Chapter 118

The meal was spectacular and the conversation steered towards safe waters. Jon laughed and chatted but Megan could see the anger simmering in the depths of his eyes everytime they made eye contact. That look could always send a shiver down her spine.

By the time the dessertbowls were cleared from the table, Patrick was having a hard time keeping his eyes open.

“I think I need to get my old hubby back to our place. He needs some rest.”

“Arrggh rubbish woman!”

“Don’t start with me old man. You know the rules…”

When Mary made up her mind there was no stopping her. Grumbling he stood up, reaching for the now ever present cane.

“Mom?”

Jaden addressed her directly.

“Could I stay at Grandma’s place?”

“Honey I have no problem with that, but you have to ask them first.” She cocked towards the elderly couple.

“Of cause he can! “ Mary interrupted before he had the chance to repeat the question.

“You two go ahead. Jaden and I will meet up with you later.” Jon offered.

Frowning slightly Megan turned from him as he caught her eyes on him.

Jaden was half way up the stairs already, rushing as if the devil himself was chasing him.

With her parents gone and Jon waiting for Jaden, Megan felt bored with herself. Deciding to keep herself busy she went to the kitchen, hunting for some ideas for lunch tomorrow. The thought of seeing Jon’s hostile mother didn’t sit well with her, but they had the right to meet their grandson. She would just have to grin and bear through it. Hopefully they’ll approve of her cooking. Maybe she should clear with Jon before she made something they detested.

Snorting to herself. Now that will be a disaster, that’s for sure!

~~

Two pairs of footsteps simultaneously came to a standstill before the Lyons’ residence front door.

Mary opened before they could even knock, ushering them in.

“Patrick refuses to nap. The stubborn old fool. Why don’t you come in. I made you some hot chocolate and you a poisonous pot of coffee.”

Flashing her his charming smile, he walked in, dropping Jaden’s overnight bag on the carpet.

Stretching out his long legs, folding his hands behind his head he smiled at the stubborn old man. At least he knows where Megan’s attributes came from. Straight from daddy dearest.

Jon had been thinking about Patrick and Mary’s future since his heartattack and after a lot of soul searching, decided on an offer. An offer he was sure they couldn’t refuse. These two people looked after him and his home and now were the time to look after them.

“Patrick, there is something I want to talk to you about, if you feel up to it.”

“Sure son, whats wrong?”

Mary brought in with her a strong aroma of fresh brewed coffee, Jaden short on her heels.

“Sit down, darling. Jon wants to discuss something with us.”

Not really in the mood to hear any adult conversation, Jaden excused himself.

Playing with the cup in his hands, he tried to put the words together without appearing to be harsh.

“I’ve done a lot of thinking. Patrick you gave us all a big scare with your heartattack, luckily you’ve recuperated. I think your working days are at an end. No…wait..hear me out.”

Patrick was frowning, his mouth open to interrupt.

“I want you and Mary to retire. Please don’t take me wrong. I love you two just as I love my own parents. I only want to see you happy and healthy and I’m afraid that if you keep working like you do, you’ll only kill yourself. You’ve come to that point in your life where you should slack off and enjoy what the world has to give.”

“You want to get rid of us Jon?” Patrick was somewhat pale around the mouth.

“Never and you know it.” Truth burned in his eyes. How could he think that?

“Are you punishing me for the bastard I was years ago?”

Shaking his head, he tried to put the puzzle together.

“What are you talking about?”

Comprehension dawned and Mary patted her husband’s arm,  trying to defuse the moment.

“Don’t be silly sweetheart. You know I’ve been discussing the same thing when we were on holiday. Its time we retire. We’ll be ok.”

“You will be more than ok. I want you two to do some househunting, whatever and wherever you wish. Money is no option. As long as you are comfortable with the place.  I opened a trust for you both, you will live comfortably without ever needing something. Just my way to thank you for your loyalty and hard work.”

Mary’s eyes shot full of tears.

“That’s not necessary, Jon!”

“Yes it is Mary. You and Patrick kept my home safe and in perfect condition when I wasn’t here and when I was you, Mary treated me like a king. I owe you two at least a good life.”

Patrick hadn’t uttered a word for a while, the frown disappeared, color returning to his cheeks.

Slapping his thigh, Jon stood up.

“Thanks for the coffee Mary. I’m going to leave you two now to discuss it. There is absolutely no hurry.”

Patrick stood up, covering the small distance between him and the young man. One arm embraced him, while the other rested on the cane.

“You are a bigger man than I will ever be John Bongiovi. I thank you for your generous offer, I see now that you had our interests in mind.”

Jon slapped lightly on the elderly back. What was he referring to? Something was eating at the old man. Fuck was he daft? What the hell was he missing?