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Novel Catalog
Chapter 20: You Are Still Thinking About That ?
Ainsley wasn’t naive—she could feel the subtle tension in the air, especially from Manuel. His polite gestures, his attentiveness, they all seemed to signal something more than just casual politeness. But Ainsley was keen enough to know that someone like Manuel, the most sought-after man in Seattle, wouldn’t be swayed by something as simple as a favor for his sister. She wasn’t a famous psychologist or someone with any grand status. So, what could his real intentions be?
Manuel’s voice broke through her thoughts. “I heard Ms. Easton works at the University of Washington,” he said, as casual as ever. His tone was soft, as though he were merely making conversation, but there was a glint of something else in his eyes.
Serina, sitting beside Manuel, lit up at the mention of the university. “Is Ms. Easton a teacher at the University of Washington?” she asked, her voice brimming with excitement.
Ainsley, a little caught off guard, nodded. “I’m interning at the Psychological Counseling Room,” she explained. The sincerity in Serina’s eyes made Ainsley feel at ease, and she couldn’t help but like the little girl.
“Great! Can I hang out with Ms. Easton when I’m at school?” Serina’s face was full of hope, and Ainsley could see how genuine her admiration was.
Ainsley, who had once seen such innocent affection in the eyes of a deer she’d encountered in the woods, smiled softly. “Sure,” she agreed, her heart warming a little. “You can come by anytime.”
Manuel, his tone still as gentle as before, placed a piece of food on Ainsley’s plate. “Then I have to thank Ms. Easton for looking after my younger sister,” he said, his gaze steady on her.
Ainsley’s heart skipped a beat. His actions felt deliberate, as if he were sending a silent message with every move. As she raised her eyes to meet his dark, intense gaze, she couldn’t help but feel like she was slowly being pulled into a web she didn’t quite understand. She felt like a moth drawn to a flame, yet she couldn’t seem to look away.
Lainey, sitting nearby, was practically glowing with excitement. She watched Ainsley and Manuel with wide eyes, clearly seeing what Ainsley hadn’t quite noticed yet. There was something more going on here, and it was thrilling to watch it unfold.
The dinner passed smoothly, but Ainsley couldn’t shake the feeling that Manuel was more interested in her than he was letting on. After dinner, Manuel and his party—Serina and Roman—made their leave. Serina, although reluctant to go, was comforted by her brother’s reassurances.
“You’ll have plenty of chances to see Ms. Easton again,” Manuel said softly, rubbing Serina’s head in a gesture that was both comforting and a little possessive.
Serina’s eyes brightened, a hopeful glimmer in them. “Is Ms. Easton going to be my sister-in-law?” she asked innocently, her words hanging in the air.
Manuel’s eyes deepened, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he simply nodded, his voice low. “Yes.”
Roman, who had been quietly driving, nearly choked on his own spit. Mr. Gage admitting to having feelings for Ms. Easton? He coughed twice, trying to recover. This is a surprise.
Back at Ainsley’s place, Lainey helped her clean up. As they worked together, Lainey couldn’t help but let her curiosity spill out.
“Aisy,” she started, a teasing glint in her eyes, “I think Mr. Gage is definitely interested in you. How did you meet him? You’ve been so secretive about it! Are you hiding something from me, your best friend?”
Ainsley, now in the kitchen wearing an apron, rubbed her temples. “He just needs my help, Lainey. Don’t overthink it,” she replied, clearly not in the mood for any romantic speculation. “And besides, I don’t have the energy or desire for another relationship right now.”
Lainey’s eyes widened, her voice dropping into a more serious tone. “Aisy, you’re not still thinking about that guy from the Baldry family, are you? Are you seriously going to stay single for him forever?”
Ainsley felt the weight of her friend’s concern but couldn’t help but smile weakly. “Lainey, I’ve already agreed to the divorce. I’ve let go of Cason. I don’t intend to stay single for the rest of my life. I just haven’t met anyone who sparks my interest, that’s all.”
Lainey’s face softened in relief. “Oh, thank goodness,” she muttered, looking more at ease. “I just don’t get how you were ever interested in that guy. He’s not even worth it.”
The two of them spent some more time talking, but eventually, Lainey had to head home to get some sleep for work the next day. She helped Ainsley pack up before leaving.
The next morning, Ainsley was up early. She hadn’t been working for a while, but now that she was about to start her job again, she felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. She relished the thought of returning to campus, feeling the rush of student life, and diving back into her passion for psychology.
The University of Washington was just a short walk from her apartment, so she set off on foot, her mind already busy with thoughts of the work ahead. But just as she was beginning to get into her rhythm, a sharp voice cut through the air.
“Ainsley? What are you doing here?”
Ainsley turned to see Kaitlin, her face twisted in surprise and disdain. It seemed Kaitlin was the last person she expected to see on her first day back at school.
