Chapter 9
9
As Teresa continued to sob, she became aware of someone’s rapid approach. Lifting her tear–filled eyes, she managed a raspy. “Mirlam”
Miriam quickly closed the distance, lowering herself to comfort Teresa with a hug
a hug What s wrong she inquired her voice laced with
Teresa was a picture of misery, her face pressed against Miriam’s shoulder, her head shaking in a silent refusal to admit anything was wrong. But it was clear she was on the verge of tears, utterly drained.
Miriam ran her fingers through Teresa s hair her tone gentle and reassuring It s cool Teresa If you wanna talk I m here You can tell me anything anytime
Miriam s comforting presence was like a warm hug to Teresa who d always been able to rely on her childhood best friend
In Miriam’s VW CC, Miriam had a box of tissues at the ready, gently wiping Teresa’s tears and her sniffles.
Deep in their chat, Teresa failed to notice the black Rolls Royce that quietly slipped away, its departure going unnoticed.
As they approached Teresa s place her curiosity overcame her How d you find me she asked her voice still quivering
Miriam s eyes sparkled as she recounted the message from Jonathan to keep quiet about him You weren t answering my calls she mud a tinge of anxiety in her voice I panicked and went looking for
you
Teresa nestled closer to Miriam a soft smile gracing her lips Thank you Miriam she said her tone affectionate
Miriam seemed to have a response on the tip of her tongue, but instead, she just sighed, letting the moment ship away .
After they’d returned home and Michael was down for the night, they popped open a couple of beers. Teresa raised her bottle in a toast “Here’s to us ,” she said, tapping her bottle against Miriam’s.
Eyeing Teresa with a mix of worry and curiosity Miriam asked What s going on with you You re acting off You re usually the strong
one.”
Teresa dodged the topic of her family preferring not to expose her issues
Tve been thinking, Miriam ,” Teresa began, taking a gulp of her beer. I’m done with just getting by. I want to start my own business. Ive got responsabilities now, with my son and all,”
Miriam gave a dismissive wave , a hint of annoyance in her tone. “You should talk to Jonathan. He’s the father, and from what I hear he’s rolling in It”
It seemed reasonable for Teresa to ask Jonathan for significant child support possibily even reaching millions
Teresa exhaled her tone devoid of emotion Miriam he s engaged Might as well be at the altar soon I m not about to mer fer e
Miriam s eyes bulged Seriously Henny never breathed a word about it Her disbelief was palpable
Benny was tight with Jonathan, and Miriam thought it was strange that he’d never brought it up with them
Teresa shrugged it off. “His choice of bride is his own deal . I’ve got my kid, and that’s what really matters”
Miriam’s brow wrinkled, a clear indication that she wasn’t entirely convinced. As the night wore on. Teresa, after a few too many, gave in to the pull of sleep, conking out on the couch…
Seeing her friend out for the count , Miriam quietly got up, grabbed a blanket, and laid it over Teresa, tucking her in.
Just then, her phone buzzed in his pocket. Miriam answered, and Jonathan’s voice came through. “Is she asleep?”
Miriam replied with a simple Yeah
finally
Jonathan was the one who clued Miriain in on Teresa’s breakdown, prompting her to find and comfort Teresa in a momeur of crisis . Without his call, Miriam would have been in the dark about Teresa’s dutress.
Mariam casually brought up the topic Hey I heard a rumor you re heading down the aisle again