Jamir laughed.
Nelson did not. Charlotte poured him a glass of wine, but Anthony quickly moved it away. “Mr. Oconnor can’t drink.”
“Why?” Charlotte was puzzled.
As Anthony struggled to explain, Mr. Melton shifted the conversation to Jamir. “Miss Marsh, you’re the only woman I’ve seen who dares to show Jamir a bad face. First love is different, haha…”
Callie toyed with the food in her bowl, having no appetite. “Mr. Melton, I’ve heard a lot about you. I didn’t expect you to gossip like a nosy.”
Her words were ill-intentioned, making Mr. Melton momentarily awkward before he forced a smile and said to Jamir, “Quite the temper. I like it!”
Jamir smiled and personally poured a glass of wine as an apology. “She’s just like that, please forgive her.”
His words made it seem as if they were still in college, with him introducing her to the world and frequently defending her at gatherings. Even if Callie misspoke, people wouldn’t get angry out of respect for Jamir.
It was just like old times.
Callie didn’t want to reminisce. She stood up. “I’m going to get some fresh air.”
Outside the private room was a large hot spring pool, steaming with heat. Callie sat at the edge, dipping her feet in the water.
A figure appeared behind her and sat down as well. “Nelson and the others are talking business. I don’t like listening to it, so I came out to sit with you.”
It was Charlotte.
Callie didn’t look at her. “Are you okay with letting your mom go back alone?”
“There’s a driver to take her home, so I’m fine with it.”
Callie smiled. “That’s good.”
Mr. Melton had a penchant for women, and Jamir catered to his tastes by inviting several people over, both men and women, but mostly women. They stood in a line by the hot spring pool, looking quite pleasing to the eye.
Nelson was already bored, resting his head on one hand and dozing off. Charlotte sat beside him, talking to him, though it was unclear if he was listening.
Before long, things got lively outside as those who had drunk too much suggested a swimming competition. The women started showing off their good figures in competition.
Nelson was awakened by the noise. Charlotte pulled his hand. “Let’s go take a look.”
Callie stood in place next to Jamir. Her previously unhappy mood improved upon seeing this farce, and she smiled.
This scene was an eyesore for Nelson.
“We’re one person short,” Mr. Melton said excitedly. There were five women, competing in pairs, but one was missing. He looked at Charlotte. “Miss Ellison, would you like to join?”
Charlotte tightened her grip on Nelson’s hand and declined. “Let Miss Marsh go instead; I’ve had some wine.”
Callie was suddenly called out and subtly touched Jamir’s arm. Understanding her perfectly, he spoke up. “She’s on her period and can’t get in the water.”
Mr. Melton nodded and eagerly said to Charlotte, “It’s okay if you’ve had some wine; the water is shallow and won’t drown anyone. Miss Ellison, please join us.” He then glanced at Nelson.
Nelson’s gaze remained fixed on the spot where Callie and Jamir’s arms had touched, indifferent.
With no help from Nelson and not wanting to spoil the fun in front of so many people, Charlotte reluctantly agreed to get in the water.
Just as she touched the water, Callie suddenly said, “Wearing clothes counts as extra weight; you should change.”
Charlotte was unwilling. “It’s fine; it’s just for fun.”
Callie crossed her hands. “If your clothes get wet and you have nothing to change into, it will be inconvenient later on.”
She hit the mark, and Mr. Melton quickly fetched swimwear suitable for the hot spring. “Miss Marsh is right.”