chapter516

Lydia tapped her fingers on the table, lost in thought. She was pretty sure Lucinda had asked Grandpa Wayne to call Grandpa Samuel. I think I know, she said, shooting Mikey a teasing look.

Mikey's nerves tightened. "Who?"

Chris leaned in, eyes bright with curiosity. "Come on, Lydia, spill it. Who does Grandpa Wayne want to set Mikey up with? If she's decent, maybe Mikey should at least meet her."

Mikey rolled his eyes. "If you want to meet her so badly, go ahead. I'm not interested in dating anyone right now."

Seriously, he could barely keep up with work. Where would he find the time for a relationship?

Chris puffed out his chest. Well, I'm not dating anyone until you and Connor get married."

Being single was great. Why make things complicated? Of course, Connor was an exception. With Lydia, they were just meant to be.

Lydia raised her eyebrows. "You really want to know?"

Chris nodded so hard it was almost funny. Yes, I really, really want to know!"

Mikey stayed silent, not sure if he even wanted to hear the answer.

"Lucinda," Lydia said, cutting straight to it.

For a second, everyone just stared at her. The room went quiet.

Then Chris doubled over, laughing. "You've got to be kidding. Lucinda? For my brother? That's hilarious."

Lucinda was the definition of high-maintenance. No one could handle her. She used to be engaged to Connor, but he'd fought tooth and nail to get out of it. If Lydia hadn't come back, Connor would have ended things himself.

Now Grandpa Wayne wanted to set Lucinda up with Mikey? Seriously, what was he thinking? He must really spoil her.

Mikey was just relieved he had said no before he even knew who it was. No wonder his grandfather hadn't tried to convince him. He probably knew it was pointless.

Lydia turned to Mikey, her voice gentle. "I don't think Lucinda is going to let this go easily. Just be careful."

Mikey nodded. "Got it."

At that moment, Mr. Norwood was sitting in the living room, waiting for Mr. Jefferson to call back. Kylie, Cameron, and Blake were there too. When Mr. Norwood had shared

request

Lucinda's earlier, they had all been stunned. None of them expected Lucinda to take an interest in Mikey.

Mikey was a great guy, sure, but the Norwood and Jefferson families already had a marriage connection Still Lucinda had grade her feelings clear, and with Grandpa Wayne supporting her, everyone else just kept quiet and waited for the call.

Mr. Jefferson had been caught off guard by the news. He stayed silent for a long time before finally saying he'd check with Mikey and then let them know.

The waiting was torture, and Lucinda was on edge. She wasn't the Norwood family's real daughter anymore. The Jeffersons would have to think carefully. All she could do was hope they would agree, maybe just for Grandpa Wayne's sake.

Blake looked over at Lucinda and asked, Lucinda, do you actually like Mikey, or do you just admire him?"

Lucinda squirmed in her seat, clearly uncomfortable. Honestly, she still loved Connor. But that was never going to happen. She had to move on.

"I..."

Before she could say more, Grace jumped in, worried Lucinda might blow it. "Mr. and Mrs. Norwood, ever since Lydia came back and Mikey visited, Lucinda fell for him right away."

Blake shot Grace a look. "I was asking Lucinda, not you."

Grace ducked her head and mumbled, I just... I've seen how Lucinda has changed, So..."

Kylie stepped in to ease the tension. "It doesn't really matter for now. Mikey and Lucinda barely know each other. It all depends on what Mikey wants."

She turned to Lucinda and gave her a reassuring smile. And Lucinda, if Mikey isn't looking for a girlfriend right now, don't let it get you down. You're only eighteen. The right person will come along, someone who truly cares about you.