novelraw Chapter 184
Chapter 184
After escaping Haley’s blockade, Leon finally breathed a sigh of relief. It wasn’t that he felt guilty—he just didn’t see any point in arguing endlessly with Haley over who was right or wrong. After all, he had only caught a glimpse of the color of her underlining, not her actual figure. If Haley wanted to make a fuss over something like that, what was there for him to say? Better to let a few days pass until she forgot about it.
He entered the Pelican Town square, which was close to the Stardrop Saloon. Parking his car in front, Leon stepped inside and ordered a meal from Gus. Once Gus finished cooking, Leon dug in without hesitation.
“Yesterday you left so quickly, I didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye. Did you and Maru enjoy your meal?”
Since Leon was the only customer at the saloon that afternoon, Gus chatted with him while polishing glasses.
“It was great. Your cooking is as perfect as ever,” Leon said, swallowing a mouthful of fries.
“As long as you liked it, that’s good.” Gus mumbled, but seemed hesitant to continue.
Leon kept eating, waiting. He had a feeling Gus wasn’t here just to make small talk—especially since he was taking so long to find the right words.
But even after Leon finished eating, Gus still hadn’t spoken up. Leon sighed. “Gus, how much is it?”
“Ah? Oh, 32G… let’s call it 30G.” Gus blinked, then gave him the price.
Leon paid and stood up, glancing at Gus’s uneasy expression. “If you have something to say, just say it. Otherwise, I really will leave.”“Well… this morning Emily called me. She said she wasn’t feeling well today and wouldn’t be coming to the saloon tonight. I wanted to go check on her, but there are only two girls living there, so I thought it might not be appropriate. I was hoping you could go instead.”
After a long pause, Gus finally explained his request.
Leon frowned. “If it’s inappropriate for you, wouldn’t it be the same for me? I’m also a man, and a young one at that.”
“Come on, it’s not your first time going there, right?” Gus chuckled awkwardly. “And you have a good relationship with Emily. You seem to get along well with Haley too. Emily told me herself—if you go, Haley won’t feel awkward about it.”
Leon sighed. Since Gus was asking, and considering he was also on good terms with Emily, he figured he’d have to go—both out of friendship and courtesy. “Fine. Do you want me to bring her anything?”
“No, just tell her to rest well. I can handle the saloon myself. Oh, wait—take this to her.” Gus went into his private room behind the bar.
Moments later, he returned holding a rectangular package. “This is fabric she asked me to buy for her.”
“Alright.” Leon tucked the package under his arm and left the Stardrop Saloon.
On the way to Emily’s house at 2 Willow Lane, Leon thought back to seeing Haley earlier. She hadn’t looked worried at all—in fact, she’d had time to stroll in the park and bask in the sun. Judging by her reaction, Emily’s illness probably wasn’t anything serious.
As for the idea that Haley might not care because she didn’t get along with Emily, Leon dismissed it immediately. The sisters might have some friction, but they were still close. Haley might be proud and sharp-tongued, but if something truly happened to Emily, she’d be the first to rush to her side.
When Leon reached the front door of 2 Willow Lane, he knocked, wondering if Emily could hear and come to open it. If not, he planned to circle around to the back window to check on her through the fence.
To his surprise, the door opened—and it wasn’t Emily, but Haley.
“You? What are you doing here?” Haley looked surprised.
“I came to check on your sister. I heard she’s not feeling well. Oh, and to drop something off for her.” Leon lifted the package.
“Weren’t you just near the Community Center earlier? Why are you back so soon?”
“I went to pick some wildflowers. Once I finished, I came back.”
Haley nodded, then gave him a strange look. “She’s actually fine. Just leave the package here and go.”
Leon froze. Was she… not welcoming him? Was she still upset about the ‘blue’ incident from earlier?
“Come on. That was just a friend’s joke—you can’t hold a grudge over something so small. Since I’m here to visit, at least let me in to see her.”
Haley sighed. “You’re misunderstanding… oh, forget it. If you want to see her, go ahead. I’m not stopping you.” She stepped aside and even handed him a brand-new pair of slippers.
“Change into these. Emily made them after your last visit, so you can come in without worrying about your shoes.”
Leon changed into the slippers and found they fit perfectly—soft and comfortable, yet breathable. The two large ‘L’s embroidered on the tops made it clear they were meant for him. The gesture both surprised him and made him feel a bit pressured.
Still, since he was here, he might as well see Emily. Following Haley, he stopped in front of a door near the kitchen and knocked.
“Haley, just come in. Since when are you so polite?” Emily’s voice sounded weak.
“It’s me—Leon,” he called through the door.
“Leon?! What are you doing here? Wait a moment—I’ll open the door in a bit.”
Her voice shot up several octaves, followed by hurried footsteps and the sound of rummaging.
After about ten minutes, the door opened. Emily stood there in a simple white dress, looking a little shy as she faced Leon.
If you enjoyed this chapter, please consider subscribing to me on (www./RomayStories)! Your support helps me keep translating regularly and lets you read ahead of schedule.