At first sight

Chapter 25

As dramatic as it seems, the three guys remained in the same position for the next ten minutes. The hand that was on Jerry's shoulder, gave him a little squeeze as a form of comfort, and that was all it took for Jerry to turn around to hug Carl.

Mason knew that it was not the most appropriate time to do this, but somehow taking a picture of the scene seems like a perfect idea at this moment, and he did it.

"Shall we talk about it? Because....I think we should." Mason gave the two men a pat on their shoulder and led them to the sofa, he knew it must be hard for both of them. All Carl and Mason knew was that something happened to Jerry a few years ago, which resulted in Jerry current flirtatious being, he would never date a girl for more than once, nevermind getting into a relationship. It was a grey period for Jerry, he stopped hanging out with his old group of friends and started to spend more time with his family, especially Carl. Nobody knows why, and nobody ask. Now that this had happened, Mason suspect that perhaps that was what happened years ago and perhaps, it was time for Jerry to spill it out, they could try to help him.

Urged by Mason, Jerry spoke about how his so called friends back then, they challenged him to make a certain girl fall for him. He explained on how he accepted the challenge because he was confident. He told them about how Alan chose the black belt girl in his taekwondo class, because he had heard that she was also the top student in her other martial art classes as well, he strongly believed that she will kick Jerry's arrogant ass.

Of course, Jerry was not attracted by the tomboy looking girl, he tried to get her attention using various method, for example his good looks and his fancy car, however none of it works. He had no choice but to approach her face front, being the one who was constantly approached by other girls instead of the other way round, Jerry's approach was awkward and pushy, he started with a some corny compliment that he learnt online, which did not ended up the way he like. He then start sending her gifts, flowers, waiting for her after her classes. He was desperate, losing this bet will definitely cause some severe damage to his pride. However this desperation seems to be a turn off to Evangeline.

"I tried really hard, then one day instead of walking away, she came up to me and said 'Look, what do you want me to do for you to stop this nonsense?' She was feisty, and that seemed to tug my heart. I took a deep breath and told her to let me take her out for a date, if she does not enjoy it then I would stop, if she does then we will be friends. I saw her trying her very best not to roll her eyes, then she bashly gave me her number after some hesitation. I was happy, and I thought it was simply because I was one step closing to winning the bet, but real reason why was because of the fact that she gave me a chance to get to know her."

"That night, I did a lot of research, from watching cringey romance drama to anime. On the date itself, because I decided to take her up for a ride on my motorcycle, she had to let down her usual ponytail putting the helmet on. That was when I realised that she was so pretty."

Carl's (trying very hard) tender look stiffened upon hearing these words, she must have loved it and eventually pick up that skill as well.

At this point, Mason stifled a yawn, it was not because he did not want to know the full story, but due the the face where by it was miserable for Mason to watch this scene. His best friend had a indescribable expression as he was listening to the story, and that simply gave Mason goosebumps. And Jerry that he considered as a little brother of his own, for every time he was done with one part of the story, he would subconsciously let out a bitter chuckle. These simply made Mason feel incredibly uncomfortable.

"So you guys eventually got together?" Mason question it as gentle as he could, trying to get to the point for the sake of the both brothers.

Jerry nodded as he gave out another sigh, "She ran away from home one day and I realised that I truly want to be there for her. Our love was passionate, lots of adventures and all. A few days after I told her that I was serious about her, she overhead the conversation that I had with my buddies. She found out about the bet, and when I tried to explain to her, she wouldn't listen. I broke her heart and she disappeared... for a few years. Yes, I had been getting people to find out her whereabout and four years I found out that she registered into a nursing school and got an apartment herself. I could not brace myself to face her all these years, so from then on I send her roses every month. I did not stalk her, I simply get to know what and where she is doing in life - a staff nurse at Sunville hospital and then now Lukeworth hospital. That was why I did not suspect anything when brother said he fell for a nurse because you called Lynn and it just didn't hit me that it was her, because people are more likely to call her Evans."

Carl felt Jerry's cold hands on his, gripping it firmly.

"That's why... I cannot accept her as my sister-in-law." It may seemed that Jerry did not accept her because he had a past with her, but it was actually because he still has feelings for her.

With a firm and gentle tone, Carl replied "It has to be her or no one else."

Jerry's hopeful face fell as anger builds within him, Mason who was watching quietly decided to interfere, he knew Carl was trying his best from prevent his icy nature to show up at this time.

"She does not belong to anyone of you until she decides to. Instead of asking the other party to give up, why not have a fair fight. Jerry, since you had already faced her today, there is no need to avoid her anymore. To be honest, even though she seems to have feelings for Carl, it seems like she was not completely over you as well. Work your own magic, and whoever that ended up with her, the other party should respect and accept it. Whatever it is, don't let this affect your brotherhood. That's all I can suggest, don't hate on me people."

Mason leaned back on the sofa and cross his leg lazily, letting the two to figure things out internally. Oh the atmosphere is so tense, it's killing Mason. It was when both brothers said that they agree to is suggestion then he stood up and said, "I am getting hungry, let me judge her cooking skills."

The moment the three guys placed the food in their mouth, it was as if what had happened was long forgotten. They had been eating gourmet food that were made by the best chefs in the world, but it seems like Evangeline's food is comparable to them, if not it was even better. It is like a five star home cooked food, leaving everyone on the table eating it silently with appreciation.

Mason then thought to himself 'No matter who get the girl, as long as I get to eat her food more often I will be happy. Or maybe.. I should join in the fun and makes things more interesting.' Mason snickered silently in his own world as he watched the Jerry watched him in confusion while Carl simply ignored him and continue to enjoy the delicacy.

"By the way, Mia wants to go camping with her uncles." Mason intentionally put it across as a statement, instead of a question. His hot gaze met Carl's hard cold ones, and a smug grin appeared on his face.

Oh only your fire will neutralised the cool air coming from our giant iceberg. Jerry thought as a small smile formed on his face.