For Linda, the dawn of a new day brought nothing but anxiousness and uneasiness, she barely slept thinking about Jackie and the news she had for her. She wondered if she was truly ready for the can of worms she was about to open. With all the doubt and uncertainties she felt, for the first time, since she became busy, she was grateful for her busy schedule, at least that kept parts of her mind from overthinking and overanalyzing the situation she was faced with. However, even her busy schedule couldn't stop the part of her that was too anxious to wait, she wanted to fly to where Jackie was, in fact, she would have flown there if it weren't for the gala preparations. She was deep in her thoughts sitting by her vanity table when her phone dinged and it was her aunt sending her the location for their breakfast meet-up.
Upon seeing her name, a smile instantly washed over her face and she quickly got dressed and made her way downstairs. With all that was happening - engagement, her grandmother, Maggie, the gala, Jackie-, she was glad to find a familiar sight: Jackson already waiting for her and her helpers already bustling around the house. She never thought she'd see the day when she appreciated such a scene, at least, it gave her a sense of normalcy.
As she descended the staircase, she was met with Jackson's warm smile and he wasted no time rushing to her aid with one of her bags; another thing that took away from her "normal" was the dozens of bags she had to carry these past few days. She smiled graciously at him before getting into the car, she was forever grateful for his help, and the idea of his retirement hit her even harder knowing how much she depended on him.
Jackson dropped her off at the restaurant and then on to drop her bags off at the office. As usual, she spotted her aunt already waiting for her and was instantly filled with a warm feeling, she carried herself over to her with a wide grin on her face, ready for a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Sello had not seen her niece approaching so the sudden kiss on her cheek startled her from her seat, the moment her eyes met Linda's, she softened and couldn't help but gush at the young woman in front of her. She grew up to be everything her brother hoped for, she found herself wishing that he were there to witness it himself.
"Aunt... What's wrong??" Linda asked worriedly snapping her aunt from deep thoughts
"Nothing... I was just thinking just how much you remind me of your father"...
Linda chuckled in surprise, "Aunt...geez. Thanks a lot, I mean what woman doesn't want to hear that they look like their father? A man.",
They both laughed and went on with their breakfast.
Just as they finished breakfast, Jackson was already waiting for Linda, she kissed her aunt's cheek and bid her good day, being with her aunt helped take her mind off things, but the dreadful feelings hit again during the office drive.
She sighed heavily just thinking about the day ahead and her distressed sigh prompted Jackson to worry, "What's wrong little Ms. Is it your grandmother?"
She shook her head, "No...no...Grammy is okay, I spoke to her this morning. Freddy did such a good job that she decided to get a nurse instead-"
Jackson chuckled, "...and that was your plan all along-"
Satisfied with her achievement, she smirked, "Oh Jackson, I had nothing to do with it. I simply created time for a grandson who was so worried about his grandmother."
He lifted her eyes to the rearview mirror, "You know, that would be believable without that grin on your face."
After her grandmother basically demanded a nurse instead of Freddy, Linda felt pleased, all she wanted was to get a professional to look after her but she insisted on being fine. She knew that Freddy's overbearing nature would instantly break Lilly's resolute. She couldn't wait to thank him, for being himself.
Freddy was on his desk organizing his files and packing everything back in its order. The moment he saw Jackson, he gave him a death stare for messing up his table, and it made Linda chuckle, 'overbearing and OCD', she thought seeing how stressed he looked, because of a few things not being in their place.
Linda placed a big cappuccino muffin and a Latte at his desk, "Hey, don't look at him like that. I still need him. I got this to cheer you up.",
Freddy looked at her suspiciously," Your aunt is in town isn't she?".
Linda laughed, "What do you mean?",
"You got me coffee, and you never bring me coffee unless your aunt is here.", he smirked
"Fine...Bring it back!", she teased
"Nope... It's mine. Thank you", Freddy declared as he took a sip and went on with his business. Linda shook her head and walked to her office to be greeted by the stack of files waiting for her review.
With her to-do list being longer than anticipated, Linda completely forgot about her meeting with Jin Ae. She was only reminded by Freddy's voice on the phone announcing a visitor.
She stopped her work and put away her files in preparation to meet with her, "You can let her in Freddy",
Shortly after, she heard a soft knock, then in waltzed Jin Ae wearing a wide smile, "My favorite daughter in law",
Linda was confused by her remark but quickly recalled the pictures of Maggie at the restaurant, she awkwardly smiled, "Ha ha...yeah...Jeremy's aunt."
Jin Ae raised the two cups of coffee in her hand, "I brought you coffee and a sandwich, courtesy of your fiancé, and I came here to chat about him, our boy".