, his eyes wide, then suddenly burst out laughing. “Would you look at that! I knew that brat had it in him!”
Chris, eating beside him, looked up in confusion. “Grandpa, what’s so funny?”
Grandpa Samuel snorted, acting all proud. “You wouldn’t get it, kid.”
Chris rolled his eyes. “Why am I a kid? Grandpa, I’ve graduated from college.”
Grandpa Samuel gave him a look. “You’ve graduated, but you’re still single. What’s there to brag about?”
Chris was left speechless. Seriously, what was so wrong with being single? What did single people ever do to him?
“Eat your food,” Grandpa Samuel muttered, eyes glued to his phone again.
Chris was not about to let that go. He put down his fork, determined to make his case “Grandpa, I’m twenty twos Mikey and Connor are way older than me, and they’re single too!”
Grandpa Samuel smirked at his screen. “Connor isn’t single anymore.”
Chris could hardly believe it. “He’s only just started dating. And anyway, he’s almost thirty. What’s the big deal?”
Grandpa Samuel just shook his
head. “You don’t get it. He and Lydia have been engaged since they were kids. He was off the market by ten. You think you can compete With that?”
Chris felt a headache coming on. Seriously? That counted?
He tried again. “Well… what about Mikey? Why aren’t you giving him a hard time?”
Grandpa Samuel just huffed. “If you
boys want to stay single, go ahead.
Doesn’t matter to me. I’ve got a granddaughter-in-law now, and that’s all I need Official source ıs.net