Belinda crossed her arms and smirked. âAlright, enough with your sweet talk. Time to put on your professional hat. Otherwise, my aunt wonât believe that youâre a certified psychologist.â
With a gentle amusement in his eyes, Callum tilted his head, looking towards Ellinor, who was sitting on the other side of the living room, cradling a child.
A flicker of surprise crossed his experienced gaze as he strolled over. Polite as ever, he extended a hand. âHello, Ms. Mendoza. Belindaâs always singing your praises.â
Ellinor put down âAdrian,â rose to her feet leisurely, and exchanged a brief handshake with the psychologist. âHello.â
Before Callum could register the warmth of her hand, it was already withdrawn. This brief contact allowed him to form a preliminary judgment about Ellinorâs character.
âPlease, have a seat. Letâs sit down and chat.â
Ellinor didnât consider herself a guest, but a client. So, she didnât waste any time on formalities and sat down.
âWould you like a drink?â Callum asked, the picture of gentlemanly charm.
âA glass of water would be nice. Thank you, replied Ellinor.
After a slight nod, Callum turned his soft gaze to âAdrian, who was sitting next to Ellinor. âAnd what about you, young man? What would you like to drink? I have just about everything here.â
âAdrianâ remained silent, apparently not fond of this man in his white coat. He didnât appreciate the way he was looking at his mom.
Ellinor spoke for her son. âA bottle of cola, please.â
Callum smiled. âAlright.â
After his acknowledgment, he instructed his housekeeper to prepare the drinks. Then he looked at Ellinor curiously. âMost mothers dislike carbonated drinks for their children. You donât seem to mind, Ms. Mendoza?â
âOf course itâs not good to drink them regularly, but occasionally is fine. Heâs a bit tense right now. A âhappy drink might help him relax.â
Callum nodded in understanding.
A somewhat annoyed Belinda came over with her arms still crossed. âHey! Dr. Callum, Iâm your regular guest; arenât you going to ask me what I want to drink?â
Callum looked at Belinda. âAs a regular, I donât need to be so formal with you. If you want a drink, help yourself from the fridge. Isnât that how itâs always been when you come over?â
Belinda snorted. âYouâll lose me as a client if you keep this up!â
Callum chuckled. âAlright, no more teasing. Didnât you say you were bringing a friend over for a consultation? Is it Ms. Mendoza?â
Belinda nodded. âYes, itâs her!â
Callum was now in professional mode, and his demeanor became slightly serious. âMs. Mendoza, what brings you in for consultation today?â
Ellinor gently patted âAdrianâ on the shoulder. âItâs not me; itâs my son.