Holley pressed on. “I’m not asking you to meddle. Just mentioning it to your godfather might help. He’d likely listen to you.”
Jessica suddenly scoffed. “Is this Dad’s idea? Did he ask you to bring this up to me?”
Holley hesitated, but before she could respond, Jessica cut her off. “Tell him I won’t mention this to Mr. Thomas. If Dad’s truly interested in partnering with them, he should approach them directly instead of trying to use me.”
Holley’s face fell slightly. “Jessica, you—”
“Mom,” Jessica interrupted, her voice softer but firm. “Let’s not discuss this anymore. Can we just enjoy our meal together in peace?”
Holley opened her mouth as if to protest but ultimately stayed quiet.
________________________________________
A Request from Jonathan
After lunch, Jessica loaded the dishwasher when her phone rang again. Seeing Jonathan’s name on the screen, she answered quickly.
“Hello, Jonathan,” she greeted.
“Jessica, do you have a moment?” Jonathan asked.
“I just finished lunch. What’s going on?”
Jonathan sighed, his tone laced with concern. “I was wondering if you could bring some homemade food to Ethan at his office.”
Jessica blinked in surprise, her grip tightening on the phone. “Bring him food?”
“Yes,” Jonathan continued. “You don’t know how things have been these past three years. Since you left, no one has cared whether he eats properly. Ethan neglects his meals when he’s buried in work, and his stomach issues have gotten worse.”
Jessica hesitated, conflicted. “I could order some quality takeout for him instead?”
A pause followed before Jonathan’s resigned voice came through. “That won’t work. He’s too picky and won’t touch takeout. But if you’re too busy, I’ll handle it myself.”
Jonathan’s words, spoken with quiet resignation, stirred a flicker of guilt in Jessica. After a moment’s consideration, she sighed.
“It’s fine. I’ll bring him some food,” she said finally.