You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 713

Patricia shook her head. “I’m not cold.”

He smiled and said, “The sun’s about to set. You should come inside.”

She shot him a look. “You’re the one who should be inside.” Honestly, a patient trying to boss her around?

Mr. Padilla’s smile was warm, love shining through. “You’re right. How about we go in together?”

Patricia wasn’t having it. “I’m not going. Don’t worry about me.” She tossed the words over her shoulder and ignored him, wandering onto the backyard lawn. The grass still held a hint of green. She lifted her dress a little, teasing the cat that darted around her feet.

Up on the balcony, Mr. Padilla watched her, sometimes pulling out his phone to snap a picture, wanting to remember these happy moments. When the kitten’s sharp claws caught her dress, he couldn’t help but chuckle. Patricia tried to free her skirt from those tiny paws, but every time she bent down, the cat scampered off, only to come right back when she straightened up. Watching her struggle, Mr. Padilla laughed quietly to himself.

While Patricia was still tugging at her dress, a hand landed gently at her waist, giving her a soft squeeze. A man’s calm voice came from behind her as he nudged the cat away with his foot. “Go on, shoo.”

He turned to Patricia. “Come inside. It gets chilly at night.”

Patricia didn’t argue. No point in making things harder on herself.

As soon as they stepped inside, Marian greeted them with her usual cheer. “Miss, how about beef stew for dinner?”

Patricia’s brow tightened, just a little. “No, Johanna and I are craving something spicy.”

Marian hesitated, looking worried. “But sir just got out of the hospital…”

Patricia glanced at the man beside her. “Then let him eat the stew alone.”

“But…” Marian looked helplessly at Mr. Padilla.

He smiled, the corners of his mouth lifting. “Do what the lady says.”

Patricia laughed. That sounded like Jackson, all right.

“Thank you for your help,” Patricia said, her voice gentle. On the surface, it sounded simple, but she meant it. It felt a little like a parent trusting someone with their child. In a way, Jackson was the steady one, and she was always moving around. She really did want to help him grow.

Colby nodded. “Of course.”

“I heard Ruby’s been trying to find a lawyer to get Tina out.”

Patricia’s lips curled into a faint smile. “She’ll need more than that.”

“The police have already started the transfer. I heard Ruby tried blocking the officer in charge a few times.”

Block Brandon? Patricia’s eyes went wide in surprise.