Ethan didn’t show up empty-handed. He arrived with a big bouquet of flowers and two jewelry boxes, each holding a set of gold jewelry he’d picked out just for Isabella. He always remembered how much she loved gold.
Cynthia smiled at them. “That’s sweet, but you two go eat together. I need to get home and start packing for my trip.” She rolled her eyes playfully. “A bunch of my girlfriends are off traveling and posting all over social media. I got so jealous, I finally told Jackson I’m going away myself for a week or two.”
She grabbed her purse and stood up. “Ethan, Isabella, you two have your time. I’ll head out.”
“Mom, it’s lunchtime already. Why don’t you stay and eat with us before you go?” Isabella tried to keep her there, hoping for a little more time.
Ethan jumped in, not hiding how eager he was. “Mom, you’re leaving as soon as I get here, without even staying for lunch. Are you trying to avoid me?” He glanced at Cynthia with a dramatic pout, as if her leaving would break his heart. He wanted her to stay even more than Isabella did. If Cynthia stayed, Isabella couldn’t send him away so easily.
“You’re going on a trip? When do you leave? It’s not urgent, right? Let’s all eat together, and after lunch, I can drive you to the airport.” He shot her a hopeful grin. “Oh, and Mom, I bought some jewelry. Come check it out.”
He slipped the flowers into Isabella’s arms and sat right next to Cynthia. Seeing how persistent he was, Cynthia smiled and sat back down.
Ethan opened the jewelry boxes, showing off the gold that sparkled under the light. “Mom, what do you think? Do these suit Isabella? I spent ages picking them out, but I’m not exactly an expert.”


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