Chapter 17

"Karen, Lip is eating!"

Mrs. Sheila's voice broke through Lip's daydreams, snapping him back to reality.

Plates of delicious food were being placed on the table, and Lip could feel his mouth watering. There were steaks, salmon, and a variety of fresh vegetables—far better than the discount convenience meals he was used to at home.

It seemed that after today, Fiona would be getting some extra living expenses.

The four of them sat down to eat, enjoying a pleasant and lively meal. The conversation was filled with laughter, and Lip learned a lot about Karen's childhood from Sheila and Eddie. It was a warm and happy atmosphere.

After the meal, they all moved to the living room to watch TV.

"Lip, why don't you stay the night?" Eddie suddenly suggested.

"This…" Lip hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Don't be polite, stay with us!" Sheila chimed in, agreeing with her husband.

Lip was touched by their kindness but felt a bit uncomfortable. "That might be too much trouble…"

He nodded in appreciation to both Eddie and Sheila. He hadn't expected them to be so generous, but he also couldn't ignore the openness of American culture.

But there was one thing that was puzzling him. Had Sheila told Eddie about what had happened between her and Karen the previous night in the kitchen? It seemed likely…

Suddenly, Lip felt a gaze on him. He turned and met Eddie's questioning eyes.

Lip understood instantly and gave Eddie a subtle nod of encouragement. Eddie leaned in and whispered something in Sheila's ear.

Sheila's face turned bright red.

"Well… Karen, Lip, take your time and watch the show. Your father and I are going to head upstairs," Sheila announced.

Karen was left looking confused. "What? What's going on?"

Lip spread his hands. "I have no idea either."

A few minutes later, they could hear a joyful shout coming from upstairs.

Karen turned toward the stairs, her face full of suspicion. "Lip, what did you say to my dad?"

"I didn't say anything!" Lip feigned innocence.

"If you don't tell me, I'll make you sleep on the couch tonight," Karen threatened, crossing her arms.

"Ah, you little brat! Trying to threaten me?" Lip laughed, giving her a playful smack on the backside. "Alright, alright, I'll tell you."

Lip sighed dramatically before telling Karen exactly what he had whispered to Eddie.

Karen's eyes widened in surprise. "Lip, you're so sweet!" she said, jumping into his arms and hugging him tightly. "Thank you for everything you've done for me and my family."

"Fool, you're my woman. Your family will be my family too," Lip replied with a warm smile.

Karen grinned. "Hehe, you're right!"

She looked at him playfully, then suddenly squatted down in front of him, her face glowing with affection. "Lip, I want to reward you right now."

Lip instantly recognized the look in her eyes. It was clear tonight would be another night of passion.

But for some reason, a nagging feeling tugged at Lip's mind. He suddenly realized there was something important he had forgotten and that he needed to go home.

"Ah! I just remembered!" Lip exclaimed, standing up quickly.

Karen looked up at him, confused. "What's wrong?"

"I promised Fiona I'd pick up some milk and groceries for the family today. I completely forgot!" Lip said with a sheepish expression.

Karen's brow furrowed. "Huh? You forgot?"

"I was so distracted thinking about you that I didn't even remember it!" Lip said, grinning. "I guess it's true what philosophers say—'Love makes the mind fuzzy.'"

"And you, little elf, are so good at distracting me!" he added with a teasing tone.

Karen smiled slyly. "Are you sure you don't want to stay a little longer? I could help you relax…" She licked her lips teasingly.

Lip hesitated for a moment, but the thought of Fiona's wrath drove him to action. "I have to go back, or Fiona will tear me apart!"

He rushed out of the house, calling back to Karen, "I'll be back soon, don't wait too long!"

"I know! Go, go!" Karen laughed from the doorway.

Lip ran to the nearest supermarket, bought everything Fiona had asked for, and hurried home. It was dark by now, and he sprinted through the streets, carrying two heavy bags as if he were racing against time.

Finally, he spotted the lights of his house in the distance. He pushed himself to run faster, knowing he was almost home.

But just as he was about to reach his house, a girl in a navel-baring T-shirt and a coat in hand came running out from Gallagher's house.

Lip couldn't avoid her in time, and they collided, both of them falling to the ground.

"Are you okay?" Lip asked, getting to his feet.

The girl seemed fine but began to cry. Lip was immediately drawn to her distressed expression. He looked at her closely and noticed her striking features—bright eyes, bold smoky makeup, and a nose stud. She wore large purple hoop earrings, and her hair was brightly colored.

"Who is this girl?" Lip thought to himself. "She's cute, but her style is a bit… unconventional. Still, she has a lot of presence."

The girl picked herself up and shot him a glare. "Don't worry about me!" she snapped before running off, still sobbing.

"Is she that upset?" Lip wondered aloud, watching her disappear down the street.

He took a moment to admire her as she ran, her toned legs shaking under her miniskirt.

Just as he was about to shake off the encounter, Ian burst out of the house.

"Ian, what's going on? You look like you're in a panic!"

"Ian, have you seen Mandy?" Ian asked urgently.

"Mandy?" Lip asked, confused.

"Mandy Milkovich! The girl I told you about yesterday!" Ian explained.

Lip froze in surprise. That girl had looked familiar. It was the same girl he had just bumped into.

"Wait a minute. That was Mandy?" Lip thought, his mind racing. "She's way more attractive than the Mandy from the show."

As Lip filled Ian in on his encounter with Mandy, Ian shared that Mandy had been to his store again, trying to seduce him.

"Am I going to miss out on this girl again?" Lip thought, disappointed.

After putting the groceries away, Lip decided to return to Karen's house.