Just as Colin left to carry out his assignment, Nathan spotted Kylie peeping in his direction.
“What do you think you're doing, Kylie?”
She came out, smiling cheekily. “Nathan, are you free tonight?” she asked, darting a playful gaze around.
“I don't have anything important. What's the matter?”
“I have to attend a gathering tonight. Do you think you could accompany me?” she asked.
“What gathering is it? Don't tell me it's another matchmaking event.”
Kylie rolled her eyes. “Come on. It's just a reunion with my friends. What are you even thinking?”
A smile broke out on Nathan's face. “I'm just worried you're not getting hitched given your age, but anyway, it’s your reunion. Why are you asking me to go with you? Besides, have you forgotten what happened last time you went to a gathering? You got drunk and nearly had something bad happen to you!”
“I promise it's different this time!” Kylie tried changing his mind. “It's a really important event, Nathan. Our school's vice-principal, Mr. Kane, is the host this time. He invited the most successful alumni to meet up, so it’ll be a good time to get to know other people and establish some connections. He even called me himself. It's not like I could have turned him down!”
“You said your school's vice-principal organized it. This is more reason for me not to go. I'm just an outsider.”
“But we're family. Everyone goes with their family members,” Kylie insisted.
What Kylie said was just a half-truth. While it was true that people would bring their family along, they would attend such events with their partners. No one would bring their cousin-in-law along like she was planning to.
When she saw that Nathan was still reluctant, she set out to make her pitch. “Nathan, Mr. Kane can really hold his liquor. He will be drinking all the men under the table. I'm sure he will insist on me drinking too. With that in mind, don't tell me you're gonna let me go alone? You promised my family you would take good care of me!"
Nathan was caught in a tight spot. Kylie was away from her family and was alone in the city. She was also staying at Nathan's house because she was working at Penny's company.
Her family had asked Nathan to take care of her many times, and Nathan had promised to do so as well.
Nathan was not expecting Kylie to really hold him to his words.
Since there was nothing Nathan could do to turn her down, he finally acquiesced. “Fine, I'll go with you, but I don't like socializing and talking to strangers, so I'll just sit on one side doing my own thing. We'll leave once the time is up, is that clear?” “Yes. You're the best, Nathan!” That night after dinner, Penny went through Quennie's homework with her while her parents went for a walk.
Meanwhile, Kylie put on a white off-shoulder gown, getting ready for the event. When she was all dressed up, she went to tell Nathan it was time to leave.
“Where are you two going?” Penny asked out of curiosity.
After Nathan told her their plan for the night, Penny went over to fix his collar, whispering lowly, “Keep your eyes out for any prospective bachelors. Make sure you get her to talk to someone. It's about time she gets married.”
Nathan chuckled quietly.
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