You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 437

“What are you looking at, Mr. Martin?”

Someone stepped out of the private room and caught Emerson standing alone under the awning, staring off into the night. Curious, he followed Emerson’s gaze, but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“Nothing,” Emerson replied, finally pulling his eyes away and going back to lighting his cigarette.

He tried to sound casual. “Who owns this place anyway?”

“I think it’s the son of some department head. I’ll find out for you.”

“Why the sudden interest?”

Emerson just gave a small laugh. “Just making conversation.”

When the dinner wrapped up, everyone left together. Emerson’s car was still parked in the courtyard, but he didn’t rush to leave.

He sat there in the driver’s seat, phone in hand, talking to Tina about Ruby and how she was doing in Toronto.

They chatted for about twenty minutes before Emerson finally hung up.

He started up the car and headed out. As he reached the gate, he spotted the same girl he’d noticed earlier. She was waiting by the curb, phone in hand, looking for her ride.

Her head was bowed, long hair spilling over her shoulders like silk. The night breeze kept teasing her hair, and every now and then she’d tuck a strand behind her ear.

There was something so young and awkward and real about her. It took him back to his college days in a heartbeat.

Back then, there was a girl from a mountain village—her whole hometown rooting for her. She’d had that same bright, hopeful vibe.

Emerson’s hand tightened around the steering wheel, knuckles going white.

He felt torn up inside, more than ever.

It was only fifty meters, but driving past her felt endless.

Finally, he pulled his black BMW over to the curb and rolled down the window.

He got out of the car.

“Why not?”

Sara popped another chip. “Colton got beat up and ended up in the hospital. Uncle Oliver sent Jackson over this morning to look after him.”

Patricia paused. “Is it serious?”

Sara shrugged. “He’ll live.”

Later that afternoon, Patricia went to the hospital. Sara went with her.

Aiden parked the car, and the two women headed inside.

They found Colton’s room, and as soon as Patricia opened the door, she saw Jackson sitting there, legs crossed, peeling an apple with a paring knife. He’d almost managed to peel the whole apple in one long strip, but the moment he saw Patricia, he jumped and the peel broke.

Jackson looked at the broken peel, then at Patricia.

With a sigh, he picked up the peel and tossed it in the trash. “What brings you here, Miss?”