Chapter 49
Teresa took a breath trying to shake off the awkwardness No sense in dwelling on what s done Might as well act like it never happened I ve already faced him this morning she thought to herself
Sherry came back from her call her eyes bloodshot Teresa s brow furrowed with concern What s going on Teresa asked
Sherry s hand trembled as she brushed away her tears My mom called Grandpa s in the hospital and they need money for surgery but I m tapped out
Her voice hitched as she continued He s always been there for me I haven t even visited him since I graduated I ve been such a lousy granddaughter
Teresa, who’d been raised by her grandparents and felt a deeper connection with them than her own parents, reached out to comfort Sherry “Don’t cry, she said, her voice gentle. “How much do you need? I can lend it to you.”
Sherry looked at Teresa her eyes filling with gratitude
Teresa continued You ve covered for me plenty of times Just pay me back when you get your paycheck
Sherry squeezed Teresa’s hand, her voice choked with emotion. “Thank you, Teresa really, thank you, I’d do anything for you.” Teresa offered a warm smile, assuring her that no extra favors were needed.
Sherry needed 15 thousand dollars, and Teresa just happened to have saved that exact amount, which she handed over without hesitation
After work Sherry followed Teresa back to her place in her car
It was then that Teresa opened up about her son, explaining her role as a single moms and the absence of a father figure in her child’s life. She asked Sherry to look after her son when she wasn’t around.
Teresa then shared her and her best friend s plan to open a studio focusing on operations and starting with women s and children s clothing
We re short on hands and I thought of you The three of us can work together as a team If we hit it big we ll split the profits If not I ll take the fall You won t be on the hook for any losses Teresa said
Teresa had a clear understanding of her role in this venture It was her idea to start the business and with that came the risks She wasn t about to let her friends carry the burden with her
Sherry was confident We re not going down without a fight I ve got the operations covered online I know my stuff from my day job This eased Teresa s concerns Sherry gave Teresa s hand a reassuring squeeze You ve been through a lot too
Sherry had always pictured Teresa as a wealthy heiress living the high life but here she was a single mom
These days everyone s got their cross to bear We just gotta keep pushing Teresa remarked
Pulling up to Rosary Estates, Sherry stepped into Teresa’s home, a bit on edge, asking if she should take off her shoes.
Nah just make yourself at home Teresa said with a casual tone waving her in
Mom Michael in his pajamas dashed out of his room clinging to Teresa s leg Who s this lady
This is my coworker You can call her Sherry Teresa said her voice warm
“Hi, Sherry Michael said, gazing up at Sherry with wide eyes
Sherry smiled taking in Michael s appearance Teresa your son is so handsome What s your name and how old are you Michael but you can call me Mike I m two and a bit Michael replied proudly standing a lin
a little straighter.
y is only two?
“Wow so young! You’re quite tall for your age and you speak so well!” Sherry looked at Teresa in disbelief. “Mike really is “He’s a chip off the old block. Very smart, Teresa said, tousling her son’s hair with a chuckle.
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“Sherry. I’m also good at math. I can do addition and subtraction. Michael boasted, his little chest puffing out.
Sherry crouched down to Michael s level Wow you re something else Mike Let me test you What s ninety minus twenty eight
“Sixty–two Michael answered without missing a beat, his face lighting up with pride,
Wow you re so smart Sherry said looking at Teresa in amazement Is Mike really only two
Takes after me Very talented Teresa said patting her son s head with a proud smile
Sherry felt like Michael looked familiar but she couldn t quite place him With his prominent nose perfect lip curve and delicate cheekbones she figured it was clear that the boy s father must have been quite handsome
Sherry s new pad just a wall away from Teresa s had been given a makeover by Teresa herself
Sherry was over the moon about the place and was already thinking about breaking her current lease which was about to run out
Right next door to her room was a storage room jam packed with clothing Teresa casually mentioned that if they could sell off the backlog they d pocket at least 60 thousand dollars
That night Teresa called Miriam over and introduced her to Sherry After the pleasantries the three of them got down to business kett ing up a new live stream account
Using Teresa s ID they set up a new account fresh accounts meant fresh traffic and a chance to hit the right notes with their audience
Sherry chimed in I studied photography in college I ve got this I ll take care of the shooting and editing We ll make the best videos
out there.”
Miriam chuckled and said You studied photography huh That s cool Why not turn pro
Sherry shrugged and replied with a hint of bitterness in her tone It sounds impressive but it s one of the hardest fields to crack They got to work right away Miriam s new camera had just arrived and after a quick setup they were out before sunrise the next day hauling their equipment to shoot