Chapter 4 : Weekend visit ( 2 )

Contrary to what one might expect, such a blunder didn't bruise Jade's ego. She acted as if nothing had happened. The two of them were eating breakfast, exchanging a few words.

She was still steering the conversation.

" So, I guess you weren't planning on doing much today. How about we go shopping and make a nice meal ? "

Originally, she was supposed to help with various chores, but having broached the subject of his loneliness and social isolation, she was getting straight to the point. Don't want to go out ? We're going out ! Don't want to do anything? We're doing something !

Alfred finished chewing his butter-soaked toast. It was true that having this sort of energetic creature by his side was... amusing. It reminded him of his younger days.

" If you like... . "

Might as well give in before it turned into a verbal sparring match. It was Saturday. Might as well treat himself to a good meal, right ? Good food is a single man's greatest pleasure. He wasn't stupid enough to turn that down.

" Right, it's settled ! "

When she made a decision, others followed suit.

---

They found themselves at the store, doing their shopping. Jade, initially happy, soon grew irritated.

" Why is the checkout taking so long ? They're chatting for ages. "

" The joys of old age... heh heh. "

Old age and wisdom !

" Old ? You don't look as old as those guys... . "

She couldn't quite grasp that. When their turn came, Alfred chatted enthusiastically with the cashier. Jade was growing impatient.

" Your granddaughter is quite a character, the elderly woman said. "

" Oh no, she's not... . "

" Oh, sorry... a girlfriend, then ?! "

She was clearly joking. How could that even be possible, given the age gap ? Alfred felt incredibly flustered, he had been caught off guard.

This is the worst possible time for a prank like this. I’ll remember this... .

Seeing Jade’s silly grin, it was clear she was having a blast. She sidled up close and pressed herself against him, acting the part of a ditzy girl.

" What ? Why do you look so flustered ? "

" Don't act like that, people might get the wrong idea ! "

Her charm offensive had hit the mark. The sensation of her ample bosom pressing against his arm dealt extra " mental damage " .

Even he couldn't help but notice it.

Jade was clearly in high spirits. Even someone as stoic as him was showing signs of wavering, and she was taking full advantage of it. Of course, she didn't feel entirely at ease pressing her chest against him like that.

Jack is really going to have to thank me once his grandfather gets his mojo back. He really needs a girlfriend... . Just look at this... . A little pressure from my chest and he’s already panicking like crazy.

It was truly amusing to watch.

Alfred had lost his composure for a moment, but drawing on his age and life experience, he quickly regained his cool and gently pushed Jade away. His expression went blank, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

She puffed out her cheeks in response. She’d made her move, but now, who knew when he’d show emotion again ? She’d have to make her future attacks more subtle.

What she didn't realize was that the old man had already been affected by her advances without her even knowing it. Acting naive ? She had no idea she’d practically shoved her backside right in his face the last time she visited.

Was luck on her side ? Who knows... ?

In the car, Jade watched him. She was already plotting her next move. Now that he was on his guard, she would likely have to move on to the... alcohol-based plan.

Let's try getting him to open up that way.

---

As expected, Alfred remained unruffled. He wasn't angry, just genuinely flustered. It was an interesting side of him to see. At his age, it was rare to catch him so off-balance. Still, it was true that Jade hadn't managed to " tease " him quite the way she’d intended.

" Is dinner still on ? She asked, eating an ice cream they had bought earlier that morning. "

Nothing better for cooling off.

" Mm, yes, of course. "

He responded normally. He was an old man. Staying like this for a long time and sullen would be even more embarrassing than being embarrassed in itself. Eating would be the best idea to take your mind off things. Jade didn't do it on purpose.

She probably just wanted to joke. I was a little too reactive.

" So much the better ! I'll cook ! "

" Oh no, I can do it, you know ! "

" Together then ! "

She turned her head towards him, surprising him. He almost jumped when he saw her gaze so intense.

" Okay, okay... . "

She knew how to get what she wants. From there, it was done. During the day, the two each did their own little things. Jade called Jack, and Alfred did some crosswords in the newspaper.

Once the evening arrived, they both got to work. The bottle was chilled, all that remained was to cook. This evening it was pan-fried scallops with leek fondue. A very delicious dish !

The grandfather felt strange. Cooking together !

How long has this not happened ?

He glanced at the woman next to him, and...he felt good. It was nice. Working in harmony with someone, doing things well, and feeling the smells coming little by little. It whetted his appetite.

He was rediscovering old habits. Seeing Jade slowly wiggle with every move she made with the sound of the TV show in the background. For a moment, he seemed to overlay images of his own wife when she was his age.

His eyes misted for a moment. He quickly wiped his eyes.

I miss her... .

He sniffed loudly and continued what he was doing. Even a little nostalgic, he was happy. It was just nice. He didn't blame Jade at all for her prank of the morning. It was her way of motivating him to be more sociable.

Without interacting with others, he cannot regain youthful enthusiasm. Now he even remembered that the cashier who joked with him always did it when his wife was still there.

In her own way, she wanted to help him too by teasing him. Everyone seemed to want to find the old Alfred. He wouldn't have the same energy anymore, but it would probably be good, right ?

Once the meal was ready, Jade huffed.

" I'm going to put on a nice outfit while it finishes cooking. Take the bottle out of the fridge and look for a good movie too. "

" All right. "

She left to make herself beautiful. It wasn't long before she was in the shower, letting the water and shampoo run over her skin. A small smirk was on her face as she washed herself.

I hope to succeed this evening. He should let himself go after a few drinks and have a heart-to-heart. Whether he laughs or cries, as long as he himself can admit that he is alone, it will be a first victory, and then I can tease him too.

If there's ever a crazy moment where she could tease him, it's when they're a little uninhibited.

It wasn't long before she came out in a beautiful white dress. Dinner was ready. Everything you need to have a good evening.

---

PAH !

Jade placed the empty bottle on the table. It had only been an hour, and it was empty.

" Damn… she’s already finished ?! We should have taken a second. "

She wasn't drunk. It was right in between. The moment when you felt a little happy without throwing up, feeling bad, or losing track of things.

" The wine was good, as was the food. "

Alfred really liked it. Although the bottle was empty, the old man had also emptied a good portion of it. The thing is, they emptied it quickly. They were still feeling each other when the alcohol hadn't even really started to take effect.

In the background, the sound of a known detective series. Convenient for entertainment but not enough to bother them when they were talking. And they had already seen everything, so it wasn't a problem. They talked about everything and nothing.

Jack's work still required him to go to his old town or the good weather to come. Soon after, they ate the ice cream cake. Really, they had fun.

I think I can attack. At worst, he'll blame it on the alcohol.

She sat up in her chair, which pulled on her dress a little more, making her cleavage bigger... and it wasn't even on purpose !

" So Alfred ! Not even views of a pretty neighbor for this summer ? "

Knowing that they were talking about good weather, the subject was not at all random. He looked at her with a stunned look.

" Uh, no... why would I have plans like that ? "

" You're a man, and with summer and the return of the heat... well, these things happen. "

What she said made sense. The heat, the lovely outfits, everything to stir up desire. Alfred grimaced slightly, his facial muscles twitching.

" That's... understandable, but I have no interest in doing that. "

" No interest ? You're a man, that's reason enough ! "

" I... . "

Why did everything she said seem to ring true ? He was a man, he knew how men thought. He’d been young once... . It was unsettling how easily she could leave him speechless.

" See ! So, what's the real reason ? "

She rested her elbow on the table, propping up her head. A mischievous smile played on her lips. Alfred swallowed the last bite of ice cream, though it did nothing to cool the heat rising in his cheeks. The alcohol was really kicking in now.

" I... I don't know if I'm any good with women anymore... . "

He wore that almost innocent, even naive, look of a drunk old man. There was no doubt about it, sober, he never would have said that. It was what he truly felt deep down. Not attracted to women ? Strangely enough, at his age, he’d rarely felt so horny.

Well-preserved, solitary, and without a sexual relationship for years. His own body was screaming at him to let loose. But he kept it all bottled up.

On top of that, he was hiding behind the feeling that he’d forgotten how to go about it. Jade was surprised. She latched onto that piece of information, she wasn't letting it go. She slammed her fist onto the table.

BAM !

" How is that possible ? There's no way you don't think you're any good ? "

" So WHAT !! "

He slammed his fist on the table in return. His emotional control was slipping.

" That’s just how I am, and that’s that ! "

He crossed his arms over his chest, pouting almost like a baby, shifting from near-anger to embarrassment. Jade laughed, of course it was funny, but she quickly turned serious. The alcohol was hitting her full force now, too.

" To think that was all it was ! It’s such a simple thing to realize. "

In the back of her mind, she was still thinking about turning him on a little. If the problem wasn't a lack of interest in the opposite sex but a lack of self-confidence, he needed a boost ! So, she considered turning him on, reassuring him while the alcohol coursed through their veins... .

This wasn't going to end quietly.

She stood up and walked over to him, he was still keeping his head down. She placed her hand on his arm before moving it up to his face. The only thing she would remember later about what she was about to do was that it was the moment when... something changed inside her.

Then... she kissed him.

SMACK !

Not a little peck. She pressed her lips against his and thrust her tongue straight into his mouth. Pure reflex made Alfred’s tongue meet hers, even in his drunken state, his mind was reeling, baffled, yet aroused.

Their tongues danced together for long seconds. When she pulled back, leaving a thin thread of saliva stretching between them, he remained motionless.

As for her ? She wore a devilish grin, looking for all the world as if she’d just pulled one of her usual stunts to embarrass him.

" I think you’ve still got the touch... that kiss was hot... . "