I put on my coat and go out to have my lunch.  I usually take Caleb with me.  I decide not to because I’m not in the stable mood to talk with him.  He was the one who brought Rachel Marshall to my room. 

Unfortunately, he comes to me when I pass his room. “What did happen before between you and Rachel?” He confronts me with one question I absolutely don’t want to have a conversation of right now.

“Nothing.  We just talked then she left because she had a schedule for photo shoot.” I reply nonchalantly. 

He nods slowly. “I don’t believe you.  I talked to her and she didn’t appear to be fine.”

I slip my hands in my trousers’ pockets. “Why do you care about her? If you like her, I approve.”

“No, it’s just that, why can’t you be nice to any women?” His eyebrows are furrowed.

I sigh. “Caleb, I’m not having this conversation again with you.” I tell him. “I’m going to have lunch, so I have to go.”

“Oh I want to remind you about Company anniversary in less than two weeks.  I know you don’t favor big party but this Company needs special anniversary after we missed one last year.”

I remind him. “We had some more important events last year.”

“But no party.  We deserve having fun.  Everyone in the company has anticipated for some party.” He convinces me. 

“Fine.” I warn him. “Get it under control and don’t get overboard.”
-----

I’m staying a little longer at the restaurant even though I have finished my lunch.  Being in Mexican restaurant brings back the memories I had when I was in my hometown.  Replaying those memories can clear my mind from those resentful moments I had earlier with Rachel Marshall. 

“Juan Victor.” I feel someone touch my shoulder.  I turn my head to see who she is. 

My lips are slowly pursed into a smile. “Mrs. Wilson, how are you?” I stand up and gesture her to sit. “Please sit.”

She shakes his head. “I’m wonderful.  I just finished and have to come back before Mary starts to worry about me.”

“Mary is moving in here?” I’m still standing because she refuses to sit. 

Her smile is very heartwarming. “Her husband gets a new job in Carterville.”

“That’s good.  Would you like me to drive you home?” I offer.

She touches my arm softly and holds onto it. “I’m sure you are busy.  I’m going to the grocery store and I can have Mary to pick me up there.  She is on her way to pick up her daughter from school.”

“It’s fine.  I’ll drive you to the grocery store.” I insist. 

She answers with a nod and smile.  Mrs. Wilson is my mother’s good friend in my hometown, Albany, Georgia.  The Victors and The Wilsons have known each other well. 

“Thank you Juan.  You spare time for this old lady.” She says when I open the car door for her.

I smile sincerely. “You’re my mother’s good friend.  I’m more than glad to have this chance to treat you the way my mother wants me to treat her good friends.”

“Elisha must be proud of you.”

“Thank you.”

We have simple conversation along the road.  Mrs. Wilson is a nice person to have a conversation with.  She likes to shower me with compliments. 

“I’m visiting my mother this weekend.” I tell her.

She pats my arm. “You’re a great son.  I recognize you visit your mother every month.  Elisha always tells me how grateful she is to have you.”

“That’s the least I do since I can’t be there taking care of her, like my sister does.  My sister is always there for her.” I come home every month to visit my mother and sister.  I usually go on Saturday morning then back to Carterville on Sunday evening.
-----

“Caroline?” I recognize a girl wearing light blue shirt and plain white skirt.  A cute boy is standing beside her.  He is wearing baseball suit. 

Caroline opens her arms as I get closer. “Oh Juan!” With her heels, she can easily reach my cheeks.  She kisses my cheek while hugging me. 

I turn to the boy, bending my back to take him up and put him down again.  Levi is my nephew from my one and only older sister. “Do you join the baseball team now?”

“We were just on baseball practice.” He says.  His eyes are wide, so does his smile. 

I nod, knowing the reason why my sister picks me up here.  Levi just had his baseball practice so they must have decided to pick me up.  My sister knows my visiting schedule, the second week of the month. 

I love my hometown.  It is relatively more peaceful.  Most importantly I don’t get much attention from the folks.  Too much attention bothers me.

“Uncle.” Levi shushes me and gestures me with his small hand to let him whisper on my ear. “Mom is seeing someone.”

Caroline notices us. “What are you whispering Levi?” She climbs up onto the driver seat. 

“Nothing.” Levi replies.  He shakes his head innocently then jumps onto the back seat. 

I suit myself on the passenger seat.  This car is quite comfortable despite the fact that this is an old version Chevrolet.  I want to buy her a new car but she refuses.  She wants to appreciates and respect what Luke bought for her.  Luke Gerard was her deceased husband.  He was in military service. 

“So who is he? And how long has it been?” I ask in whisper. 

She glances at me. “Ah that’s what Levi told you.”

“Grandma approved him.” Levi abruptly says and grins.

“Levi.” My sister grunts. 

I laugh. “It’s funny that Levi seems to be totally okay with it, excited even.”

“You have to meet Nolan, Uncle Juan.  He’s very nice.” Levi answers on Caroline behalf again.

I laugh again. “I would love to meet this great guy named Nolan.”

“Nolan James.  He is his Math teacher.” Caroline says in whisper.

“Caroline.” I shake my head in wonder. “How did it start?”

She sighs. “Details later, Juan.”

“Fine.” I change the subject. “Next week is company anniversary.  Can you come? Nolan is welcomed too.”

Caroline is so focused when driving. “Five years anniversary, huh? I’ll talk to him and see if he is available to come.”
*****

A/N
Hey hey! Yes this chapter is kind of filler but I think this is important to get to know other side of Juan when he is with the old lady, his sister and nephew.

What do you think happen next on the party? Find out on next chapters. It will be real good.

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