[This chapter is dedicated to Mercury_Drug. Thank you for sending power stones to our story. It was nice to see you supporting our stories with power stones until now. Thank you!]
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She stretched her back and yawned. Her phone on alarm has been vibrating, reminding her that she has to pick up Lucille. Putting aside the papers containing the previous data from Luke's research, she got up from her chair.
She has been reading some findings and the hypothesis of Luke's research because she wanted to catch up with everything. Since there will be just the two of them working on his study, she's already expecting the long hours in the lab. Hence, she offered to pick up Lucille in the near future, she won't be able to spend time with her or with Noah.
She exhaled a deep sigh, thinking they would be living next to each other but they won't have much time to spend together.
"Luke, I'll go ahead." Her voice broke the silence of the lab. Luke glanced up and put down what he was working on and checked his wristwatch. "It's too early to leave. Aren't you supposed to show your dedication on your first day of work?"
"Shut up! If you're going to answer my questions about the real score between you and Oliver, I'll stay until midnight."
"That's too bad. As much as I want to tell you the 'score' about me and Oliver, I can't."
Jess arched her eyebrow in sarcasm. She scoffed lightly as she rolled her eyes, slugging her purse over her shoulder.
"Jess, I'm sorry. But can you give me some time?"
"Some time for what? To answer a simple question of are you two dating or are you not?"
Luke crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Once upon a time," he said, using his special voice. "there was a girl who wept and mourned over a thief who stole her virginity who does not remember her…at all!" He said the last two words, nodding in Jess's direction.
"Fine! Take all the time you need, bitch!"
Luke laughed. "Thank you, Little Miss Jessie who got promoted to aunt Jessie."
"I've been to Mumbai for only a few weeks, and I already forgot how annoying you are."
"You just miss me. I heard most of the scientists that were sent there were arse tight."
"Most are okay. Others are just assholes."
"You tell me about the asshole. I love them."
"You mean ass?"
"No. The hole."
Jess exhaled a deep breath, praying for some patience. She does forget how obnoxious Luke can be especially when he does not want to answer something. Which was the topic of him and Oliver.
"I'll let you go this time because I have to pick up Lucille from school."
Luke grinned. "Oh!" he exclaimed, raising his brow. "You're taking the role of aunt Jessie so seriously."
Jess did not reply to the taunting from Luke. She was indeed taking things seriously. And Luke would tease her mercilessly if it means that he could use it as a way to get away from being asked about him and Oliver. But since she would pick up Lucille, she'll let him go, for now. She would probe him again about his relationship next time. Soon if possible.
"Take care, aunt Jessie!" Luke's laughter followed her as she exited the lab. She gritted her teeth to stop herself from answering him for she won't win with him anyway. She sent a message to Soraya that she was on the way to pick them up while she was walking to the parking lot. She sent a message to Noah as well.
She wasn't expecting Noah to call her because she knew that he was busy with work.
"Hey, baby! Where are you now?"
"Just getting out of the parking lot. Why?"
"Hmmm, just wishing I'm with you right now."
Jess' heart swelled in her chest. Her lips were pulled so tightly it seemed like her mouth would tear with how large her smile was. "Too bad." She teased him. "Lucille and I will have fun but I'll make sure to send you photos."
Noah groaned. "I want to end this damn meeting but it's impossible. Right now, Antonio is giving me a dagger look."
She giggled because she can imagine the look that Antonio was giving to Noah. She hasn't seen Antonio ever since the time Noah visited her in Mumbai when she was sick, for he didn't join Noah and Lucille when the two visited her in Mumbai. He had to hold the port while Noah was playing hooky with her.
"Well then, you should go back to your meeting. We don't want Antonio to kill you." Her voice was ringing with laughter that made Noah groan again.
"I'll be late going home. Thank you for picking up Lucille."
"No need for thanks. Lucille is likeable even if she isn't your kid."
Noah laughed. "Miss Zimmerman, don't make me feel jealous of my own kid."
"Silly," Jess grinned, imagining Noah's sullen expression. "Drop the call, Tiefenbacher. Can I disturb you by sending messages?"
"Please do. I need the distraction. And you and Lucille are the only distraction I welcome."
"Laters." She dropped the call with a huge smile on her face even when there was traffic on her way to Lucille's school. She was in high spirits.
She parked the car next to the SUV that Noah drove to work this morning. Jin was behind the wheel and as soon as she pulled next to him, he rolled down the car window and he waved and gave her a big smile.
"They are about to go out now," he said.
Jess smiled and kept the driver's side window down but Jin didn't say anything more and just kept his eyes ahead. She squirmed in her seat with the awkwardness between them. She was glad that Lucille ran in their direction, with her small arms flapping on her sides as she ran—Soraya was running on her trail, carrying her backpack.
"Aunt Jessie, Uncle Jin, I'm here!!"