Chapter 157
This had to be the weirdest meal Dorothea had ever sat through.
Mamie was on her left, eating in total silence, eyes glued to her plate. Across from them, both Scott and Garth kept sneaking glances at her, making everything feel awkward.
And if that wasn’t enough, Dorothea kept getting roped into Latham’s little public displays of affection.
“Honey, can I have your phone?” Latham asked, his voice casual.
Dorothea handed it over without thinking. Latham flipped the phone so everyone could see the matching couple cases on their phones. It didn’t take long for the others to notice.
“Garth, what do you think?” Latham asked, grinning.
Garth just rolled his eyes. “Uncle, that’s so cheesy p>
Seriously, couple phone cases? That was something only old people cared about.
Scott barely even looked, already losing interest. Clearly, this kind of thing was beneath him.
Mamie, ever the polite guest, offered a supportive smile. “They’re cute p>
But her answer was so formal that Latham looked almost offended.
Under the table, Dorothea nudged Latham’s leg with her foot. “Give my phone back p>
“Ow, honey, why are you kicking me?” Latham played it up, rubbing his calf and pretending to be hurt. “Matching stuff with your husband isn’t anything to be embarrassed about p>
Dorothea just stared at him, speechless.
Honestly, she was exhausted. At this point, she wouldn’t mind moving to another planet.
Luckily, Latham finally took the hint and stopped.
Mamie was the first to put down her chopsticks. “I’m done p>
She turned away, avoiding the intense stare from across the table. “Dorothea,
thanks for last night. Sorry for causing you so much trouble. I’ll just tell HR I was absent this morning. I’ll head to the office now p>
Their cars were still parked outside the bar from the night before.
Dorothea quickly reassured her. “You’re not marked absent. I already got you a personal day. Just goin tomorrow. Take today to resta reset p>
Mamie looked honestly grateful. “Thanks p>
“I’ll have the driver take you,” Dorothea offered.
“If you don’t mind, I’m actually heading downtown,” Scott cut in, finally breaking his silence. “I can give Mamie a ride p>
Mamie hesitated. “Are you sure? I don’t want to trouble you p>
“It’s no trouble,” Scott replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Mamie honestly didn’t know how to say no to that.
Latham gave a small smile. “Don’t worry, driver needs to take me to work anyway et Scott drive you. It’s his duty to help out p>
Scott shot Latham a long look, lips pressed tight. He got up and reached for his jacket. “Let’s go p>
Mamie could only nod and follow.
Garth ran up, eager. “Dad, can I ride with you too p>
But Scott shook his head. “You have
Latham
your class this afternoonow
will take you. too early
Come on, Garth. We’re leaving p>
And just like that, Garth watched as his dad drove off with Mamie, disappearing down the street.
He burst into tears, running straight to Dorothea to complain. “Aunt Dorothea, my dad is so mean! He wouldn’t let me ride with him p>
And he just stole Mamie away too.
Dorothea tried not to laugh, handing him a tissue. “Maybe your dad’s just in a hurry p>
Even she didn’t really believe that.
Latham finally scooped Garth into his arms. “Take a nap this afternoon. You barely slept last night p>