Chapter 40: Awkward
Everyone in the group knew very well how picky Julian was when it came to porridge. If it wasn’t made by Chloe, no matter how renowned the chef, he wouldn’t take more than a sip. In Julian’s mind, there were two kinds of porridge in the world: the kind Chloe made, and everything else.
So, when Julian took a sip of the porridge William brought, his expression immediately soured. It didn’t matter that the porridge had been made by a five–star chef; in Julian’s eyes, it didn’t compare to Chloe’s. William, who was clearly there more for entertainment than anything else, received a cold glare from Julian.
“I think it’s time you found a new chef. This is terrible,” Julian snapped, pushing the porridge away.
William clicked his tongue and teased, “You’ve really spoiled your taste buds. Everyone else thinks it’s fine, but to you, it’s suddenly a disaster. My chef is world–class, but of course, nothing compares to the person you *really* want to cook for you–and we both know she’s not coming.”
Julian’s face grew darker. “What’s your problem?”
“I don’t have a problem,” William shot back. “But you sure do. After all, you’re the one lying in a hospital bed, secretly hoping your ex will come running. Hate to break it to you, but it’s not happening.”
William was pushing every possible button, and Adam, standing nearby, couldn’t believe his eyes. He had never seen someone work so hard to provoke a reaction, especially from a patient.
Sure enough, Julian couldn’t hold back anymore. His expression tightened, and before anyone could react, he grabbed a cup from the bedside table and threw it at William. William dodged just in time, and the cup shattered against the floor.
“Get out!” Julian yelled.
With his mission accomplished, William packed up his things, but not before one final jab. “Alright, I’m leaving. But seriously, with a temper like yours, it’s no wonder Chloe’s not here.”
As William left, Adam followed him out. No way was he sticking around to get caught in Julian’s wrath.
“Why are you messing with him like this?” Adam asked as soon as they were outside. “You know he’s still hung up on Chloe. What if you push him too far?”
William shrugged, clearly unbothered. “What am I supposed to do, apologize? I didn’t drive her away–he did. And now, he’s too stubborn to admit he wants her back. Let him stew in his own awkwardness.”
Adam sighed, shaking his head. Everyone knew the situation, but talking about it and actually dealing with it were two very different things.
“Why don’t you try helping them out instead of making things worse?” William suggested with a smirk, giving Adam a nudge.
Adam rolled his eyes. “You’re the one making a mess, and now you want me to clean it up? Not a chance.”
Chloe had just returned from her morning jog. Seeing the small succulent on her windowsill, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of happiness. The tiny plant looked adorable and stood out among the other greenery in her apartment.
She thought about adding more plants to her home. The greenery made her feel calm and relaxed, and it brightened up the space. As she was watering her plants, her phone rang. To her surprise, it was Adam.
Her relationship with Adam was still amicable, but she wasn’t sure why he would call so early in the
morning.
“What’s up? Why are you calling me so early?” Chloe asked, genuinely curious.
Adam usually didn’t reach out like this unless something was going on. And at this hour, it must be important.
Instead of jumping straight to the point, Adam began with small talk. “How have you been? I haven’t heard from you in a while.”
I’m doing alright. How about you?”
The conversation felt casual, but Chloe sensed that Adam was leading up to something.
“I haven’t been so great lately.” Adam confessed, though he felt a bit guilty for stretching the truth.” Work’s been exhausting. I’m not eating or sleeping well, and lately, I’ve been craving the porridge you used to make. Any chance you could help me out? I’ll pay you for it, of course.”
Chloe hesitated for a moment. She had met Adam through Julian, and despite the breakup, they had remained on good terms. Adam was always respectful, and they had built a decent friendship. If he was asking for help, it probably meant he was really in need
“Alright,” Chloe finally agreed. “I don’t mind. I’ll give you my address, and you can pick it up at lunchtime.“. Adam was overjoyed. “Thank you, Chloe! I’ll pay you for your time, of course. It’s only fair.”
Chloe chuckled. “You don’t need to pay me. Just come by on time to pick it up.”
After hanging up, Chloe set to work preparing the porridge. When lunchtime rolled around, Adam arrived, following the directions Chloe had given him. To his surprise, Chloe’s apartment building was in a rather rundown part of town, far from what he had expected.
He circled the area twice, trying to make sure he had the right place. Eventually, he found the building. It was old, lacked an elevator, and Chloe lived on the top floor. As he climbed the stairs, he couldn’t help but worry about her living conditions. The area wasn’t great, and it didn’t seem like the safest place for someone like Chloe to live alone.
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