Chapter 90

91. 91
Miriam’s and Sherry’s words finally calmed Teresa down .
Meanwhile , at the restaurant , Jonathan wiped a set of cutleries clean and handed them to Michael . “ I used to come here often with someone I liked . The food’s pretty good . I hope you will like it , too . ”
Michael swung his legs back and forth . “ The person you like is lucky . Mommy never takes me out to eat , she just orders delivery at home because she can’t cook . She orders gumbo , which I hate because it stinks . So , she makes me plain gruel . ”
Jonathan listened quietly , feeling a strange sense of familiarity . Perhaps all women . loved gumbo . “ I don’t like spicy or smelly food either . Looks like we’re pretty similar .”
“ I guess we’re destined to meet ! ” Michael exclaimed .
Jonathan was amused again . He seemed to be on the same wavelength as his secretary’s son .
When the bread was served , Michael pulled it apart to pour the stuffing out , ate the bread , and then ate the stuffing .
Jonathan asked , “ Who taught you to eat it like this ? ”
“ Mommy did ,” Michael said with a wink . “ Mr. Lime , why aren’t you eating ? Don’t you like the bread ? ”
“ I’m not hungry . You can have it , ” said Jonathan .
He usually ate very little at night . As he watched Michael wolf down his food , Jonathan had a few bites . Glancing at his watch , he thought , ‘ It’s only half past six . There’s nothing to do at home , anyway . ”
His phone kept vibrating . Irene sent him a list of new potential blind dates – several women for him to choose from .
Michael noticed the frown on his face . “ Mr. Lime , are you unhappy ? ”
“ A little , ” Jonathan replied , typing a message back to Irene . He informed her that he had to leave on a business trip the next day and would depart that night . At the moment , he was dining at Fores Restaurant .
Irene replied : [ Fores Restaurant , right ? I’ll check . ]
Jonathan gestured for Michael to come over and whispered in his ear , “ Can you help me with something ? ”
Before long , a curvy woman , wearing a white coat and black boots and carrying a Louis Vuitton bag , walked in . Jonathan nodded at her . She smiled as she approached .
“ Mr. Lynn , it’s so hard to meet with you . ” The woman sat across from Jonathan and noticed two sets of cutleries . “ Mr. Lynn , did you specifically get these cutleries for me ? ”
Before Jonathan could answer , Michael came running out of the restroom , shouting , ” Daddy ! Daddy ! ” He hugged Jonathan’s leg , looking up with a pitiful expression . “ Don’t you want me and Mommy anymore ? You’re a bad guy ! ”
The woman abruptly stood up , staring at Michael , who looked very similar to Jonathan . “ Mr. Lynn , is this your son ? ”
“ That’s right , ” he replied .
“ Why go on blind dates if you already have a kid ? Are you kidding me ? ” The woman grabbed her purse and stormed off .
Jonathan patted Michael’s head . “ Thanks . ”
Puzzled , Michael asked , “ If you don’t like her , why did you even meet with her ?”
Jonathan replied , “ If I don’t meet with them , someone will keep nagging . This way , they know I have a kid , they’ll say I’m unreliable , and no one will dare to set me up on a date anymore . ”
“ Grown – up things are so difficult . ” Michael tilted his head , not fully understanding . Anyway , if you need anything , just tell me ! I’m happy to help . ”
Jonathan packed three baskets of bread for Michael to take home to thank him for his help . “ I’ll take you home now . Enjoy the bread at home . Share them with your mommy and her roommate . Don’t tell her I bought them , okay ? ”
However , through the rearview mirror , he saw that Michael was already asleep in the backseat .
When they arrived at Rosary Estates , Jonathan exited the car with Michael wrapped in his coat . From a distance , he saw a woman walking toward them .
Miriam said , “ What a coincidence ! I’m here to see Teresa . Whose child are you holding ? ”
Jonathan glanced at the stairs . “ A friend’s . ”
“ Who ? Is it Benny’s ? ” Miriam laughed .
“ No way . ” Jonathan started to carry Michael upstairs . “ The kid’s mom is Teresa’s coworker . ”
Π
92 92