Chapter 39

Benny checked his watch and saw it was after nine He was about to leave but Jonathan stopped him Heading out so soon Stay Let s grab one more drink Jonathan insisted
It s getting late Benny announced making his way towards the exit I ve got a game to watch You should head home too
Jonathan s gaze fell There s no one at home for me It s just an empty house
Benny’s voice softened with a hint of concern. “I’ve said it before. You should’ve had kids when you had the chance. Even after a divorce, there’d be that connection. Now, what’s keeping you from moving on!”
Lost in thought Jonathan felt a pang of regret for not having a child with Teresa Early in their marriage they had chosen his career over starting a family a decision he had upheld carefully
The sole exception occurred right before their split when a night of heavy drinking led to unprotected intimacy with Teresa
She later erased his worries with a straightforward remark. I’m on the pill, so there won’t be any surprises affecting the divorce.” They signed the papers, finalizing their separation, and then parted ways.
Jonathan clutching his glass grudgingly agreed You re right He was plagued by what if s imagining the joy of having a child a daughter he would ve doted on
At Rosary Estates a sudden shiver ran through Teresa Figuring it was from wearing only a slip post shower she quickly grabbed a jacket With her son asleep she took her spot cross legged in front of the computer settling in for the evening
With a newfound sense of relief after checking the store s earnings Teresa reached for her phone and called Miriam Miriam guess what We hit 15 k this month I want you to take the whole amount Teresa said her voice filled with gratitude
I can t just take it all Miriam replied
there for Mike You ve ea med it Teresa insisted her tone resolute
Tm serious You re the one who invested and you re always th
Miriam s voice softened with a hint of reminiscence We ve been friends since we were little and you re still so formal with me Teresa laughed it off That s exactly why I m doing this We re best friends and I won t have you going without what you deserve After hanging up Teresa noticed it was past ten She d made a promise to her son to be in bed by then and she intended to keep it So she closed her computer and started winding down for the night
Meanwhile a black May bach pulled into the parking lot and the driver assisted Jonathan out noting Mr Lynn you ve had a lot to drink tonight
jonathan brushed off his driver s outstretched hand his speech thick with alcohol I m not drunk he muttered before making his way unsteadily toward the apartment building
With a casual wave he dismissed the driver My wife is waiting for me at home and I m sure yours is waiting for you too
The driver grinned wryly never having seen Jonathan so drunk As Jonathan kept urging to go to Rosary Estates to see his wife the driver had no choice but to take Jonathan here
In the building Jonathan struggled with the elevator panel before hitting the button for the tenth floor As the elevator chimed he leaned on the wall for support shakily navigating to Teresa s apartment
At the door he hunched over the keypad struggling to enter his code The door finally beeped unlocked and opened wide
Entering the house Jonathan tossed his shoes to the side a thoughtful expression on his face as he commented We need to change the door code It s still six sixes
The stillness of the home wrapped around him and he whispered to himself She s probably already hit the hay his tone hushed
He quietly made his way to the bedroom easing the door open to find Teresa asleep her face relaxed and tranquil
His worried look faded as he leaned in to tenderly kiss her cheek Sorry Im late babe Had a bit too much to drink tonight I m skipping the shower he murmured snuggling into bed and pulling her close
11
12:39 PM CD