Chapter 18

They both hurried out of the room, trying to shake off the morning's sluggishness. Hayden, grinning from ear to ear, pulled Teresa aside. “Hey Teresa, what happened with Z last night?” he inquired, his voice full of warmth.

Teresa, a bit abashed, scratched the back of her head. “Hayden, we overslept. Sorry about that.”

Hayden chuckled and brushed aside her apology. “No need for apologies. I get it. Late nights are your thing,” he said, offering a knowing smile.

Teresa hesitated, wondering if she should set the record straight.

Hayden recommended, “Eat up, and if you’re still tired, go back to bed. You both look like you need more sleep.” He gave Jonathan a stern look. “And you, quit barking on about the late nights. The dark circles under Teresa’s eyes say it all.”

Jonathan was at a loss for words.

After breakfast, Teresa mentioned she needed to head out for work. Hayden’s brow furrowed in confusion. “You still have a job, Teresa? Where?”

“New Edge Media,” Teresa answered with a smile. “Just a regular nine-to-five.”

“Are you working these days?” Hayden questioned.

Hayden glanced at Jonathan. “You’re rolling in dough, and Teresa’s still working? What’s the deal?” he asked, a hint of disapproval in his voice.

Jonathan put his fork down and wiped his mouth. “She loves her job,” he explained with a nonchalant shrug.

Relief washed over Teresa as they left the Lynn residence. She wasn’t built for deception, and she was glad that part was over.

In the car, Teresa sat in the passenger seat while Jonathan drove. “Hayden’s a real kick,” Teresa commented, a smile on her face. Jonathan kept his eyes on the road, nodding in agreement. “You got that right,” he said.

A moment later, Teresa turned to Jonathan with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “So, Mr. Lynn, when do I get my…?”

Jonathan looked at her, his lips curving into a smile as he caught the glint in her eyes. “You’ll have to wait and see,” he replied.

Teresa’s laughter subsided, and a silent question echoed in her mind: ‘How long do I have to wait?’

Hayden’s departure was set for 7 PM, and he was keen on returning home to his pets, always thinking about his unusual, furry companions.

Teresa and Jonathan wrapped up their workday and strove to the airport. Hayden’s farewell was bittersweet. He took Teresa’s hand, then Jonathan’s, pulling them close. A playful yet hopeful glint shone in his eyes.

At the airport, “You two, don’t waste the time,” Hayden said, hoping to meet his great-grandchildren soon.

Jonathan simply replied, “Okay,” his voice barely above a whisper.

Teresa glanced at Jonathan, a pang of guilt punching her heart. Seeing Hayden’s keen desire for a great-grandchild made Teresa feel uneasy. She pondered alternative scenarios where she and Jonathan were still a couple—showing Michael to Hayden and bringing him joy.

But life had taken a different turn. “So sorry, Hayden,” she thought, her heart heavy. We can’t discuss this because Jonathan and I have both moved on. Especially Jonathan; he’s engaged now.

Hugging Hayden tightly, Teresa’s body trembled with emotion. “I love you, Hayden. I’ll miss you. Take care,” she said, her eyes glistening.

Hayden’s hearty laugh filled the air. “I’ll be back soon to keep an eye on you,” he promised, his tone teasing. Teresa watched Hayden leave, her laughter tinged with tears.

Exiting the airport, Teresa was ready to return to Rosary Estates when Jonathan’s light touch on her wrist halted her in her tracks.

5:51 PM

Chapter 15

She turned to him, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Jonathan reached into his pocket. “Here, hold out your hand,” he said, his tone flat.

Teresa’s interest was aroused as she reached out her hand. “Is Jonathan about to hand me some cash?” she wondered, her eyes bright with eagerness.

Chapter 19