Chapter 427: Theodore's Party
Hannah and Oscar arrived at the nightclub and entered Theodore's private box, soundproofed and reinforced. They sat on the couch; Theodore was absent. Suspecting Laird had grounded him, Oscar called Theodore.
If Theodore's father was the reason, Oscar would need to intervene; it was Theodore's last night as a single man, after all. However, Theodore answered, asking if they'd arrived. Oscar inquired about his whereabouts.
"I'm picking up Manuel," Theodore replied.
Oscar and Hannah exchanged concerned glances. Theodore, noticing their expressions, asked what was wrong. He explained that he was bringing Manuel, their childhood friend.
After hanging up, Hannah asked if anyone else was coming. Oscar confirmed it was Manuel. Hannah casually inquired if she needed to leave, already aware of Oscar's secretive nature. She assured him she wouldn't mind and would even accommodate his need for discretion.
"It's Manuel," Oscar confirmed.
Hannah's insightful guess surprised Oscar; he wondered why she hadn't displayed such intelligence during her time with Charles. She correctly identified Manuel as Oscar's cousin, revealing Manuel had shared their close relationship and past secrets with her.
"Manuel isn't my concern," Oscar replied, smiling. Despite Manuel's disclosures, Hannah had remained unaware of Oscar's true identity.
Within minutes, Manuel and Theodore arrived. Theodore swaggered in, seemingly unconcerned about his impending wedding. Hannah and Oscar noted Manuel's improved mobility; he walked in using a crutch, but independently and steadily, his gait suggesting recovery.
Hannah inquired about his recovery. Manuel reported his right leg was fully healed, his left leg improving, with a projected recovery time of three to six months. Hannah remembered this from her previous life, recalling why she hadn't intervened in the accident that allowed Manuel to marry Susan. She reasoned this path still allowed Manuel to marry Susan, while leaving room to prevent future difficulties.
Theodore gestured for Manuel to sit, pouring drinks. "Get drunk tonight, guys!" he announced.
Oscar declined, citing his baby plans. Theodore lamented his accidental fatherhood and urged Oscar to enjoy his time with Hannah. Hannah countered that fatherhood would be enjoyable. Manuel joined, opting for liquor despite his physical limitations, matching Oscar's water consumption. Theodore raised a glass of liquor; Oscar, Hannah, and Manuel raised their water and liquor, respectively, toasting.
Oscar quietly advised Hannah to drink moderately. Hannah secretly wished to share the liquor with Theodore, understanding it was a celebratory toast to his marriage, but complied with Oscar's request for water.
The box was brightly lit, devoid of typical nightclub music, providing an intimate atmosphere. Theodore inquired about Manuel's relationship with Susan. Manuel stated he was there to celebrate with Theodore, not Susan, surprising Theodore, who had presumed Manuel's presence was for him. Manuel candidly suggested that family life would ultimately benefit Theodore, causing Theodore to vehemently disagree. The discussion veered into a humorous exchange about AIDS. They toasted again.
Hannah observed their interaction, realizing Manuel's reticence around her was a facade adopted for Susan's sake.
Oscar interrupted Hannah's contemplation of Manuel, subtly shielding her view of him. Hannah pouted at his possessiveness. Oscar, charmingly arrogant, declared his attractiveness warranted her attention. Hannah countered his boastful claim, leading to a playful exchange. Theodore, however, interrupted their intimate moment, complaining about their public display of affection.