Ethan, Jordan, and Mark followed Jessica from behind. The wooden boards creaked under their feet. They could hear birds chirping nearby.

The air had a light smell of blooming flowers from the small garden in front.

Jessica took a moment before opening the door. She turned to the others and smiled warmly, though a bit nervously. “Are you guys ready to meet my mom?”

Jordan nodded with excitement. “Yes! If the food is as good as you said, I'm more than ready.”

Jessica chuckled and opened the door with her key. The warm smell of fresh bread and roasted chicken came out, making it feel welcoming.

“Mom?” she called. “I’m home.”

"Coming," Jessica's mother called. She smiled as she walked out of the kitchen.

Julie Moore was in her forties. Her warm brown eyes lit up when she saw her daughter. She had brown hair tied back, and her face showed a kind, welcoming expression.

Julie knew how to make people feel at home.

“Jessica!” Julie said, rushing to hug her daughter. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Jessica returned the hug tightly. “I missed you too, Mom. They’re friends—hope that’s okay.”

Julie pulled back, her eyes moving to the group standing in the doorway. Her smile grew wider. “Of course, it’s okay! Come in, come in. Any friend of Jessica’s is welcome here.”

Ethan stepped forward first, extending his hand. “I’m Ethan. Thank you for having us, Mrs. Moore.”

Julie took his hand warmly. “Oh. Please. Just call me Julie. It's better that way.”

Jordan followed, his grin as wide as ever. “Hi, Julie. I’m Jordan. Thanks for the invitation—Jessica said you’re the best cook in town, and I’m excited to prove her right.”

Julie laughed, patting his shoulder. “Well, I hope I don’t disappoint you, Jordan.”

Mark stepped in last, his posture polite but reserved. “Mark. A pleasure to meet you, ma'am.”

Julie nodded in approval and looked at him for a moment, noting the quiet strength he showed. “A pleasure to meet you, Mark. You’re all welcome here. Please, make yourselves at home.”

The group followed Jessica and Julie as they passed through the living room. The room felt cozy. Family photos hung on the walls, and the furniture was simple but clean. The warm colors added to the friendly atmosphere.

"Come. Straight to the dining table, please," Julie said.

The table was set with a delicious meal. There was a specially marinated roast chicken in the center. Surrounding it were a sweet smell of baked potatoes and a loaf of big bread.

There were several sauces and sides, too.

“This is awesome, Julie,” Jordan said. He was looking at the food with widened eyes.

Julie beamed. "I hope these are enough. I did not expect so many guests. But don't worry. I always make a little extra. Well, just in case."

Ethan pulled out a chair for Jessica and then for Julie. “Thank you for going to so much trouble, Julie. Smells really good," he said before sitting down.

Julie waved a hand dismissively. “I don’t mind at all. I enjoy having a lot of people around—it takes me back to when Jessica was younger, and her friends came over after school.”

Jessica smiled, but sadness showed on her face. “Yeah. Those were simpler times.”

Julie quickly picked up on the shift in tone and clapped her hands lightly. “Enough reminiscing for now. Let’s eat while it’s still warm.”

Jessica looked around the dining area as she sat down. “Mom, where's Grandpa? The twins? It’s too quiet without them causing some kind of ruckus.”

Julie smiled softly, though her expression held a hint of weariness. “Josh and Joshua are at football training. They’ll be back later this evening. As for your Grandpa…”

She paused. One could see that she was struggling to maintain her smile. “He’s resting in his room. He said he’ll come out to meet your friends later.”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Jessica’s brow furrowed with concern. “Is he okay? He wasn’t like this the last time I visited.”

Julie let out a quiet sigh, her voice softening. “His condition has been worsening, Jess. He is not as strong as he once was.”

Ethan had been listening closely. He leaned forward and asked, “What’s happening? If you don’t mind me asking, Mrs.—I mean, Julie.”

Julie glanced at him and offered a small, appreciative smile. “He was diagnosed with heart disease some time ago. At first, we managed it well enough, but… things have taken a turn. His condition is deteriorating faster than we expected.”

Jessica’s face fell. “You should've told me. I could have helped. I should have known.”

Julie placed her hand on Jessica's. "Well, you've done a lot, Jess. Besides, you're just starting your career."

Jessica shook her head, her voice firm. “It’s not a burden, Mom. He’s my Grandpa. We’re family.”

Jordan, sensing the weight of the conversation, glanced at Ethan, his expression unreadable. He knew Ethan had both the means and the inclination to help, but he kept silent, waiting for his friend to take the lead.

Ethan nodded thoughtfully before speaking. “Is there anything that can be done to help him? Treatments, procedures—anything?”

Julie’s gaze softened, though her weariness was evident. “The doctors suggested several things that might slow down the progression, but you know how it is. Medical expenses are… difficult to manage. We are doing our best with what we have.”

Jessica's hands were tightly clenched. “Mom, I wish you had told me earlier. I could have sent more money or set up something.”

Julie smiled gently. "You've worked hard, Jess. I appreciate everything you’ve done. We’re managing, and we will keep managing."

Ethan looked calm, but his eyes showed he was determined. He exchanged a brief look with Jordan, who nodded slightly, understanding the unspoken intention.

Ethan turned back to Julie. “Maybe,” Ethan said thoughtfully, “I can help to make things better.”

Jessica glanced at him, a spark of gratitude in her eyes, but Julie gave him a polite, slightly dismissive smile. “I appreciate the sentiment, Ethan. Let’s enjoy this meal and each other’s company for now. It’s not every day Jess brings friends home.”

Julie spoke kindly, but her words reminded everyone not to dwell on serious topics. Perhaps she had been feeling overwhelmed and just wanted to enjoy the moment.

He nodded, respecting her wishes, but the thought stayed in his mind.

He would help. Somehow.

As they settled in, Julie served generous portions, ensuring everyone had more than enough to eat. Conversation flowed easily, with Julie asking about their lives and work.

Jordan, who loves to entertain, shared a funny story about how Ethan offered him to work for Nova Tech. Everyone laughed, including Mark, who let out a rare chuckle.

Ethan kept the conversation light, steering it away from anything that might hint at the danger they had faced earlier. It was still too difficult for them, especially for Jordan and Jessica.

Knowing that Mark was with them made them feel more at ease. Also, Ethan's recent display of skill showed them he was someone they could depend on.

The others copied Ethan's approach, especially Jessica. She spoke positively about her work and her experiences in the city, not mentioning the recent encounter.

Julie listened intently, pride evident in her expression. “I’m so proud of you, Jess. It’s not easy to make it in the city, but you’ve always been determined.”

Jessica smiled, her cheeks tinged with pink. “Thanks, Mom. But I’ve had a lot of help along the way.” She glanced at Ethan with a grateful look.

Jordan saw a good opportunity to speak up about his friend. He said playfully, "One them is this guy over here. Ethan bought a twelve-million-dollar building and then another mansion for five million. All of that was handled professionally and quickly by Jessica."

"I really can’t find the right words to describe this guy. He spends money freely," Jordan said with a laugh.

Julie was surprised and asked Ethan, "Really? You look about the same age as Jessica, but what do you do, Ethan?"

Ethan glared at Jordan, but Jordan kept eating and ignored him. Feeling helpless, Ethan turned to Julie and said shyly, "Well, not much. I’m just starting a tech company."

Jordan, as always, couldn’t help himself. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back, grinning. “Ethan here has always been the brainiac. Back in high school, he was the type who could ace a test without even studying—one of those guys you either admire or secretly want to strangle.”

Ethan rolled his eyes. “Thanks for that glowing endorsement, Jordan.”

Jordan continued, ignoring Ethan’s comment. “Starting a tech company? Totally predictable.”

Julie chuckled, clearly entertained. “It sounds like you’ve known Ethan for a long time.”

“Oh, since we were kids,” Jordan replied, waving a fork dramatically. “And let me tell you, Julie, he didn’t forget about his best buddy when he hit the big time.”

He grinned at Ethan before adding, “He made me the manager of his company. Now, I can't wait to walk around in a suit, attend meetings, and say things like, ‘Circle back to me on that.’ It’s a big deal.”

Jessica covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. Even Mark allowed himself a small smirk.

Ethan groaned, leaning back in his chair. “Jordan, I hired you because you’re competent. Not because I needed someone to embarrass me at every opportunity.”

“Sure, sure,” Jordan said with a wink. “Let’s just say I’m grateful, buddy. Life’s been pretty good ever since.”

Julie laughed warmly, clearly enjoying the banter. “It sounds like you’ve built something wonderful, Ethan. I’m impressed—not many people your age can say they’ve started their own company, let alone offer opportunities to friends.”

Ethan smiled modestly. “I’m just starting. We just finished the interview, and if everything works according to plan, we’ll be operating next week.”

Jessica watched Ethan for a moment, lost in her thoughts. She saw him laugh at Jordan's jokes, his usual calmness brightened by the fun atmosphere.

‘Ethan Cole… Who are you, really?’

She looked away and shook her head to push aside the thought. But the question stayed in her mind like a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Julie spoke, bringing her back to the present. “Well, whatever the reason, it’s clear you’ve surrounded yourself with wonderful people, Ethan. That says a lot about you.”

Jordan raised his glass of water, grinning. “To Ethan, the genius who keeps us all employed!”

Jessica smiled faintly, joining in the toast, but her curiosity about Ethan remained, quietly growing.