Chapter 237: Farewell?
Chapter 237: Farewell?
Chapter - 237
Rick's father returned from the kitchen carrying a jug of freshly made watermelon juice. He placed it on the table and carefully poured a glass for Rick, his movements deliberate and measured. The silence between them was palpable, with Jemimah watching the interaction closely.
"Here you go, Rick," Rick's father said, setting the glass down in front of his son. "Your favorite."
"Thanks, Dad," Rick replied, his voice sounding a bit casual. He took the glass but didn't immediately drink, his thoughts elsewhere.
Rick's father sat down, his eyes flicking between Rick and Jemimah. "So, Jemimah," he began, his tone deliberately light, "are you enjoying your breakfast?"
Jemimah nodded quickly, swallowing a bite of pancake. "Yes, Mr Smith. It is wonderful, thank you."
"I am glad," he replied, his gaze lingering on her.
"So, Jemimah, how are you finding everything here? Is there anything you need?" Rick's father tried to make some unnecessary small talk.
Jemimah forced a smile, still trying to calm her nerves from Rick's earlier teasing, "No, Mr. Smith. Everything is wonderful. Thank you so much for your hospitality."
"It is my pleasure, Jemimah," he said warmly, "You have become like family here. If there is ever anything you need, just let me know."
As Jemimah nodded appreciatively, Rick's father noticed that Rick was still lost in thought, staring into space with the glass of juice in his hand. His brow furrowed in concern. "Rick," he said gently, trying to snap his son out of his reverie, "You should drink your juice before it gets warm."
Rick blinked, his father's voice pulling him back to the present. He looked down at the glass in his hand, then up at his father. For a moment, an unreadable expression crossed his face, a mix of emotions that Rick's father couldn't quite decipher.
Rick took a deep breath and managed a smile, nodding at his father. "Yeah, sure thing, Dad," he said, his voice steady but lacking any of the enthusiasm.
"I will have it now. Thanks, DAD!" Rick spoke, his lips curling up in a smirk.
As Rick slowly raised the glass to his lips, his father's eyes followed the movement intently. The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension. Rick's father's fist clenched tightly under the table, his knuckles turning white as his nails dug into his palm. His eyes bore into Rick, a mixture of concern, frustration, and something else lurking just beneath the surface.
Meanwhile Rick was looked very casual, he took his time, his motion neither rushed nor overly slow. When the rim of the glass touched Rick's lips, his father's grip tightened even more, his fist trembling slightly.
Without breaking eye contact with his father, Rick chugged down the entire glass of watermelon juice in one go. The cool, refreshing liquid coursed down his throat, but it did little to ease the tension he felt.
"Good," Rick's father said, his voice strained as he tried to maintain his composure. "I am glad you enjoyed it."
"I didn't really say anything," Rick set the empty glass down, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "But I would say, it was great, Dad. Thanks," he said, trying to sound sincere.
The silence that followed was heavy and uncomfortable. Jemimah shifted in her seat, sensing the undercurrent of emotions between father and son. She cleared her throat softly, trying to break the tension. "This breakfast is really delicious, Mr. Smith. You are a great cook."
"Thank you, Jemimah," Rick's father replied, his voice softening as he turned to her. "I am glad you are enjoying it."
Rick's father turned back to Jemimah, trying to ease the atmosphere. "So, Jemimah, do you have any plans for today? Anything special you would like to do?"
Jemimah glanced at Rick before answering, sensing the underlying tension but grateful for the shift in focus. "Not really, Mr. Smith. I thought I might help out around the house, maybe do some cleaning. You have made breakfast for us, so least I could do is clean the dishes."
Rick's father smiled warmly. "That's very kind of you, but please, don't feel obligated. You are our guest."
Rick, finally regaining his composure, chimed in. "Actually, Dad, I was thinking I might go back today itself. I have my college, and I might have to help out Olivia with Emily and other paperwork at the hospital. I might come in handy" Rick said with a smile on his face.
]
Seeing the options in front of him, Rick gently pulled her closer and guided her to sit on his lap. She settled onto him, her body fitting perfectly against his. She was still wearing her black tank top and blue jean shorts, her skin warm and soft.
As she settled on his lap, her body pressed against his, Rick's hands began to trace soft patterns on her thighs. His fingers moved slowly, teasingly, over her soft skin, then around to her perky behind. Jemimah's breathing became fast, her chest rising and falling against Rick's. He hoped to soothe her sadness, even just a little. "Hey, it's going to be okay. We'll make it work, I promise."
Jemimah's breathing became faster, her chest rising and falling against Rick's. Despite her sadness, she couldn't help but respond to his touch. Her body pressed closer to his, her hands resting on his shoulders. But despite her body's response, she still tried to act angry.
"Rick, this isn't fair," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I know," Rick cut her off with a soft kiss on her cheek. "No what-ifs. We will figure it out. I care about you, Jem. I am not going to let a little distance change that." he murmured, his lips close to her ear.
Jemimah's resolve began to weaken, her anger giving way to the warmth of his touch. His hands roamed over her perky behind, squeezing gently. Her breath hitched, and she felt her heart pounding in her chest.
[
1. With all the built up sexual tension, now let her go. It is time for you to leave (Temptation +15)
2. It can be your last time meeting her. Why not feel those juicy lips again? (Temptation +5)
]
"Rick..." she whispered, torn between wanting to stay mad and giving in to the comfort he offered.
Rick leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. Just as he was about to kiss her, a throat cleared loudly from the front door.
"Rick," Rick's father called out, his voice firm but calm.
Jemimah jumped up from Rick's lap, flustered and embarrassed. She quickly stepped away, smoothing down her tank top and shorts. Rick stood up, facing his father.
"Yeah, Dad?" Rick said, trying to sound casual.
Rick's father's eyes flicked between Rick and Jemimah, a knowing look in his eyes. "Just wanted to remind you to be safe on your trip. And don't forget to call when you get there."
Rick nodded, feeling a bit sheepish. "Of course, Dad. I will call as soon as I arrive."
Rick's father spoke, walking over to Rick. "You know, I am really proud of you. You are doing a great thing by helping Olivia and Emily. And graduating from college is a huge achievement."
"Thanks, Dad. That means a lot," Rick said, feeling a swell of pride and gratitude.
Rick's father put a hand on Rick's shoulder. "Just remember, no matter where you go or what you do, this will always be your home. You can always come back."
Rick smiled, his face showing a tinge of sadness, "I know, Dad. Thanks for everything."
And saying so, Rick pushed the door open and walked out of the house. And as soon as he did, the smile on his face vanished like a fleeting shadow. The bright, cheerful facade he had worn so convincingly melted away.
[You act so tough master. But you are actually a softie. You gave up such enticing rewards. Che... Che... Che...]
* * * * *
EFB