After dinner, Jethro retreated to his room and pulled out his phone, then dialed Desmond’s number. The first call went unanswered, but he didn’t hesitate and tried again. This time, Desmond picked up.
"Jethro, good evening." Desmond greeted just as he picked up the call.
"Good evening, Desmond," Jethro replied and leaned against his desk. "How are you doing today?"
"I’m alright," Desmond answered. "How is your father? Is he still in the hospital?"
Jethro smiled slightly and replied. "No, he had been discharged. He recovered faster than we expected. I just finished taking dinner with him."
"That’s good to hear. I'm happy he's back on his feet." Desmond said and nodded. He was glad he didn't make any mistakes.
"Yeah. So, I want to know if you will be free tomorrow evening." Jethro said
"I think I will be free. Is there any problem?" Desmond asked.
"No. I'm asking because you are invited for dinner tomorrow in our house." Jethro replied, and Desmond hesitated slightly before repeating, "Dinner?"
"Yes," Jethro answered. "We want to have a dinner with you tomorrow evening."
"That's really nice. I appreciate the thought, but there’s no need. I'm satisfied already." He said, and Jethro replied. "Are you saying you are turning down Sir Orton’s invitation?"
Desmond heard what Jethro said and paused, surprised. He had thought that Jethro was the one inviting him. "Sir Orton’s invitation?" he repeated.
"You didn’t tell me your father is behind it. I thought it was you." He added, and Jethro smirked slightly, sensing Desmond’s shift in tone. "He wants to see you himself. To thank you personally for saving his life."
It was a great offer to eat at the same table with the most respected man in the city. It was as if the president of a county was inviting him. Even though he wasn't thinking of demanding something special for his good deeds, this time, he won't be able to avoid it. At least he will use the opportunity and ask for his forgiveness.
"Alright. I will come. I would cancel my schedules even if I had one. Nothing is as important to me as this. I wasn't expecting this invitation." Desmond said in excitement.
"Good. We will be expecting you."
"Alright. See you tomorrow." Desmond replied, and Jethro nodded, satisfied. "See you then." With that, Jethro both hung up.
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The next day, Desmond woke up with smiles on his face. The thought of dinner at the Orton residence wasn’t just about appreciation. It was an opportunity. Now, he had a chance to ask for forgiveness and a second chance with Anabel. If her father supported him, everything might become easier.
As he got ready for work, he found himself rehearsing his words in his mind. He had to be sincere. He had to make Sir Orton see that he wasn’t the same man Anabel divorced. He had learned from his mistakes, and now, he wanted to prove he deserved another chance.
He got prepared and took his breakfast. As he was heading out, he informed his mother and sister that he would be coming home late. His mother looked up in curiosity.
"You will be coming late? Why?" The mom asked, and Desmond smirked slightly before he answered. "Anabel's father invited me for dinner," while adjusting his watch. "He wants to thank and appreciate me for saving his life."
His mother’s eyes widened slightly before a knowing smile appeared on her lips. "This is a good invitation. You have to utilize it very well. This is your chance to get Anabel back. You need to make use of it very well. Ask him for forgiveness. Tell him that you want Anabel back as your wife. Tell him the reasons for a second chance. Tell him that we have changed, that we will take care of his daughter very well.
"You don't need to tell me what to say. I have all these in mind. I believed that her father would forgive me. I just pray she will listen to her father. She's very stubborn."
"Yeah, I won't blame her. But you have to try. You are a man." His mom added, and his sister, who had been listening from across the room, walked over with a grin. "You better win this battle," she said, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "I’m rooting for you."
"Thank you, my dear sister." Desmond hugged her back before stepping away and grabbing his car keys.
"Good luck!" His mom called after him. With that, he stepped outside, got into his car, and drove off to work. But in the back of his mind, the real focus wasn’t on work. He was thinking of what the evening would be like.