Chapter 150

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Just the day before , Jennifer had said something odd . “ Don’t stress over the health indicators . As long as Mike is healthy and not sick , he’s fine . You were a small , skinny child too , and look at you now , all grown up and thriving . ”
Teresa had dismissed it , chalking it up to Jennifer having one too many drinks and rambling nonsense . After all , how could Jennifer possibly know anything about her childhood ?
Miriam chose not to comment further about Jennifer and instead explained the reason for her visit . “ I actually came to borrow your car for a few days . Edward’s fallen ill , and since my Volkswagen CC is in for maintenance , I need a car to get around and take care of him . ”
“ How are things going with Edward ? ” Teresa asked .
“ Not bad , ” Miriam replied . “ We had dinner and watched a movie a few days ago . I was planning to invite him on a trip down south , but when I texted him about it , he said he ‘ d caught a cold and couldn’t make it . So , I thought I’d check in on him instead . ”
“ You’re such a hopeless romantic . ” Teresa shook her head . “ Maybe he just doesn’t want to go out with you and made up an excuse .”
Miriam sighed . “ He wouldn’t fake being sick , would he ? Besides , I don’t care . I like him , so I’m going to see him anyway . Plus , I could visit my aunt and uncle while I’m at it . ”
“ Don’t use your aunt and uncle as an excuse . I swear , you’re hopeless . ” Teresa rolled her eyes .
“ Fine , fine ! I’m a hopeless romantic . Happy now ? ” Miriam retorted .
Although Teresa found Miriam’s eagerness in chasing after Edward a bit much , she still handed over her car keys . After all , they were best friends , and Miriam had been there for her countless times . Teresa reminded Miriam to drive safely .
Miriam offered to refuel the car , but Teresa said she had just filled it up two days ago.
After Miriam left , Jennifer came out to set up the table . “ Why didn’t you ask her to stay for dinner ?!
“ She has some business at home , ” Teresa replied .
“ It’s nice having a friend who knows you well , someone you can talk to when you’re feeling down ,” Jennifer remarked .
“ Yeah , ” Teresa agreed while helping Jennifer , Curious , she asked , “ Don’t you have any friends ? ”
Successfully unlocked !
“ There’s this guy that I’m close Wareigh ; he’s in Shaville . We wer university classmates and we still keep in touch sometimes , ” Jennifer replied .
“ That’s nice . Ever thought about taking it beyond friendship ? ” Teresa teased .
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Jennifer shook her head with a soft chuckle . “ We’re just friends – nothing more . There ‘ s no romantic spark between us . Honestly , it’s hard to find someone who makes you heart skip a beat . ”
She spoke indifferently about romantic relationships , yet her thoughts betrayed her . They drifted to a familiar face ; someone younger , dressed in a white coat , with a warm smile .
She quickly shook off the thought , determined not to let him linger in her mind .
“ How can I be attracted to the cousin of my sister’s ex – husband ? I need to put an end to these feelings right away , thought Teresa .
A few days flew by , and soon it was January 9th . Nareigh was blanketed in heavy snow , far more than usual .
As Teresa got up that morning , she commented to Jennifer about the peculiar weather . “ Just last week , it was warm enough to think winter was easing up , and now this . Snow again , and even heavier this time .”
Jennifer said , “ Bundle up , or you’ll catch your death ! ”
Teresa replied , “ You too . Don’t fall sick . ”
All right , Jennifer nodded . “ You mentioned craving lamb chops yesterday , so I’ll stop by the grocery store after work and make lamb chops for dinner . ”
“ You’re the best . I weighed Michael today , and he’s gained two pounds ! ” Teresa smiled .
“ You need to put on some weight , too ,” said Jennifer .
Shortly after , Jennifer left for the hospital . On the way , she sent a text to Teresa : [ The roads are very slippery today . I’ve already seen several accidents . Be careful if you’re going out . ]
Teresa texted back : [ Okay , you drive safely too . I’m heading out in the afternoon . I’ll probably call a taxi . ]
Not long after , Michael woke up .
Michael was thrilled by the snow and insisted on building a snowman . Teresa took him downstairs to the common area of their residential area . Despite wearing gloves , the cold was biting , and her hands felt like they were about to freeze .
Michael , on the other hand , had a lot of fun . Exhausted , he fell asleep after lunch .
Later in the afternoon , Teresa saw a message from Jonathan : [ Is it snowing in Nareigh ?
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Teresa typed : [ It’s been snowing since last night , but it’s finally stopped . ]
Jonathan : [ Make sure to layer up . Wear a thick down jacket when you go out . You’re already beautiful , so there’s no need to freeze for fashion . ]
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Teresa smiled , happy with the compliment . Every woman appreciated a little praise ; it always brightened the day .
She continued chatting with Jonathan for a while . He mentioned that he would be back next week , before January 15th .
Suddenly, Teresa had an idea and quickly typed : [ Can I borrow your car ? I’ll make sure to fill up the tank . Miriam will have my car for a few days , and I need to meet a client this afternoon . It would be more convenient to drive myself rather than take an Uber . ]
As she returned from building the snowman , she noticed Jonathan’s Maybach still parked in the residential area . She still had the keys in her possession .
Jonathan replied : [ Okay , but you don’t have to pay . There’s a fuel card in the car . Try to find it . ]
Teresa : [ Okay . ]
Before Teresa could put her phone away , Jonathan called . He was still concerned and wanted to remind her . “ Drive carefully . The roads are slippery , and it’s tricky handling a car like that . Be cautious . ”
Teresa shot back , “ Women can handle big cars just fine . I’ve been driving for nine years . I know what I’m doing , ”
Jonathan teased , “ Experienced driver , huh ? You couldn’t even park properly at the
airport . ”
“ I just have trouble with parallel parking ! That doesn’t mean I can’t drive . I’m great at backing into parking spots ! ” Teresa was frustrated .
Hearing her tone , Jonathan chuckled . “ I know , I know . You’re great , really . ”
Teresa was annoyed .
“ Take it slow , okay ? Adjust your seat and mirrors before you head out . If anything . happens , just call me . Or let me know where you need to go , and I’ll have my driver take you , ” Jonathan said .
“ Got it . You go ahead and do your thing , ” Teresa replied , her tone softening .
After hanging up , Teresa thought about how their interactions had increased after the
night .
Over the past few days , she couldn’t help but replay the memories of it , especially how , in the heat of the moment , he had held her close and whispered tender words .
They say a man’s words in bed can’t be trusted , but his soft whispers had a way of reaching deep into her heart , making her feel as though the distance between them had never existed , as if they had never divorced at all .
In the afternoon , Teresa drove Jonathan’s Maybach to meet her client .
The snow had begun to melt , but the roads remained treacherously slick . The car radio crackled with a warning . “ Road conditions are hazardous today , with 25
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accidents already reported in Nareigh , a 50 % increase compared to usual weather conditions . Drivers are urged to exercise caution . ”
Teresa listened to the broadcast , unaware of how soon its warning would hit too close .
to home .
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