Gene Rhodes gave a few more instructions before bidding the couple farewell. Ian Quincy thanked him and walked him to the door.
Gene glanced up, a flash of strangeness crossing his mind as he looked at the other man's smile. They had met before the New Year at Uncle Shaw's banquet. Back then, Ian had maintained a cold, aloof demeanor, even showing clear displeasure when Cecilia spoke to Gene. Yet seeing him today, it was as if he were a completely different person. He was perfectly amiable and greeted people with a warm smile.
Would becoming a father really change someone's personality and the way they treated others? That didn't seem to make sense.
"Ian, you don't need to see me out," he said.
"It's just a few steps." Ian insisted on walking him all the way to the gate. He waited until Gene had ridden his bicycle far into the distance before turning back into the house.
