SWNOVELS Chapter 232
With a swift message from Melvin saying: [Okay, on my way.]
Jocelyn was left dumbfounded.
Was he glued to his phone all the time?
The words were out and he had responded, she could almost picture him now sprinting to get to her place.
"Uh... Mom, Dad, we might have one guest to join our lunch," Jocelyn said with a hint of difficulty.
"Who's coming?" Calvin inquired.
"Melvin?" Daisy guessed.
With an awkward chuckle that served as confirmation, Jocelyn watched her parents exchange a quick glance before they hurriedly set aside their cutlery. "Let's whip up a couple more dishes. We've barely touched what's on the table. We can save it for later."
"Do we have to go through all that trouble?" Jocelyn wondered why her parents' attitude toward Melvin had suddenly become so cordial and warm.
"It's Christmas time, dear. It wouldn't be right to serve too simple a meal for a guest," Daisy said, returning to the kitchen.
As Jocelyn watched her food being cleared away, she regretted to have invited Melvin over on a whim.
Seeing her parents bustling about in the kitchen, she felt quite sorry.
Three more dishes were prepared and filled the table to the brim. To an outsider, it might look like they were expecting a crowd. "Why isn't he here yet?" Calvin peered from the window.
"Jocelyn, give him a call," Daisy suggested, holding baby Euston while occasionally checking the window herself.
Jocelyn forced a bitter smile. "Maybe he was just kidding. Let's not wait."
"He's here!" Calvin announced as he saw a car pulling in.
Jocelyn pursed her lips, observing her parents' expressions, which were uncannily similar to in-laws awaiting their future son-in-law. Calvin opened the door. "I'll go down and bring him up."
"Dad, you really don't have to..." Before Jocelyn could finish, Calvin was already on his way.
The situation felt almost identical to receiving a son-in-law.
Jocelyn felt a headache coming on.
As the voices and footsteps from downstairs reached her, she was the one who felt most awkward.
Standing at the doorway with Euston in her arms, Daisy greeted with a smile, "Come in."
"Merry Christmas," Melvin replied politely. "Sorry for the intrusion on such a day."
"It's nothing, really. We're just having a casual meal," Daisy said, stepping aside.
Melvin entered, arms laden with various bags as if he'd been out shopping for provisions, followed by Calvin carrying a few more.
"These are Christmas gifts for you," Melvin said as he set the bags aside.
"Thank you." Daisy was overwhelmed by the extravagance.
Switching his shoes, Melvin glanced at Jocelyn, sensing her displeasure at his arrival.
But since he was there, he resolved to make the best of the meal.
"Let's sit down and eat," Calvin urged, welcoming everyone to the table.
Melvin took his place beside Jocelyn.
Seeing her cold demeanor, he feigned hurt. "You invited me for lunch, and now why it seems like I'm not welcome?"
His bluntness caught Jocelyn off guard.
If he hadn't sent that picture of sandwich with ketchup and cheese, would she have extended that polite invitation? Didn't he understand it was just a courtesy?
"Of course not! I was telling her last night that we should invite you over. We're happy to have you," Daisy chimed in, hoping for a warm relationship between Jocelyn and Melvin. To support them as parents was the least they could do.
Melvin's gaze drifted from Jocelyn, tinged with a touch of melancholy. "Last night, when we got back, I suggested coming over today to visit you, but Jocelyn told me it's a tradition of your hometown not to visit today. So, I didn't dare to come."
Jocelyn clenched her jaw.
What kind of nerve did he have to accuse her like this?
Calvin poured wine and asked Melvin, "Care for a drink today?"
"I'd be glad to," Melvin replied, accepting the gesture.
As Calvin asked Jocelyn to fetch glasses, she felt a pang of stress.
Once the wine flowed, Melvin and Calvin became engrossed in conversation, their bond appearing stronger than ever.
Who could have imagined such a harmonious scene?
With wine in hand and laughter in the air, it was easy to get carried away and drink too much.
After finishing her meal, Jocelyn quickly took Euston in her arms, giving Daisy a chance to relax and eat.
Sitting on the couch with Euston, Jocelyn occasionally cast glances at Melvin, who had shed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, looking right at home next to Calvin.
For a moment, they truly resembled a family gathered for a meal.
If Melvin hadn't backed out years ago, their home might have been this lively much sooner.
Rubbing his eyes, Euston signaled to Jocelyn it was time for a nap. She took him to her room and closed the door behind them.
Intending to soothe Euston to sleep, Jocelyn found herself growing drowsy as well.
The sounds from outside were no longer disruptive. Jocelyn fell asleep in no time.
In her dream, she saw Melvin inching closer, his eyes filled with emotion as he leaned in for a tender kiss.
What started gentle became passionate, leaving Jocelyn breathless until he brought the kiss to a close.
Gasping for air, she savored a faint taste of wine on her lips, growing aware something was amiss. Struggling to open her eyes, she was startled by the sight before her.
Melvin sat casually on a chair by the bed, legs crossed, leaning against the wall with a teasing glint in his eyes.
Jocelyn's eyes snapped open, and she immediately became aware of an uncomfortable tingling on her lips. The lingering scent of whiskey in her mouth was a clear sign that what had just happened was no dream.
He had kissed her while she was asleep!
Melvin stood there with a smirk, his lips pursed in amusement, exuding a nonchalant confidence that was downright enviable.
"Why are you here?" Jocelyn's voice was a low growl, laced with accusation.
Melvin chuckled. "Your door wasn't locked."
"That's your excuse for coming in?" Jocelyn was far from convinced.
"Your dad had drunk too much and crashed in his room. Your mom mentioned she was going shopping for tonight's meal. I didn't know where to go, so I just... came in."
Melvin wore an expression of innocence. "Had a bit too much fun with the drinks just now, my head's spinning. Mind if I crash on your bed for a bit?"
"There's a couch outside!" Jocelyn couldn't believe his audacity.
Melvin shrugged, "The couch is too small. Besides, what would it look like if your mom came back and found me sprawled out there?" Without waiting for a response, he started moving towards the bed.