Chapter 31

Jonathan just grinned. “Even when I’m making hundreds of thousands a year, I’m always trying to keep up with your shopping sprees.”

Teresa’s brows furrowed as she handed the bag back to Jonathan, her voice firm. “I don’t roll that way,” she stated. “Despite her appreciation for the finer things, she had her limits. I’ve had plenty today. I can’t accept this.”

Jonathan brushed off her words with a casual flick of his hand. “The bag’s no big deal.”

After a moment of silence, Teresa spoke with quiet resolve. “Jonathan, we’re history. Let’s keep it that way.”

The air grew thick with unspoken words. “Dutch it,” he bit out, winding up the car window and revving the engine. He shot Jonathan one last, icy look before driving off.

Left standing there, Teresa frowned in confusion. “What’s eating at my ex today?” she muttered to herself.

Teresa walked into the house to see her son, his irritation evident. She shot him an apologetic smile, but he just squinted back at her, not buying it.

“Hey, I’m really sorry I’m late,” Teresa said, trying to sound cheerful. “There’s ravioli in the fridge. I can heat them up real quick for you.”

Michael wasn’t letting it go that easily. He huffed and folded his arms, his voice accusatory. “I saw that black car. Again.”

Teresa felt her face flush as her son’s unwavering gaze made her feel like she was under a spotlight. “Look, I’ve told you, it was just dinner with my boss. It’s not what you think,” she insisted, her voice strained.

Michael’s skepticism was palpable as he blew out his cheeks. “You’re not spreading the love around, are you?” he asked, clearly not convinced by her story.

Teresa leaned down and pinched his cheek affectionately. “Who’s been teaching you to talk like that?” she asked, trying to shift the conversation.

With a casual shrug, Michael pointed to his phone. “I learn stuff from the videos I watch,” he replied.

A twinge of guilt hit Teresa as she realized she hadn’t spent much quality time with Michael on Thanksgiving, with him often fixated on his phone.

Michael’s eyes were filled with hurt as he accused her, “You said we’d have a break and visit the Candy Castle in Harrisburg. But you lied.”

Words failed Teresa as she tried to reply. Her guilt weighed heavily on her. She’d been too cautious with Michael, seldom venturing out with him, never taking him on any big trips. She recalled how she had casually mentioned the plans to visit the Candy Castle, see the sights, and go to the amusement park the night before, unaware of how seriously her son had taken those casual remarks.

Teresa’s eyes sparkled as she turned to Michael with a plan. “Hey, kiddo, how about Miriam and I take you on an adventure to Harrisburg tomorrow? Just us, having a great time together.”

Michael’s face lit up, his voice shaky with excitement. “You’re serious, Mommy?”

“I promise,” Teresa said, her voice full of conviction. “No work, no boss, just us. It’s going to be awesome.”

The next day, they set off on a train journey, accompanied by Miriam. Opting for comfort, they had booked business-class tickets for the entire trip.

Once they got comfortable, Miriam glanced at Michael, who was all dolled up in a black jacket, sunglasses, a hat, and a mask with a cute Tumblr pattern. He looked like a little star in the making.

Miriam chuckled, “You’re not going to cook him in that outfit, are you?” she teased, her concern playful but genuine.

Teresa knit her brows, ensuring Michael’s scarf was securely wrapped. “It’s freezing,” she commented.

Miriam noticed Teresa’s discomfort but dismissed it with a wave of her hand. “Don’t worry,” she reassured Teresa. “It’s not like your ex-honey’s going to randomly show up in Harrisburg at the same time we are.”