If not, with Albertâs sway, heâd be six feet under, no ten-million check.
It was all for Jessieâs sake.
After a beat, Axell piped up, âJessie didnât ask about me?â
Albert stubbed out his smoke, voice soft.
âShe kept quiet, because she knew it would upset me.
She figured itâd end worse for you if she did.
And she was right.
Axell, I hate to admit it but she did have feelings for you once.
â
Albert felt a pang at the words.
And he didnât dwell on what Axell might feel hearing it.
Bottom line, Axellâs chapter was closed.
Albert gave Axell closure.
He closed the book on Axell and Jessie too.
As dusk settled, Albert pulled up from the detention center.
Stepping out of the car, he spotted a lone cloud drifting lazily in the sky.
Maybe it was his mood but that cloud kind of resembled Jessie to him.
Entering the house, Elsie bustled in with a thermos, setting it down and popping the lid open.
A heavenly aroma of chicken soup filled the room.
âMr.
Waston, your wound isnât fully patched up.
Chicken soupâs the best remedy,â she chimed politely.
Albert wasnât keen on soup.
Slouching on the sofa, he undid his cuff link, quipping, âWhy cook this again? You have it.
â
Elsie felt a pang of disappointment at her inability to sway him.
âItâs potent and fragrant.
Itâs been simmering for at least four hours,â she explained.
âIf it were my own, Iâd understand if you didnât want it.
But this hereâs from Miss Greenâs mom herself.
A gesture of gratitude.
â
Albert fumbled with his shirt collar.
His hand shook at the mention.
âJessieâs mother?â
Elsieâs eyes widened.
âYeah.
She sent it over while you were out.
I figured you knew.
â
She added smugly, âHer mother has been whipping up soup for you? Thatâs a sign sheâs on board with you and Miss Green.
â
Albert feigned annoyance.
âWhat are you talking about? Jessie can barely stand the sight of me these days.
Weâre miles from tying the knot.
â
Though he tried to play it cool, a faint smirk graced his lips.
âFix me up a bowl of that soup.
â
Elsie eagerly complied, âSure thing! This here is the chicken soup with fresh bamboo shoots.
Itâs as fresh as it gets this season.
Mrs.
Green does put a lot of thought into it.
â
A steaming bowl landed on the table.