Chapter 54
Teresa s phone buzzed in her pocket and she answered with a hint of reluctance Hello she said
Is this Ms Teresa Johnston a voice on the other end inquired We re from Rosary Night Your husband s had a bit too much to drink and we were hoping you could come get him
Teresa s lips pressed together Rosary Night was a place Teresa knew well She used to be a regular there for its drinks before she got married especially fond of the red cocktails that suited her taste She hadn t been back since saying I do
Soon, with her car parked out front, Teresa walked into the bar with keys jingling in her hand. She was surrounded by the eclectic lights, the cacophony of noise, and the flickering shadows on the floor, like dancing circles of light.
Jonathan was slumped on a couch with his head hung low two buttons of his shirt undone and his cashmere coat tossed aside
As Teresa approached, he caught her familiar scent and looked up sharply. His eyes were clouded with guilt as he said apologetically. Tim sorry, honey. I’ve had too much to drink, and I’ve gone and troubled you to come get me.”
Teresa remained silent studying him for a few seconds to confirm his drunken state Once sure she couldn t help but say You re so embarrassing Let s go
But Jonathan didn t budge Teresa glanced back at him and sighed moving to help him up
He leaned into her contentedly, his eyes slightly red as he said, “You haven’t wished me a happy birthday yer
The onlookers around them were puzzled
Teresa removed her hat and placed it on his head Let s go she repeated
Jonathan was insistent staring at Teresa with bloodshot eyes You haven t wished me a happy birthday
Happy birthday Teresa said her eyes rolling
Only after hearing those words did he seem satisfied slumping against her
Feeling his weight Teresa summoned all her strength and with the bartender s help she managed to get the 6 foot 2 inch man into the
The brief stroll had her breaking a sweat and in the backseat Jonathan with his eyes shut and brow furrowed appeared to be bearing a weight that just wouldn t budge
She turned to the bartender and said Thank you for your help My husband s been a real pain in the neck for you
The bartender replied politely It s nothing We re here to help
With that Teresa drove the car away
y with Jonathan.
“Where do you live?” Teresa asked, glancing back at the inebriated Jonathan. Tm talking to you.”
Luv is ton Estates Jonathan slurred
Terea
a paused looking at the man in the rear view mirror Our old marital home I thought it was sold
Didn t sell couldn t part with it Jonathan mumbled
Teresa pressed her lips together, her grip on the steering wheel tightening. She couldn’t take him back to Rosary Estates for sure, she had to go to Luviston Estates.
The house from their marriage was filled with them ones a place she hadn t been in over two years
Password to open the door Teresa said
Your birthday Jonathan said his words slurred
Teresa’s heart raced with a mix of emotions. This house wasn’t a place she let herself think about often. The moment she opened the door, and that familiar scent washed over her, it was like a dam bursting, releasing a flood of memories.
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54
The bedroom was the same and she helped him on to the bed Looking up she saw their wedding photo on the bedside table and she couldn t hold back her tears any longer
In her distraction Jonathan pulled her into his arms and said Stay still I ve missed you
The rapid heartbeat was deafening Teresa paused and then asked Who have you missed
Honey I ve missed you Jonathan said his voice thick with emotion
Teresa couldn t tell if the heartbeat she felt was his or her s With her hand on his chest she mustered the willpower to tell herself to rise
At the divorce you said you didn t love anymore and I don t love you either Teresa said Jonathan our marriage ended two years
ago
Jonathan suddenly and urgently kissed her leaving her no room to resist She pushed at him but he pressed her down his hands lifting her sweater
No Teresa said her voice weak
Wife I ve missed you so much Jonathan s husky voice whispered in her ear and he kissed her again In a daze Teresa closed her eyes
….
The night passed, and when Jonathan woke up again, he felt cold. He was still in the clothes from last night, alone in the large bed. Sunlight shone on his back, hurting his skin as he sat up, rubbing his forehead, and saw a thermal box on the bedside table. Opening it, he found the ravioli inside had gone bad
He paused his brows furrowing Fragmented memories surfaced drinking at Rosary Night calling Teresa and having the bartender make the call
Without skipping a beat he reached for the monitor and switched it on watching intently There was Teresa guiding him into the bedroom and him leaning heavily on her The bedroom door was ajar revealing them locked in a kiss The scene quickly turned intimate
He watched, his mouth dry, only to find himself in the video, the man he was so disappointed with. She seemed unable to accept it, pushing him away, dressing quickly, and leaving without even covering him with a blanket.
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