Chapter 12

Speaking of Sean Johnson, Naomi only knew him because of Amelia. Sean was Amelia's ex-boyfriend, and Charles was Sean's best friend. She knew Sean through Amelia, and Charles through Sean. Since Charles was a friend of a friend, on top of that, Naomi was one to warm up to someone slowly, so she did not keep much contact with Charles. When Amelia and Sean broke up, naturally she no longer had any interaction with Sean, and that included Charles as well. However, the moment Charles mentioned Sean, Naomi immediately recalled who he was. She remembered that Charles was always one with a gentle smile. He was always considerate and polite. Naomi's eyes widened. "Oh, Charles Ward." Naomi and Amelia did not go to the same college, even if they were in the same city. Sean was a few years older than Amelia. Charles and Sean did not go to the same college as well, but they were the same age. Charles was a few years older than Naomi. "Naomi, it's the end of the day," Naomi's colleague next to her said. Naomi turned to look. "Time passed by so quickly?" "Yes. It's already five. Look." Naomi looked at the time on her phone. Sure enough. It was already five in the evening. Time passed by quickly. "Can I buy you dinner?" Charles asked quietly. Naomi was a little surprised. They were not that close to having meals together, especially since they did not see each other for a few years. However, seeing Charles there alone, Naomi thought that perhaps he needed help or something. Although they were not in contact for quite a few years, they were still friends. To Naomi, Charles was just a friend. "Sure. Give me a moment." "Take your time." Naomi packed up everything and placed them neatly. She tidied the countertop, took off her apron, and placed them in her locker, before grabbing her bag and phone. Charles stood outside looking at her. He patiently waited for her. He was tall and good-looking. Naturally, he attracted attention. People around him could not help but sneak glances at him. He looked at Naomi with a glimmer in his eyes. "Let's go." "Alright." They left the museum together. On the way out, everyone who knew Naomi greeted her. Their gaze also landed on Charles before smiling and asking her if he was her friend. Naomi calmly replied yes. After Naomi and Charles left, everyone could not help but gossip. It was just a natural thing to do. "What's going on with Naomi? I don't think that was her husband?" "I'm guessing she's divorced. This is a new guy." "Did Naomi have an affair?" "Do you think that's possible? If Naomi had an affair, pigs could fly. I'm guessing that it's the guy's fault. I heard he's really rich. Naomi married way too high up." "Sigh, who knows what these wealthy people do after they get married? Naomi must have suffered quite a bit the past few years." "Gone with the old, in with the new. This new guy's quite handsome too. Not bad." "You're right. And from the way he looks at her. I think he's really interested." "If I was him, I'd be interested too! Our Naomi's the best!" Naomi was well-liked at the museum. Many of the elderly there knew her well too. That was why they were soon bad-mouthing Scott. Naomi did not know about any of that. After they left the museum, she asked Charles what he wanted to eat. She was going to buy him dinner. He was a guest from far away. She had to be the host. She asked if there were foods that he did not eat. Then, she took him to a local restaurant. On the way there, she called home to tell them that she was going to have dinner with a friend and that she would return home later. Charles saw her hanging up the call. He passed her a cup of tea. "Am I disturbing you?" Naomi looked at the tea and placed her phone aside. She shook her head. "Thanks. No, you're not." She was as polite as always. Charles smiled. They ordered food and drank some tea. Naomi looked at Charles. "Do you need help on anything?" Charles nodded. "Yes. I thought that since you're here, I'll come to visit you. Sorry for disturbing you." Naomi guessed that Charles needed help from her, if not he would not have suddenly appeared looking for her. In her memories, Charles was a good guy. Although she was not much in touch with him, she remembered that when Sean and Amelia were in a big fight, he helped them out quite a bit. Even Amelia, who was a picky person, said that Charles was a great guy. She even kept saying how it was a pity. Naomi had no idea what she meant by that. "Charles, you can tell me. If there is anything I can do, I'll help you out. Don't worry." Naomi was this sort of person. She was always helpful, never asking for anything in return. She was this way with anyone. That was why even if she did not like to socialize, she was still well-liked. Charles was not surprised by Naomi's answer. He knew what she was like. It was just because of that he had the chance and a reason to get closer to her. "You know that I study plants. I'm recently working on a project that needs to study a few types of plants. I've looked them up and I found out that they're only found in Ditch County. I remembered that your family is from Ditch County, so I wondered if you have the time to accompany me on a trip. I'm not familiar with the place." Naomi knew what Charles studied, but she did not know why he went abroad. She was not surprised that Charles said that. She thought for a while before saying, "I work five days a week, but my off days aren't always on the weekend. The museum's busier on weekends, so we're always on shift. Let me know which day you prefer. I'll talk to my colleagues, and we'll go." Charles smiled. "I've just started teaching at Horizon City College. I wasn't sure if you were still working in the museum or not, so I went there to try my luck. Now that I've met you, I'll have a look at my calendar, and I'll let you know. We'll make plans to head to Ditch County." Naomi was secretly surprised that Charles came to Horizon City College to teach. She never would have expected that. On second thought, she thought that it was only normal since everyone had different plans in life. "Sure." They finished their meal and came out of the restaurant. It was about six something in the evening. The sky was not dark yet. Charles looked at his watch. "So, I'll-" Before he could finish his sentence, Naomi's phone rang. Naomi said, "I'll take this call." "Okay." She answered the call and walked over to the side a little. She was surprised that the call was from Maya.