Luke's newly rented house wasn't far from mom's, just about a fifteen-minute drive.
After work, he received a call from chubby, saying he wanted to see him, asking him to come home for dinner.
When he asked what the matter was, chubby was all secretive and wouldn't say.
The Mercedes G500 pulled into Eno neighborhood, drawing quite a few looks from the neighbors.
Luke had caused enough trouble growing up, often worrying Linda, so this time he indirectly made her proud.
No matter the country, there is always a sense of competition, it's human nature.
Due to an investigation, Luke arrived home a bit late, and by then, Linda had already prepared dinner.
Pan-seared lamb chops, broiled salmon, steamed potatoes, vegetable salad, and large rye bread, all Luke's favorites.
Luke swallowed, "Dear mom, thank you for this wonderful dinner."
Chubby was somewhat dissatisfied, "That's right, mom is getting more biased, she wouldn't even agree when I said I wanted to eat French fries."
"I did that for your own good, do you know how many calories are in French fries? Being too fat can lead to discrimination at school." Linda would not admit she favored her elder son.
Luke washed his hands and took on the task of serving the meals, initially he wasn't used to it, but over time, he felt quite good about it.
Salmon and lamb were his favorites, he could definitely have more of those.
"We could go fishing someday, cook what we catch right on the boat, that would be real seafood."
"Wow… that sounds great, can I bring a friend along?" chubby looked hopeful.
"Of course, dear brother, I see no reason not to fulfill that little wish of yours."
"Super cool bro, I am beginning to love you more and more."
Linda broke off a piece of rye bread, "Since when did you brothers become so cheesy."
Luke took a bite of the tender and juicy lamb chops, "Jack, didn't you say you needed me to come back for something? What is it?"
Chubby hesitated, "Ah… it's actually nothing, I just missed you."
Linda looked at her younger son, "You're acting a bit strange, did you do something wrong? I know you too well, you only look when you've messed up."
"Is it that obvious?"
"It's not obvious, but you are my son."
"OK, I indeed have something…." chubby mustered up his courage, "I… I'm in a relationship…"
"What?" Linda thought she misheard.
"That's right, I have a girlfriend now."
"Cool." Luke pretended as if it was the first time he was hearing it.
Linda paused for a moment, her face expressionless, "When did this happen?"
"Just a while back. Now that the relationship is stable, I decided to tell everyone."
"You're only in eighth grade now; I thought you wouldn't start dating until at least tenth grade…" Clearly, Linda was not as calm as she appeared.
"Many of my classmates are in relationships, some even started dating last year, don't you agree?"
"Nonono...I'm not disagreeing, just… Luke, what do you think?"
"I think we should invite her over, you could meet her too, she might be a nice girl."
"Yeah, I'd like to invite her over for a visit too, mom, is that okay?"
"Of course, what's there not to agree to?" Linda forced a smile, "Does your father know?"
"No, I wanted to tell you first."
"You should tell him too, hear what he thinks."
"Good." Linda got up, "Such great news calls for a toast, I'll get the wine, Luke, would you like some?"
Linda got up and left.
Chubby sighed in relief, whispering, "I was so nervous just now, I was afraid mom wouldn't agree, if I knew she'd react , I would've told her earlier."
Luke smiled noncommittally, "What made you suddenly decide to tell mom?"
"Actually, it wasn't sudden, I've been thinking about it for a while. You know, sneaking around is very inconvenient, Maggie also worries a lot about her parents finding out, she always feels uneasy whenever we leave school together.
I felt this couldn't go on forever, we are dating, and that's our right, we should be upfront about it.
So, I decided to set an example, bring Maggie to our home, make our relationship public.
I think it would be better that way.
I really like her and want to be with her for a long time...
Luke nodded, "You did the right thing, that's what a man should do."
Linda came back holding a bottle of red wine, sitting next to the dinner table, "Look at my memory… forgot the bottle opener. Jack, could you get it for me, please?"
"I think it's in the living room upstairs, go take a look."
"OK." Chubby got up and left.
Linda spoke softly, "When did you find out?"
"Don't play dumb, Jack's dating."
"He just told us right?"
"Don't brush me off, you definitely knew already."
"I didn't know." Luke wouldn't admit it.
"It's hard for me to ask too much about these things, kids this age easily become contrary… as his brother, you can give him some good advice."
"OK, Jack is growing up, overall, I am quite relieved."
"When are you bringing that female lawyer over for a visit, I really want to meet her."
"You know, my job is really busy, and she's even busier… so."
"Come on, work is just an excuse, I've been there, you can't fool me."