Chapter 1610: Just a day in MAMA

[MAMA]

"What’s wrong with you?" Jessa asked, stepping into the restaurant and catching Allison sighing deeply at one of the tables. Her steps slowed, and instead of figuring out a way to yell at everyone before breakfast, she sat across from her.

Allison looked up at Jessa as she settled in. "It’s nothing, Jess."

"It doesn’t look like nothing." Jessa arched a brow, crossing her arms under her chest. "What did your husband do this time, Allison?"

"Jessi, it’s not him."

"Allison, you’re lucky I still call you my friend," Jessa retorted. "After all these years of practically living together more than with our own families, do you really think I’m dumb? You only get like this when it involves your husband or your kids. And since I’ve seen you evolve from an overly concerned mother to a fed-up one—well, I would too if I had another child."

She paused, her thin eyebrow lifting higher. "So it’s Charles. What did he do? I promise I won’t kill him, but I will knock some sense into that old fool."

Despite the threatening promise, Allison chuckled weakly. But truth be told, Jessa had always had her back—whether it was standing up to other mothers or dealing with Allison’s own relatives. When they first opened the restaurant, Allison’s family came to eat, only to complain about the food and the place.

Her relatives were even happier when they heard rumors that the restaurant might go bankrupt. Thankfully, they’d managed to pull through.

"He didn’t do anything. At least, not really," Allison began, sighing heavily as thoughts of her husband clouded her mind. "It’s just that... that’s the point. He’s not doing anything. Charles and Haines seem to have fought."

"Huh?" Jessa deadpanned. "They fought again, so what? It’s not like your dumb husband ever stops upsetting the disabled."

"Jessa," Allison warned, her tone sharp, but Jessa just shrugged. There was no point in arguing.

Allison rested her arms on the table, recalling Charles’s expression.

"Allison, men... well, men will always be men. Charles and Haines always argue over some stupid thing, then make up," Jessa said. "So if they’ve fought for the millionth time, I’m sure they’ll make up again. If anything, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already off fishing together."

At the mention of fishing, her eyes lit up—though not with excitement. "And they better not drag my husband with them on his day off."

Lately, it seemed Charles and Haines were getting bored with each other and had started pulling Lester along. And now, Lester was growing addicted to that boring hobby.

"No." Allison shook her head. "I don’t think it’s that simple this time."

"Huh?"

"I thought the same thing when Charles came here yesterday, so I didn’t think much of it. But last night... I don’t know how to put it into words," she sighed. "It’s the first time I’ve seen Charles look so disheartened."

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she remembered the distant look in his eyes. Even when she tried to cheer him up, all he offered was a weak reassurance, then silence. Even Butler Jen was worried.

"Even this morning, he was still gloomy," she added, meeting Jessa’s gaze. "It was like watching someone go through a heartbreak."

And she didn’t mean the romantic kind. It was the kind of heartbreak that happens between best friends.

Allison knew it would hurt if she and Charles ever separated. But she also knew that if she and Jessa parted ways, the pain would be different—and just as devastating.

"So I’m really worried," she admitted. "And I don’t know if I should step in... or just wait."

Jessa nodded, rocking her head thoughtfully. "Well, that is new. Normally, when they fight, they go out of their way to ignore each other. Or your husband taunts him openly."

This was the first time Jessa had heard of Charles acting like he’d just lost a lifelong partner.

"What do you think I should do?" Allison asked. "Should I go to Miller’s Company and talk to Haines?"

Jessa studied the concern deepening in her friend’s eyes. Then she slapped her hand on the table and leaned forward.

"No," she said firmly. "Allison, I know you’re worried. But Charles and Haines are men. Old men. They’ll make up eventually."

"What if they don’t?"

Jessa paused, then shrugged. "Then we step in."

"We’re family," she added, reaching out to gently squeeze Allison’s hand. "Let’s give them some time for now. Not all problems can—or should—be fixed right away. Sometimes, we just have to let them sit for a while. Because we’re only human, and we’re not perfect—and that’s okay too."

Allison’s eyes softened at Jessa’s subtle smile.

Jessa might be loud and unfiltered most of the time, but when it mattered, she always knew how to say the right thing.

It was times like these that Allison could see clearly how Jessa had managed to tame Nina. And she was grateful that what could have been a total mess—the baby swap—had turned into something beautiful. They were more like sisters than friends now, and the Bennet and Cortez families had become each other’s extended family.

"All right." Allison nodded in understanding. "You’re right. Let’s see how things play out first."

"Good." Jessa gave her hand a final pat before pulling hers back. "Now, since the shop is opening soon, let’s get to work."

She stood and grabbed her things. Allison followed her slowly. As they both rose, Jessa paused and looked at her.

"They’ll be fine, Ali," she said reassuringly. "That, I don’t doubt."

She patted Allison’s shoulder, then turned to drop her things in the office before heading to the kitchen.

Allison stayed where she was for a moment, eyes following Jessa. After a second, her lips curled into a faint smile. Then she turned and walked toward the entrance to pull up the blinds.

After finishing that task, she reached for the "Open" sign. But just before she flipped it, Jessa’s voice rang out—already screaming in the kitchen.

Allison let out a small, tired laugh and flipped the sign to [Open.]