Chapter 316

Jonathan texted back: [You at a sports day?] The playground was visible in Benny’s photo.

Benny: [At some preschool. So that is your signature, right?] Then he grabbed a better, full-body shot of Michael and sent it so Jonathan could get a proper look.

Benny: [Do you recognize this little guy? Your signature is literally on his shirt, and honestly, he looks kind of like you.]

Jonathan quickly replied: [Teresa asked for that signature. You in Everport?]

Jonathan remembered Teresa mentioning that her colleague’s son was a huge fan and was dying for his autograph. “Could that be Mike?” he wondered.

Benny was floored and sent a voice message: [Wait, you knew Teresa was here? Damn, I thought you had no idea. I was just debating whether to tell you she was here.]

Jonathan replied: [You ran into her?]

Benny didn’t hold back and replied honestly: [Yeah, she’s at this exact preschool. Talk about a small world, huh?]

Jonathan went quiet for a few beats, then texted back: [Is she by herself? What’s she doing there?]

Benny replied: [She said she came with a friend, Sherry, I think. I even asked if she was seeing someone new, but she didn’t say. Anyway, she’s alone right now.]

Jonathan took another few seconds before replying: [Send me the location. I’ll come over when I’m done here.]

Benny texted Jonathan the location of Acorn Preschool, then glanced over at Teresa, feeling a bit guilty.

The sports day was over. Michael had snagged two gold medals, one for the sprint and one for the relay. He looked so thrilled. Just as he was about to dash over to Teresa to show off the medals, a man called his name.

Michael spun around to see Benny heading his way. “Oh, hello, Bunny.”

Benny grinned and bent down to give his hair a friendly ruffle. “Well, look at you. You still remember me. That makes my day.”

Michael chuckled. “Bunny, what are you doing here?”

“I came just to watch you race. I was up in the stands, you know. You’re such a fast runner. Amazing,” Benny said, giving him a big thumbs-up.

Michael’s grin got even bigger. “Did you come by yourself, Bunny? How’d you get here? Still don’t have a girlfriend?”

Benny played along, “Nah, I just can’t seem to find one. If you know anyone good, you could set me up, you know.”

Michael puffed out his little chest proudly. “Leave it to me, Bunny. Check out the girls in my preschool. See if you like any of them.”

Benny burst out laughing and waved him off. “Nah, I’m way too old for your friends. But hey, let me ask you something, kiddo—”

But before Benny could finish, Sherry called Michael over. Benny wanted to press Michael for an answer, but Michael was already running off to her. Just then, Teresa walked up behind Benny and gave his shoulder a tap.

“You didn’t tell Jonathan I was here, did you?” Teresa asked.

“Nope,” Benny replied, looking her straight in the eye. He casually draped an arm over her shoulder. “You told me not to, so how could I? Chill, seriously.”

Teresa couldn’t shake her worry. She decided it was best to leave now, especially with Michael here.

Benny stepped in front of her. “Where are you going? Let me give you a ride. Or we could grab something to eat. My treat. We could even call Miriam; she’s not far from here, you know.”

Teresa sighed. “Thanks, but no, thanks.”

Benny looked a little worried. “You’re not, like, being held hostage in Everport or something, are you? Don’t freak me out. Miriam told me you’re doing fine. I didn’t even know you were in Everport. I told Jonathan I thought you might be abroad.”

“Jonathan said you’re probably hiding out in a city near Nareigh. He still gets you, huh? Nareigh’s great. Why not go back? Is it because of your sister?”

“You know about my sister?” Teresa asked, surprised.

“Miriam told me all about it,” Benny admitted. “She said you’re staying away from Nareigh because you’re trying to avoid her.”

Teresa stayed quiet for a beat, then said, “I’m doing great, honestly. I can just pick up and go wherever I want. It’s not like I’m gonna stay in Everport forever. I’ll be moving on soon enough.”

Michael was Teresa’s real worry. With Benny still suspicious about who Michael really was, she couldn’t risk hanging around. She didn’t dare gamble on what might happen if Benny figured out Michael’s identity.

“My friend’s waiting. I gotta go,” Teresa said.

Benny wanted to stop her but knew he couldn’t. He just said, “I’ll go get the car—”

Teresa was already striding out of the preschool gates. Sherry had pulled up with the car, ready to take Teresa home.

Just as Teresa yanked the passenger door open, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided up across from the preschool. The crowd erupted in whispers and gasps.

Once the car stopped, the driver opened the back door, and a man in a crisp designer suit stepped out. Teresa froze when she realized it was Jonathan. In that same instant, something shot past her like a bullet.

Michael had leaped out of Sherry’s car and was racing toward Jonathan. “Mr. Lime, Mr. Lime!” he called out.

Jonathan caught that familiar voice and turned his head slightly. There was Michael, wearing the T-shirt with his signature, racing toward him.

“Hey, Mike, it’s been a while,” Jonathan said with a relaxed smile. He dropped to one knee, letting Michael crash into his arms before scooping him up.

“Mr. Lime…” Michael choked out between sobs, his tears quickly soaking Jonathan’s expensive suit shoulder.

Jonathan raised an eyebrow, confused. He gently ran his palm over Michael’s head, checking his face. “Hey, what’s with the waterworks?”

“I missed you so much, Mr. Lime,” Michael clung to him like a koala, refusing to let go.

Jonathan felt a strange tug in his chest, a feeling he couldn’t quite name. He just patted Michael’s head again.

“Mr. Lime, look. I won these at sports day.” The tears were forgotten as quickly as they came. Michael was already eagerly showing off his gold medals.

Jonathan praised him. “Nice work, champion.”

“Oh right, why are you here anyway, Mr. Lime?” asked Michael.

Jonathan said, “I came all this way just to wish you a happy Children’s Day.”

“You’re the best, Mr. Lime. Happy Children’s Day to you too.” The little guy held up his hand for a high-five, and Jonathan gave him one right back.

“Mr. Lime, Mr. Lime.” Michael seemed to have endless things to say. “Look at my shirt. Mom said it’s got your autograph. Is this really yours?”

“Yep,” Jonathan said, “that’s definitely mine.”

“Mom wasn’t fibbing this time. I’m the luckiest kid ever.” Then Michael plopped his head back on Jonathan’s shoulder.

Jonathan heard footsteps behind him. He turned slightly to see Teresa striding toward them. Their eyes locked.