When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 204

His dark gray uniform made his broad shoulders seem even more impressive. Teddy had been running around all day, so by the time he sat down, he was hungry. He didn’t bother with chit-chat and just started eating.

Nelly hadn’t expected someone as privileged as Teddy to be so easygoing. She relaxed right away.

Teddy liked to joke around. He was way more talkative than Jonah, always quick with a funny story or a clever comment to keep things light. By the time the meal was halfway through, it felt like the three of them had been friends forever.

Jonah never touched alcohol, but Teddy and Nelly each had a little wine. Once the drinks kicked in, the conversation turned nostalgic. Teddy started sharing stories from their school days and how he and Jonah became friends. According to Teddy, it was all because Jonah was fearless.

Back in high school, Teddy’s family had made him a target for some local gangs. One time, they jumped him behind school. Outnumbered, Teddy was getting beaten up pretty badly, when Jonah showed up out of nowhere and stepped in. They were just teenagers, but the guys who attacked Teddy had weapons, and even bystanders were too scared to help. Jonah didn’t hesitate. He grabbed a weapon from one of the gang members and went straight for the most dangerous one. He was ruthless and quick. Even when blood splattered on his face, he didn’t even flinch. He looked even scarier than the guys he was fighting.

Teddy still remembered how stunned he’d been. “All I could think was, this guy is terrifying. Those guys were criminals, and Jonah, just a kid, wasn’t scared at all.”

As Teddy got more excited, he leaned in closer to Nelly. He was about to say more when Jonah suddenly stood up and put himself between them. He took Nelly’s wine glass away. “Your stomach can’t handle alcohol. No drinking. Teddy’s just trying to get you drunk. Ignore him.”

“I only had a sip, it’s nothing,” Nelly protested, but Jonah had already taken her glass.

Teddy wasn’t happy about being blocked. He tried to lean toward Nelly again, but Jonah dragged his chair back so hard Teddy almost tipped over.

“Jonah, what’s your problem?”

“You were getting too close.”

Jonah dragged another chair over and sat right between them.

“You were fine over there,” Teddy complained. “I wanna talk to Nelly.”

Teddy had always grown up with strict rules, so now that he finally had a chance to hang out and drink with friends, he wanted to enjoy it. He’d just found someone who shared his sense of humor about Jonah, and he didn’t want Jonah ruining the fun.

“Watch how you call her,” Jonah said, his voice suddenly cold and stern. For the first time, Teddy’s easygoing attitude actually got on his nerves. The way he called her “Nelly” felt way too familiar.

“What’s the big deal? She’s your family, and I think of her as my friend too. Why should I act like strangers?” Teddy said, but seeing Jonah’s face darken, he calmed down a little.

“Honestly, I don’t mind,” Nelly said. “Teddy’s right. We’re all friends here. No need to be so stiff.”

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