Chapter 30
Tere had been contemplating a bold move–leaving the daily grind at NewEdge Media to pursue her clothing line full–time
Back when she started working, she’d drop Michael off with a sitter, but now her side hustle was outshining her day job.
Live streaming was the new gold rush, and with her operations background and NewEdge Media experience, the aimed to open a storefront, sell online, and ride the live–stream wave
Teresa had been toying with this idea for a while, but she’d hesitated to take the leap. She’d dedicated years to NewEdge Media, and a sudden exit fel abrupt.
It was time to bounce her resignation off Miriam, the one who’d financed her side hudle from the start.
That evening, Miriam showed up at Teresa’s place, her arms loaded with grilled skewers and a pack of beer. They settled in with their legs crossed.
The room was silent except for the soft him of a desk lamp and the gentle snares of Michael, fast asleep in his room.
ad
Teresa laid out her plan to Mirian, who listened intently
Miriam chuckled, her support unwavering. “I’m so down with you leaving NewEdge Media. That two, three grand a month? Not worth holding
Teresa nodded, but her brow was etched with concern. I know, but I’m worried about the risks. Everyone’s after that cash, and the competition is bruml
Unfazed. Miriam brushed a reassuring hand over Teresa’s face, grinning. “Girl, you’re stunning without even trying. Doubting your live–stream sales? You could sell ice to Alaskams in a swimsuit.”
Laughing. Miriam pressed on. Em telling you. Companies will be knocking down your door to sign you as a host. You’ll be the talk of the town!”
Teresa rolled her eyes, but she was flattered. “Please, you’re just sugarcoating it.
“You’ll see. You were the star of our Nareigh University media department. You’ve got the looks. It’s all about whether you wanna play the game?” Miriam stid. nodding with conviction
Teresa grinned, feeling the warmth of
th of Miriam’s support.
Here’s
‘s to our business taking off, she said, raising her beer can
“Cheers!!” Miriam echoed, clinking her can against ‘Teresa’s
Teresa chugged her beer, feeling on top of the world. With Miriam bringing over skewers and all, it just wouldn’t do without a cold one.
Before long, the table was a sea of beer bottles. Massaging her temple, Teresa felt a throb coming on and her vision was going wonky as she tugged at Miriam’s sleeve, slurring, “Keep them coming. Let’s keep this party going.”
“I’m tapped out, 111 pass, Teresa said, her words running together
Miriam was already face down on the table, done for the night.
“Miriam, don’t fold now. We’re just getting starter,“” Teresa said, her voice insistent.
Miriam peeked up and said. Then gri Edward over here…
“Why on earth would we need him at our girls‘ night?” Teresa asked, a smirk playing on her lips.
At the mention of Edward, Miriam’s face drooped. Her cheeks puffed out like a sulky kitten as she whimpered, “I texted Edward, but he’s ghosting
“You’re crazy. Plenty of other fish in the sea. Why hang onto one?” Teresa said, shaking her head.
“But I like him. I’m a hopeless romantic, Miriam said, her voice barely a whisper.
“I know! You’re a hopeless romantic, Miriam Teresa declared, spreading her arms wid
“So what if I am? I’ll be happy. You and I are gonna be happy!” Miriam said to Teresa, her voice rising.
Tere clapped a hand over her mouth, “Shh. Keep it down. Don’t wake my son.”
“That’s all you care about now. Your son!” Miriam complained, her words a bit slurred.
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Chapter 30
“Well, I am a mom now. When you have a kid, you own up to it. Teresa said, resting her chin on Miriam’s shoulder and letting out a burp.
“Can’t just have a kid and not step up. We’ve got to raise them right. And with that, the faceplanted into Miriam’s embrace. Her phone kept buzzing, but the room was dead silent.
Jonathan frowned at the number that was a no–show for his texts and calls.
He only remembered when he got home that he’d picked up some local coffee beans and an emerald bracelet from his trip to Yentsville, planning to surprise her with dinner and gifts the next day. But her phone was going straight to voicemail.
“Maybe something’s up? he wondered. Then he threw on his coat and rushed out of his villa, driving solo to Rosary Lates
Glancing up, he saw her window was dark. Already in bed?‘ he thought.
He pursed his thin lips, pacing alone downstairs for what felt like forever, from nine till eleven, before he finally called it a night and headed home alone.
Sunlight poured in through the window, beating
g down on Teresa’s face with an intensity that made her wince
Teresa
groaned, shifting away from the blinding light, her head pounding from the lingering effects of a hangover. I felt like her soul had gone AWOL daring the night
The relentless ringing of her phone was more insistent than any boss, pulling her reluctantly from the comfort of her dreams. The phone’s shrill call sliced through her peaceful slumber, unyielding
With a resigned sigh, Teresa’s hand groped for her phone on the nightstand, her fingers finally wrapping around it as she answered. “Hello? Who is
Her voice came out as a scratchy murmur to Jonathan’s ear, her throat dry and raw from the night’s overindulgence.
A brief silence hung on the line before Jonathan’s deep, calm voice filled the void. “Tve been calling you all morning. Did you go out and get wasted?
Teresa wrinkled her nose, a faint gran escaping her, and she tried to inject some enthusiasm into her voice. “Honey, it was just a couple of drinks. Just Miriam and me.
Hearing Teresa use a term of endearment, Jonathan was momentarily speechless.
“Honey, I’m starving. Ein craving hash browns from Breakfast Nook and those wailles from Yolie South Road, anil… Her voice faded as the phone slipped from her hand, her energy drained, and Teresa drifted back into the depths of sleep.
SIND CIIT
