Just when Roxanne walked over to the entrance of the research institute, she spotted Colby standing by the gates.
The man was deep in thought, for he didn’t even see her coming in. He was leaning against the wall in a trance with his face devoid of expression.
Curious, Roxanne called out to him, “What are you thinking about, Dr. Galloway?”
When her words rang out, Colby was evidently shocked. His brows furrowed, and he snapped back to his senses. Straightening, he swung his gaze at her. “The two of you have finished talking so soon?”
Roxanne nodded with a smile. “Larry is also planning to attend the Damaris family’s medical consultation. We merely chatted briefly and agreed to go together.”
At that, a flash of desolation flitted across Colby’s eyes.
When he saw Roxanne with Larry at noon, he had no appetite during lunch. He merely took a few bites before driving back and waiting for Roxanne at the gates.
As he was waiting, he subconsciously thought of the gap between them.
Further hearing that Roxanne would be attending the medical consultation with Larry, he found the distance between them increasingly vast.
Colby suppressed the misery within him and nonchalantly flashed Roxanne a smile. “It’s good that the two of you are going together. You can keep each other company.”
Roxanne didn’t think much of it, merely presuming that he was disappointed because he couldn’t attend the Damaris family’s medical consultation. She patted his arm in consolation. “Don’t overthink things. You’re very outstanding as well. It’s just that there are limited spots available on the Damaris family’s end. Otherwise, we could go together.”
Colby flashed her a forced smile. “It’s okay. We’re both working at the research institute, so it makes no difference which of us attends.”
After saying that, he hurriedly took his leave from her without waiting for her response and went back to the office himself.
Roxanne was utterly bewildered at the sight of his quickly retreating figure. Nonetheless, she didn’t pay it much mind but went back to her office with her handbag
When they met at the research facility in the afternoon, Colby was clearly much less
talkative than usual. He was also somewhat distracted when he conducted experiments.
Roxanne didn’t pressure him into staying focused but silently took over his duties.
By the time they got off work in the evening, Colby finally gathered his wits about him. Remembering his performance earlier in the afternoon, he apologized to Roxanne. “I’m sorry I was a bit out of it in the afternoon. Give me a night, and I’ll compose myself.”
Roxanne flashed him an understanding smile. “It’s okay. Everyone has a time when they’re preoccupied with something else. If you need it, you can also talk to me. I’m free anytime.”
Colby was stunned for a few seconds before he pursed his lips, his thoughts indiscernible. “Got it. I’ll seek you out if I need it.”
As they spoke, they left the research institute together.
Roxanne glanced at the time.
The kindergarten probably hasn’t let out yet. If I rush over to pick Archie and Benny up, I can make it in time. Besides, I really want to see Essie. I wonder if her condition has improved these days.
However, on second thought, she remembered that the medical consultation would be held in two days. Therefore, she truly didn’t dare take the risk.
After turning it over in her mind, she decided to give Lysa a call.
Lysa was just about to leave to pick Archie and Benny up when she suddenly received the call. Puzzlement inundated her. “What’s the matter, Ms. Jarvis? Are you going to pick Archie and Benny up?”
She couldn’t think of any other reason Roxanne would call at such a time.
Roxanne was taken aback for a moment. “No, I just… wanted to remind you to pick them up.”
Chortling, Lysa chided, “I’ve been picking them up for a few days now. How could I possibly forget such an important thing?”
Roxanne found herself rather ridiculous. I don’t know what I was thinking when I phoned Lysa!
