Chapter 28
Days passed without a word from Jonathan.
After his mention of a blind duc, Teresa found herself thinking about him, particularly when she entered reminder of the night he’d stumbled into her home, completely intoxicated.
Ther
new lock code each evening, a
Miriam sent her a puzzled text one day. Teresa, the code isn’t opening the door. Have you changed it I thought it was all sixes.)
With a chuckle. Teresa typed back, [Yeah. It’s Mike’s birthday now.
Miriam’s reply came quickly. [Oh, really! Everything okay? No break–ins or anything?
Teresa thought for a moment, avoiding mentioning Jonathan’s involvement.
As she set her phone side. Teresa sighed, her thoughts drifting to Jonathan’s date. She guessed it was with Simona, but she shook her head, reminding herself it wasn’t her place to wonder.
Thankfully, there was good news to focus on. Teresa’s online store was booming. She’d already paid back the $30,000 Miriam had invested in, and now she was reaping the benefits,
One weekend, Teresa took Michael to the cemetery to pay respects to his great–grandparents.
As they stood by the graves, Michael looked up at Teress. “Mommy, are my great–grandparents resting beneath the ground)”
Teresa nodded, smoothing his hair. “Yes, sweetheart, they’re resting peacefully down there.”
Curiosity filled Michael’s eyes as he pressed on. “Do they have blankets! Will they be cold in teinter? What abent snakes?”
Teresa smiled, her voice gentle and reassuring. They’re safe from the cold, and if there are snakes, your great–grandpa would keep your great- chandina safe because he loved her so much.
Michael tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly. “Mommy, does love mean you protect someone?” He was a bundle of questions, but Teresa was never tired of them. She always took the time to anstreri
“Yes,” she said, hugging him close. “Love means doing everything you can to keep your beloved one safe
Michael seemed to grasp the meaning nodding in understanding
As they headed back home, Teresa’s gare landed on a face from her past.
“Teresa.” T
11 F
Truman Garcia, a man with a kind look and wearing a crisp white shirt, greeted her warmly. It had been ages since their paths List crossed
Michael, clinging to her leg, looked up at Truman with curiosity. “Mommy, who’s he?” he asked.
Tereu looked down at her child and said. “This is Truman Garcia, a friend of Mommy’s.” She gently prompted, “Wave hello to him”
Michael waved and said, “Hi, Mr. Garcial”
Truman’s smile grew as he started to ask, “Is this your son with-
But Teresa didn’t let him finish. “He’s any son,” she said, cutting him off and avoiding the mention of the boy’s father..
Truman, with a warm grin, asked. “Hey, it’s been ages. How are you holding up?”
Teresa managed a small smile, sensing the deeper meaning in his question. A lot had happened since they’d last talked–her marriage, the rough patches with Yvonne and Irene, and the tough loss of her grandparents.
She maintained her emotional turmoil to herself, not wishing to burden Jonathan despite their marriage
She had discreetly sought therapy, fighting depression without using it as a tool to keep Jonathan close as Yvonne had done. Truman, her physician, was privy to her unspoken struggles.
Pretending to glance at her watch, “Teresa said. ‘T’ve got to take my son for some errands, but let’s plan on having lunch o or something soon
Truman nodded, his eyes following her as she got ready to leave. “Just give me a call when you’re up for it,” he offered.
“Mommy.” Michael gazed up at Teresa, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. That tall, this man is nice, right? Can be be my dad?”
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2:05 PM.
Chapter 28
Teresa chuckled at her son’s straightforwardness. Panting his head, she replied, “We’ll discuss it later, kiddo.”
He sighed, a hint of disappointment on his face. When will I have a dad! I really want one,” he persisted.
The question tugged at Teresa’s heartstrings. She comforted him, “I know, honey. Your wish is coming”
The following day, a relaxed Saturday, Truman texted Teresa. [Hey Teresa, want to grab a meal and catch up just a friendly dinner, no roles, no pressure.)
Teresa agreed to the meeting. At the warm, inviting restaurant known for its mild and comforting dishes, she spotted Truman, who stood out with his glasses and a stylish browns cashmere coal, giving off a scholarly vibe.
Truman, his eyes darting over the menu, made a thoughtful gesture. “I kept the heat low on the dishes. Didn’t want to upset your stomach”
y cud
Teresa responded with a warm smile. That’s really considerate, but I’ve been doing a lot better lately No worries on my
Changing the subject slightly. Truman frowned with concern. “Hey, not to get too personal, but I noticed you didn’t want to talk about Jonathan around your son. Did things end between you two!”
Teresa met his gaze with a levelheaded demeanor. “Water under the bridge,” she cd, her voice steady.
Truman besitated, then ventured further. “Was it because of me!
Teresa let out a wry laugh, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand. “You’re overthinking it
Fiddling with his glasses. Truman brought up the past. “But two years ago, there was that incident when Jonathan saw me drop you off and got the wrong impression”
Teresa’s expression grew somber as she recalled the incident. The misunderstanding had been the starting point, but it was just ose event in a series leading to the end of their marriage.
Teresa sank into her chair, her voice trembling with emotion. “We weren’t right for each other. The differences were just too much–his family, his
old flame, my own issues. “
She paused, a tear escaping down her cheek. “I can’t hold him back, not when he’s put so much into our family. I’ve got my own demons, and l’in not the one to keep him from his dreams. We’re on separate paths”
For the first time, Teresa was baring her soul. She harbored no regrets regarding her marriage–she stayed true to her vows, steered clear of her ex’s previous relationships, and left the marriage without pursuing any financial claims.
Amidst the whispers and judgments, she remained steadfast, prioritizing her own trils and self–respect above all che
She was opening up to Truman, not just because he was there to listen, but because he was her therapist. His guidance had been crucial in her quest for acceptance and understanding
Truman let out a sigh. “You’re holding up well. I gotta say he remarked, genuinely impressed.
Teresa offered a small, sad sinde in retuum. “Life shifts when you become a parent, doesn’t it? It gives you a new perspective on everything. Eve managed to move past my family turmoil, my divorce even the beanbreaking loss of my grandparents”
The sudden tragedy a house fire that took her grandparents too soon–left Teresa in disbelief, struggling to cope with the profound emptiness they left behind. To keep their memory close, she regularly visited their graves, making sure to pay her respects several times each
“Funny running into you there,” Teresa said, her eyes meeting Truman’s. 1 brought my son to the cemetery yesterday to visit my grandparents. Never expected to bump into an old friend.
Truman shrugged easily, sounding honest. I’ve been working in Chesburg. I thought about calling you, but didn’t want to bother you. If we hadn’t talked today, I wouldn’t have known about your divorce”
Meeting Teresa’s gaze, he paused, then said, “We should really keep in touch more, shouldn’t we?”
His expression turned serious as he continued, Tm actually looking to move back to Nareigh. If there’s anything you need, just give me a shout, okay?”
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