Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2311
“What’s the matter? Are you looking for Joan?” Delilah quipped.
Larry had to give it to Delilah for having such an acute sense and immediately guessing his thoughts. He was even more worried as he checked his watch. It’s already so late. Why isn’t she back yet?
Did what happened at the office earlier upset her? She wouldn’t do anything stupid, would she?
Larry knew women tended to be more sensitive and emotional. But at the same time, the Joan he knew had always been strong.
Regardless, he could not stop worrying about Joan. After all, she was just a woman – and one that he cared much for, too. That’s it. I’m going to look for her.
“Ms. Young, I’m heading out for a bit. I’ll be back soon!”
Larry had barely stepped out of the house when he almost ran into Joan. And there, standing behind her, was Dustin.
Why are they together? Did she go straight to him right after what happened this morning? Furious, Larry clenched his fists tightly.
He could not understand why Dustin always seemed to appear whenever she was hurt. Had she been neglected so much by him that she could only look to Dustin for comfort?
Joan hardly greeted him. She walked straight into the house.
She wasn’t magnanimous enough to forgive him that soon, especially not after his brazen act at the office.
Larry continued to fix a steely gaze at Dustin.
“Come on in, Dustin,” Joan said.
She’s now openly inviting other men into our house? What is she trying to do? Is she going to make him a meal? Isn’t this more outrageous than what I’ve done?
“Oh, Dustin, you’re finally here! How efficient of you, Joan! Come in, Dustin. I’ve prepared so many dishes for you,” Delilah said cheerily.
What’s going on? Why is Ms. Young also being so nice to Dustin? Just what is so special about Dustin that he has both women under his spell?
Lucius came bouncing out when he heard Dustin and hugged him. “Mr. Dustin, you’re here! Grandma made barbecue pork ribs just for you!”
Larry was even more confused now. He thought only the women were smitten with Dustin, but as it turned out, so was Lucius. Can’t they tell that I’m Joan’s husband and Lucius’ father? Larry’s heart sank upon seeing the scene in front of him.
“Larry, what are you standing there for? Come eat!” Delilah shouted, bringing Larry out of his daze.
Joan’s gaze was shifty but she remained silent and continued to bring out the dishes. The eagle-eyed Dustin had already felt the tension in the air when he came into the house. After seeing Joan’s reaction, he was all the more convinced that she and Larry had yet to make up.
“Dad, come! I saved you a seat!” Lucius exclaimed in excitement as he patted the chair next to him.
Larry wanted to join them but Dustin’s presence and Joan’s indifference toward him had caused him to lose his appetite. Nevertheless, he tried to be polite as he walked up to them and smiled.
“Why don’t you start without me; I still have work to do back at the office.” With that, Larry turned and left.
Seeing her husband’s retreating figure, Joan couldn’t help but feel a slight twinge of disappointment.
It did occur to her that he might be unhappy because of Dustin. But Delilah was the one who told me to invite Dustin over! Shouldn’t he have gotten the facts before jumping to conclusions? Joan was so overwhelmed by rage that she could only sit and pout in silence.
“Grandma, Mom, what’s wrong with Dad?” Lucius suddenly asked.
The boy sounded so depressed and confused that Delilah’s heart ached for him. What else could it be, Lucius? Your father’s jealous. That’s what’s wrong.
“Don’t worry about your father, Lucius. He has just been very busy with work. Come on, eat more. You have to grow big and strong, remember?”
She was tired of using the same old excuse of Larry being busy with work, but other than that, what else could she say?
“Why is Dad always so busy? He hasn’t sat down to eat with me for very, very long now,” Lucius grumbled.
Joan knew this was not what a young child should have to endure. The guilt and hurt she felt became almost too much to bear.
