Chapter 47

Teresa 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 New Edge Media experience she 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 New Edge Media and a sudden exit felt abrupt
It was time to bounce her resignation off Miriam, the one who’d financed her side hustle 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 bum of a desk lamp and the gentle snores of Michael fast asleep in his room
Teresa laid out her plan to Miriam who listened intently
Miriam chuckled her support unwavering I m so down with you leaving New Edge Media That two three grand a month Not worth holding on to
Teresa nodded, but her brow was erched with concern. “I know, but I’m worried about the risks. Everyone’s after that cash, and the competition is brutal.”
Un fazed 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 Alaskans in a swimsuit
Laughing Miriam pressed on Tm 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 Narc i gh University media department You ve got the looks It s all about whether you wanna play the game Miriam said nodding with conviction
Teresa grinned feeling the warmth of Miriam s support Here 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
Tm tapped out I ll 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 started Teresa said her voice insistent
Miriam pecked up and said Then get Edward over here
Why on earth would we need h
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 text ed Edward but he s ghosting me
You re crazy Plenty of other fish in the sea Why hang on to 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 wide
So what if I am I ll be happy You and I are gonna be happy Miriam said to Teresa her voice rising
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47
Teresa clapped a hand over her mouth S hh Keep it down Don t wake my son
“That’s all yo
you care about now Your son Miriam complained her words a bit slurred
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 she face planted 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 Yen is ville planning to surprise her with dinner and gifts the next day But her phone was going straight to voice mail
Maybe something’s up? he wondered. Then he threw on his coat and rushed out of his villa, driving solo to Rosary Estates,
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 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 It felt like her soul had gone AWOL during 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 it
Her voice came out as a scratchy murmur to Jonathan s car 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 Tv e been calling you all morning Did you go out and get wasted
Teresa wrinkled her nose a faint grunt 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 In i craving hash browns from Breakfast Nook and those waffles from Yo la vie South Road and Her voice faded as the phone slipped from her hand her energy drained and Teresa drifted back into the depths of sleep
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