Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Yes.” Gilbert’s handsome face twisted into an awkward expression, especially when he spotted Sherilyn just a few steps away.

“What flavor did you get?” The assistant’s question seemed casual, perhaps even foolhardy.

Gilbert frowned but didn’t answer.

But the assistant had seen the words on the paper bag. “Ah? Cheese pastries, huh?”

For the first time, Gilbert disliked the Velvet Fork’s meticulous service!

“Bonnie?” Probably having waited in the car too long, Caroline, wearing sunglasses and a face mask, came looking for her assistant. “Taking so long to buy the pastries?”

Then, she saw Gilbert and Sherilyn. “Gilbert, Sherilyn… are you guys here for breakfast?”

Gilbert nodded. “Yeah.”

“Caroline.” The assistant, Bonnie, quickly said, “The cheese pastries are all out. But Mr. Johnson got some.”

The glance she threw Gilbert’s way implied that Gilbert should offer it to Caroline.

But Caroline was confused. “You got some cheese pastries? But you don’t like cheese. You always go for the chocolate pastries, don’t you?”

Growing up together, it was common knowledge that Gilbert wasn’t fond of cheese. Could it be…

Women’s intuition didn’t follow logic, and Caroline immediately realized it. “Who did you buy it for?”

Then Caroline chuckled. “For Sherilyn, right?”

“Yeah.” Gilbert nodded, “She stayed up all night with Grandma and hasn’t eaten anything this morning.”

“As you should.” Caroline smiled, “Sherilyn, you better eat before it gets cold. I’ve got to rush to the studio.” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Without waiting for Gilbert to speak, Caroline pulled the assistant along. “Bonnie, let’s go.” “Caroline!” Bonnie complained, “Why didn’t you ask Mr. Johnson to give it to you? He would have agreed if you had asked!”

Caroline grinned. “Always chatting away. Come on, let’s go.”

Bonnie didn’t give up. “It’s for your good. You’ll end up hungry till noon!”

Their conversation was clear to Gilbert, who thought if Francis were in good shape, he would never let his loved one go hungry.

Looking at Sherilyn, still waiting for him, Gilbert blurted out, “I’ll buy another one for you!”

Then, he chased after them. “Caroline!”

“Hmm?” Caroline stopped and looked at him, puzzled. “What’s up?”

“Here.” He handed her the bag. “You can’t go the whole morning without eating. You’ve got to take care of yourself.”

“This…” Caroline hesitated, reluctant to accept. “If you take this, what about Sherilyn?”

“What about her?” Gilbert scoffed, unconcerned, “There are other pastries. I’ll buy her another one. What does it matter? She won’t starve.”

Caroline hesitated, “Well…”

“Take it.” Gilbert grabbed her hand and pressed the bag into it.

“Okay then.” Caroline smiled. “Thanks. I’m in a hurry. I need to get going.”

“Yeah.” Watching Caroline leave, Gilbert turned to face Sherilyn. “I’ll get you another one. I’ll queue up…‘

11

“No need.” Sherilyn stopped Gilbert, reminding him, ” You forgot they’d sold out cheese pastries?”

Gilbert frowned, annoyed. “So what? There are other options. What, are you some delicate princess who can only eat cheese pastries? So prissy!”

Sherilyn was stunned, then laughed in disbelief.

Mr. Johnson was indeed the king of double standards. It was fine for his sweetheart to want cheese pastries only, but when it was Sherilyn’s turn, he accused her of being prissy. Had he forgotten the pastry he used to woo his sweetheart was originally a thank–you gift for Sherilyn?