Hank quickly spotted Luke, Olivia, and Sonny. The family of four chatted with the residents for a while before heading home.
Back home, Sonny did not sit around for long. He told Hank, "I've got to go, Dad. I don't have any plans or work tonight, so I'm getting some early rest."
It was nine at night.
Usually, this time was still very early for him, but without any social obligations, he wanted to turn in early.
The Browns were reluctant to see him go but knew better than to ask him to stay. Olivia held his hand, urging him to visit more often when he had the time.
“Jessica, pack some fruit for Sonny to bring home."
Olivia recalled that Jessica bought some fresh fruit from the supermarket, so she told her to pack some up for Sonny.
"I'm good, Grandmom. I'm stocked up at home."
Sonny declined Olivia's kind gesture. "It's okay, Jessica. Keep the fruit for yourselves."
He knew that Jessica would splurge on the pricier, better-quality fruit when he came around. Under normal circumstances, Jessica would only purchase the ordinary seasonal fruit.
Sonny wanted to leave the fruit for the family instead.
Still, Jessica went ahead and packed some for him. Once Sonny was gone, Olivia would give her an earful for not doing as she was told.
Jessica would save some for Sonny, but it was his choice whether to bring the fruit with him.
Sonny did not leave with the fruit. By the time Jessica brought some over, Sonny was already out the door, pressing the button for the elevator. He said, "Jessica, you can enjoy the fruit. I don't want it. I should get going."
He stepped into the elevator and pressed the button to shut the door, preventing Jessica from forcing the bag into his hands.
Soon enough, Sonny walked out of the elevator and toward his car. Minutes later, he was out of the neighborhood.
He heaved a sigh of relief once he was out of there.
Each time he visited the Browns, he could not shake off the feeling that he was only playing a part. It was unlike the comfort of being at Liberty's or Serenity's place. He guessed it was because Liberty and Serenity practically raised him.
Hank had not been out of Sonny's life. After the divorce, Hank often checked up on him and took him out on trips. Still, Sonny preferred to spend time with Liberty and Serenity.
As he grew older, Sonny became aware that the Browns were only kind to him because Hank could not have another child. Hank did not want to dump Jessica. Since Jessica spent more than ten years in prison, she had missed the ideal childbearing age when she got out.
There was also a very realistic reason. As Liberty and Serenity found wealth, Sonny enjoyed great privileges growing up. Now that he had made it out there, the Browns fawned over him more and more.
Sonny did not want to be petty with the Browns, but that did not mean he did not know what was going on. Sonny simply let things go out of respect for Hank.
Twenty minutes later, Sonny returned to his home and got a call from Liberty.
"Mom, I didn't expect you to call me at this hour."
While approaching the sofa, Sonny said with a smile, "You'd usually still be out at an event around now."
The housekeeper asked if he wanted a drink.
Sonny nodded.
The housekeeper poured Sonny a drink and set the glass down before making himself scarce.
Liberty said, “I just got home. I left work early today. Duncan has an issue with my late nights. He's not pleased that I'm prioritizing work over him."
Sonny replied, "You can't put all your focus on work. You need to go home early. Delegate when you can. Dunc being upset is one thing, but you're not getting any younger. Your body can't keep up with this kind of high-intensity workload."
"I know. That's why I'm giving myself a break tonight. I still need to sort things out tomorrow. It's exhausting being the head of the household."