Stuck in you

Eric was suspicious when he heard that Jack and Rachel were going to be living together.

He put the rag down and grabbed Rachel's hand, leading her to the balcony.

Mendes, being a child, didn't know what was happening. This seemingly secret conference confused and intrigued him.

His interest grew when he saw Eric suddenly pulling Rachel into the balcony.

As much as he was curious, he was nervous, too. He promptly followed them and asked anxiously, "Where are you going?"

Rachel patted Eric on the arm, a signal for him to wait. She stopped walking and turned around. "We just need to talk. Can you stay here while we do that? We won't be long."

Mendes frowned and asked, "Can't I come with you?"

It was difficult to refuse the request of a child who was as cute as a bun, but Rachel immediately responded, "No."

Eric felt sorry for the little boy. He had thought that she would let Mendes come. He was only a child, after all.

"Stay here and wait for me, okay? We just have to talk for a bit in the balcony, and I'll be back before you know it." Although Rachel had not given in to the boy's request, she continued to talk to him patiently.

He was too young to understand what she meant. Even so, he didn't like that she was acting so secretive.

He only wanted to be part of things.

Mendes looked at Eric and then at Rachel as the two were about to leave. Pouting, he said reluctantly, "Okay, you go ahead."

Rachel was amused by the fact that the child was clearly hurt. "Be a good boy and wait for me. It'll only be a moment, sweetie."

Mendes looked at her with a hint of reluctance in his eyes. It could be difficult at times to convince a little child, but although he pouted, at least he was reasonable.

Lowering his voice, Eric asked, "How long will he be staying here?"

"Someone's picking him up tomorrow night." Lucas had already returned, and he had called Rachel earlier to let her know that he was going to pick up Mendes the following night.

Although she liked Mendes, Rachel no longer wished for him to stay any longer than he was scheduled to.

Honestly, if anything happened to the child, it would be difficult to explain things to his parents.

They hadn't shown up so far, though.

When Eric heard her response, he blurted out, "So let me get this straight. You will be left alone with Jack then?"

"Yes..."

with you? Why are you two living together all of a sudden?" Eric was agitated now. "Jack is playing you for a fool. He's not exactly an angel.

him to worry too much. "It's okay. Don't think

divorced? Are you kidding me? What's going on?" Eric

it difficult to explain the details to him. She had learned that sometimes, it was better not

not have everyone's eyes

do, so Rachel simply told him that she and

did not, however, tell him exactly when everything would be

over! It's not safe to live alone with a

agreement. "That's exactly what I was thinking. So, are you going to

you and

"There's no room for me here. I

remained plastered on Rachel's face. "There's a study downstairs. I think you would find it

right now, it's...quite expensive." Eric struggled to come up with a response. He would never want to

he had done because Eric was trying to use

married Rachel and then treated her poorly

planned to bring his brother-in-law down in

deal. Although Eric knew that he had somehow brought this upon himself,

afraid to be

already have a place of my own. Do you remember how much that house has cost you? You don't want to be throwing away that kind of money. Besides, this place is

hearing his excuses, Rachel finally said what she

moment of silence, Eric nodded, clenching

said, "I find it strange, though, how he's in such

Rachel couldn't tell him about the deal. Instead, she patted him on the shoulder and said vaguely, "It's just for show. Don't

divulge too much. Wrapping up the conversation, she said, "That's

Eric kept silent.

them turned their heads to find Mendes grinning and waving at

as though Rachel had already made up her mind, there was nothing left for Eric to

to tell him the truth without telling him too much. She wanted to avoid the shock and embarrassment

to tell him about it now than to have to explain it to

two of them came out, Mendes did not forget to inquire about the discussion. "What were you whispering about?" the boy

"It's a secret. Shush."

he said. His lips curled

seemed. When Lucas called, Mendes took the phone with him before retreating to a

amused, "Okay, okay. We'll talk again tomorrow, and this time, it'll be our secret.

as he nodded repeatedly and

Confused, he asked, "Rachel, whose child

busy preparing dinner, casually turned around and