The Day I Kissed An Older Man

Corinne pulled up Joey, who was playing with his toys, from the carpeted floor. “Let’s put away your toys. We’ll have a walk
outside the garden,” she said.
Joey nodded obediently. He put away his toys and ran back toward Corinne to hold her hand. “Auntie Sissy! Walk! Walk!”
Corinne got up and was about to take him outside when a servant came in and reported, “Mister Lucas, the Holdens are here.”
“Who exactly?” asked Lucas with a raised eyebrow. ‘It can’t be Jeremy since he’s abroad.’
“It’s Miss Francine and her grandmother. They said they’re here to see Miss Corinne,” answered the servant.
Corinne stopped walking when she heard that. She knew the Holdens were not welcome there since there was bad blood
between them and the Riveras. It was only because of Corinne that Lucas was willing to put aside his grudge for the time being.
Lucas frowned and turned toward Corinne with a look that said he would defer to her on this matter.
After thinking about this, she said, “Well, they’re already here. We might as well let them in.”
As much as Lucas was unwilling to do so, he still gestured with his chin for the servant to follow Corinne’s order.
Seeing this, the servant quickly went to bring Francine and Pamela in.
Even though Lucas let Corinne had her way, he had no intention of staying to meet the guests. Thus, he picked up his suit jacket
and stroked her on the head, saying, “Have fun at home. I’m off to work now. Call me if you need anything.”
Corinne nodded. She thought nothing of Lucas leaving without meeting the guests as she understood he did not like the
Holdens.
Not long after he left, Pamela walked into the living room with Francine supporting her.
“Look, Grandma. Corinne’s there!” said Francine, pointing to her.
Corinne stood with Joey out of politeness. She did not walk over to Pamela but instead said, “Grandma Pamela, please take a
seat here.”
Pamela walked over slowly while gazing at Corinne warmly. It was as if she wanted to make sure she was okay. She had not
even touched the sofa when she asked worriedly, “Corinne, have you been well?”

Corinne smiled and nodded. “Yes. Thank you for your concern, Grandma Pamela. There’s plenty of time to talk, so why don’t you
take a seat first?”
“You’re right, you’re right. Please sit too, Corinne. It must be tiring to stand for so long with that belly of yours,” said Pamela as
she sat. Her eyes never left Corinne’s face.
Corinne sat down after her. “I’m perfectly alright, Grandma Pamela. By the way, what brings you here?”
Pamela sighed. “Corinne, you know we’re at odds with the Riveras, yes? I shouldn’t have come, but I just miss you so much. I
snuck out to come here when I heard all the adults in the house are now abroad to visit relatives. Grandpa Greg doesn’t know
I’m here either. He’s going to be mad at me if he knew.”
Corinne smiled. She was actually quite touched that Pamela would be willing to let go of the grudge between the two families so
she could visit her.
“Grandma Pamela, rest assured that I’m very well taken care of here. There’s really no need to worry about me.”