Chapter 316
315
315
Michael stuck his nose in the air . “ Mr. Lime is just … Mr. Lime . ”
A little girl quickly piped up . “ I get it . I totally understand you , Michael . Everything Michael says is right ‘ cause he’s the cutest boy ever . ”
Another girl , not wanting to be left out , jumped in . “ When Michael says Mr. Lime , he probably means like a fancy sweet shop or something .”
Yet another grabbed Michael’s hand boldly . “ My house has tons of snacks . Come over , Michael . You can have all my cookies . ”
Michael gently pulled his hand away and explained with big gestures , “ No , it’s not a food store , Mr. Lime is a really , really cool guy . ”
Teresa watched , amused , as Michael got swarmed by his mini fan club .
“ Michael , come to my house . We have a bouncy castle and cupcakes . ”
“ Michael , your shirt is so clean and white . Don’t get it dirty . But if you do , I know how to use the washing machine .”
“ Michael , look , I’m wearing white too . We match . My mom says that means we’re a couple . ”
Teresa couldn’t help but laugh . ‘ Wow , Michael’s a real heartbreaker already , she thought . ‘ Will he end up marrying into some rich family ? Well , then again , being a kept man isn’t so bad these days .!
Teresa decided to let the kids have their innocent fun . Nearby , Sherry was stretching for the races . Teresa headed for the bleachers when a familiar voice called out from behind her . “ Teresa ? ”
She froze and turned to see Benny striding over . Benny stared at her , eyes wide . “ No way , it really is you . I thought I was seeing things . What are you doing here , at a preschool ? ”
Teresa mentally kicked herself . ‘ Great , just my luck . Of all people , Benny ? ‘ she thought .
Benny stroked his chin . “ You , at this preschool … don’t tell me you’ve got a
ス
“ Nope , just here with Sherry , ” Teresa cut in smoothly , nodding towards Sherry and Michael , who were a little ways off .
Benny glanced at them , then turned his attention right back to Teresa . “ So you’re hiding out in Everport now ? ” he asked ,
“ Hiding ? I’m just here on vacation , okay ? ” Teresa shot back .
“ Yeah , right . ” Benny rolled his eyes . “ Hey , speaking of which , last time you were in Nareigh , why’d you bolt when you saw me ? Got yourself a new guy ? ”
“ I don’t- ” Teresa started .
“ Come on ,
what are we , strangers ? ” Benny cut her off . “ Spill it . I swear I won’t tell Jonathan . ”
“ I seriously– ” Teresa fumbled , wishing Benny would just vanish . ‘ What on earth is he doing here anyway ? ‘ she thought .
Just then , the preschool principal’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker from the stage . “ Happy Children’s Day , everyone . We’re thankful to have our distinguished guests here at Acorn Preschool to share their heartfelt wishes with our children . ”
At “ distinguished guests , ” it clicked for Teresa . Benny shrugged . “ I’m just here filling in for my uncle . Never thought I’d run into you . So , you really do have someone new ? Should I let Jonathan know you’re here ? ”
“ No , no . Don’t tell him , ” Teresa blurted out .
Benny smacked his lips . “ Alright , alright . But don’t you dare take off . I gotta go sit with the bigwigs , but we’re catching up later . ”
Actually , Teresa couldn’t bolt even if she wanted to because she had to film Michael .
1/2
315
From his seat in the bleachers , Benny watched Sherry and Michael compete in the three – legged race , relay , and other events .
He rubbed his chin while studying Michael , thinking , ‘ Guess the kid really is Sherry’s . Why else would they be doing these activities together ? Throughout the event , Benny couldn’t take his eyes off the boy .
When Michael’s team won the relay , he threw his hands up in excitement . That was when Benny noticed the signature on his shirt . He frowned , thinking the handwriting seemed oddly familiar .
Finally , Benny got a clear look at the whole signature , and it hit him . Benny quickly pulled out his phone , snapped a picture of Michael’s shirt , and sent it to Jonathan with a message : [ Is this your signature ? ]