Just wait, Mom—things were about to get even more dramatic. I hoped your blood pressure could keep up.
I intentionally picked a mall just a stone’s throw from Juniper’s gym and wandered through a few stores, savoring the delay.
My mother scrutinized every option until she finally settled on a massager. I didn’t hesitate to splurge and buy it for her.
Her excitement was palpable—her smile was so wide it nearly obscured her eyes. She wasted no time snapping photos and posting them online, proudly showing off to every relative she could think of.
I checked the time—everything was falling into place.
"Mom, I heard this mall has a gym with a special promotion. Aunt Collette from next door comes here to work out and she says it’s a fantastic deal."
My mother had always dismissed gyms as a waste of money, but dropping Aunt Collette’s name was like flipping a switch.
She couldn’t resist comparing everything to Aunt Collette, determined not to be outdone.
Once I mentioned that name, my mother was instantly intrigued.
"Since we’re here, let’s go check it out," she said, eager to see for herself.
I couldn’t help but smirk.
Both my mother and Randal were firmly opposed to Juniper working out during her pregnancy, so running into her inside would certainly stir up a scene.
It would be even juicier if we discovered something else intriguing.
As we entered the mall, I took a quick glance at the parking area and saw that Hugo wasn’t in the car.
This suggested that he was probably somewhere inside the mall with us.
Last time we were here, we ended up in the VIP changing room at the far end of the gym.
As soon as my mother walked in, she asked the receptionist, "Is there a special promotion at this gym right now?"
I cleared my throat and the receptionist nodded, acknowledging the question.
The receptionist, clearly skilled at handling such inquiries, immediately added, "Yes, ma’am. We’re celebrating our gym's anniversary and there are substantial discounts for group memberships. Plus, our facilities are top-notch. Feel free to take a look around…”
I linked arms with my mother and began to scan the area with exaggerated curiosity.
Meanwhile, I kept a sharp eye on the VIP changing room, ready for any signs of activity.
In my previous life time, Juniper and the trainer had slipped into the changing room alone, deliberately sidelining me.