291: Unexpected Encounters

The calm after the variety show was brief for Emma. Back at her company, the piled-up work awaited her, demanding her immediate attention. Days blurred into nights as she dedicated herself wholly to catching up, her presence lingering in the office long after others had departed. Her efforts were not in vain, particularly evident in the significant strides made in the laboratory renovations. Gable’s frequent updates over the phone only added to her satisfaction, each conversation a testament to the improvements sparked by her observations. "It's a pity we can't continue with the lab, but there’s someone I want you to meet—my teacher," Gable mentioned during one of their calls. His tone carried a mix of reverence and a hint of amusement. "He thinks I left the path of medicine because of you, which is laughable. I chose my own path." Armed with gift bags, Emma and Gable set off to visit this influential figure in Gable's life. The teacher, an old-fashioned yet reputed individual, had misinterpreted Gable’s career shift, attributing it to Emma’s influence. Emma respected the man based on her readings and was somewhat amused by his misconceptions. "I’ve always heard about how traditional he is. It’s funny he thinks you changed your entire career path for me." Gable chuckled, "He’s from the old school, thinks too much about these things. But remember, he might not be the warmest to you at first." The teacher’s residence, a quaint two-story cottage adorned with a lovingly maintained garden, reflected his passion for life, a stark contrast to his perceived sternness. As they approached, voices from inside suggested other visitors were present, which piqued Emma’s curiosity but didn’t deter their purpose. To their surprise, the other visitor was none other than Alex, whose presence in such a personal setting was unexpected and unsettling. The sight of him brought a complex mix of emotions to the forefront for Emma, while Gable’s expression turned unreadably tight. Their teacher, Knox Bradley, greeted them warmly, contradicting Gable’s warnings of his supposed sternness. His demeanor was nothing but welcoming, particularly towards Emma, whose reputation as a formidable businesswoman had evidently preceded her. "You two are here. Alex was just singing praises about your sister, saying she’s quite the exceptional woman. And Emma, I hear you’re pushing boundaries with medical AI? That’s commendable. If there’s anything you need, let me know. Many of my students might be of service," Knox offered, his voice rich with enthusiasm and a touch of pride. Alex’s presence and his prior conversations with Knox complicated the atmosphere, casting a shadow of his previous relationship with Emma over the meeting. Despite this, Emma maintained her composure, focusing on the reason for their visit. "Thank you, Knox. But let’s clear something up—I never deterred Gable from research. He’s always aimed to be a great doctor, not a researcher. His dedication to medicine isn’t because of me." Gable supported Emma’s clarification with a firm nod, eager to set his old mentor straight. Knox listened, his expression softening into understanding as he absorbed the truth of Gable’s motivations, which had been obscured by his own assumptions. "As for your offer to help with the AI project, I appreciate it, but let’s not rush. We’re just here to reconnect and learn from your vast experience," Emma added, steering the conversation away from any immediate commitments, particularly wary of Alex’s watchful, quiet demeanor. As the tension eased, Knox, with a warm smile, ushered Emma and Gable toward the dining table adorned with a variety of cookies. “You must try these,” he insisted, pushing a plate of homemade cookies towards them. “My daughter brought these over this morning. She bakes them just right, not too sweet.” Emma, appreciating the gesture, picked up a delicate cookie, observing its perfect golden edges. “They look wonderful, Knox. It’s very kind of you to share,” she remarked, taking a small bite and nodding in approval at the taste. Gable, joining in, selected a cookie too, his previous apprehensions melting away with the casual atmosphere. “These are excellent,” he commented, then, chuckling softly, he steered the conversation into safer waters. “Remember the time we tried to bake in your kitchen and nearly set off the fire alarm?” Knox laughed, a rich, hearty sound that filled the room. “I do, I do. That was quite the day. We ended up with more smoke than cake!” His eyes twinkled with amusement as he glanced at Emma. “Gable here was more interested in the chemical reactions than in following the recipe.” Emma smiled, enjoying the lighter mood. “It seems Gable always had a knack for turning every situation into a learning opportunity.” “Yes, and look where that's brought him,” Knox said, his voice softening with pride. He then shifted his gaze between Emma and Gable, his expression turning thoughtful. “It’s good to see you both here, really. It bridges some gaps between what I thought and the reality of your lives.” The cookies, sweet and comforting, seemed to sweeten their conversation as well, allowing them to reminisce and laugh over past memories, effectively closing the distance that misunderstandings had once created. As they shared cookies and stories, Emma found herself reassessing her old teacher, appreciating his openness and the unexpected warmth he offered. The day, despite its surprising start, ended on a note of newfound respect and understanding among them, with even Alex maintaining a respectful distance, his earlier intentions subdued under the weight of family and history revealed in that cozy living room.